THE trustees of the Fovant Badge Society (FBS) held their annual Drumhead Service of Remembrance earlier this month.

More than 240 people came to the service on July 6, which was led by the Venerable Alan Jeans, who came especially out of his recent retirement to do so.

The trustees of the Fovant Badge Society (FBS) said Mr Jeans found the occasion “not only significantly moving but extremely important to remember those many hundreds of thousands who gave their all in the First World War.”

Many of these soldiers during 1914 to 1918 came to the training camps at Fovant and carved the military badges we see on the downs today.

More never returned from the front line, and others that came to Fovant to be demobbed including those soldiers from Australia, contracted the flu virus on their return and lay in the nearby churchyards and cemeteries.

The renowned archaeologist Dr Phil Harding DL was the guest speaker this year.

The congregation in the full barn Picture: Hayley Garner

The trustees said: “He gave a particularly insightful and moving account of his archaeological findings on the battlefield of Waterloo and linked it to his grandfather’s experience in the Great War and his demob at Fovant Camp.

READ MORE: Salisbury games area upgrade plans approved to help it be used all year round

LETTER: “To call this bar seating is an insult to all the bottoms of Salisbury”

“It was a strong and evocative memory that had lasted all his life. The congregation was so moved he received a huge ovation that noticeably touched Phil as it was so unexpected. This is an indication of what the service is all about.”

Honoured guests included various representatives from the Royal Signals and Royal Wessex Yeomanry and the Australian Army, local government, John Glen MP, the High Sheriff of Dorset Callum Bremner, various mayors, and both UK and Australian military-related charities.

They added: “The Tisbury Detachment of the Army Cadet Force did a fine job doing many tasks throughout the event and were a credit to the Cadets’ service, undertaking roles including directing traffic, welcoming, assisting seating, reading the poem, taking food trays to the attendees, and importantly helping to clear up!

Tisbury Army Cadets – giving a warm welcome and reading the poem “On Fovant Hill” Picture: Hayley Garner

“2nd Lt Sue Kilgour would encourage more ‘signing up’ and this view is very much supported by all those there.”

The Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion and the Tisbury Cadets provided a fitting backdrop to the service with immaculate drill in a confined headroom.

As has been the custom for many years, the Shaftesbury Silver Band led the hymns and the act of remembrance in an exemplary manner.

Organisers said: “The FBS is extremely grateful to Barney and Pippa Hitchings for allowing the use of West Barn Lodge this year.

“Still in sight of the badges and within the village of Fovant the service and tea afterwards were extremely successful.

“The swallows and sparrows were missed this year as they usually sing along with the Shaftesbury Silver Band and congregation when the service is in East Farm Barn. Hopefully the Drumhead service will be held there again next year.”