HAMPSHIRE echoed to the sound of silence yesterday as hundreds of thousands fell quiet to honour the sacrifice made by Britain's war dead.

Similar scenes were repeated across the county as old soldiers, standard bearers, local dignitaries and members of the public gathered to pay their respects.

In workplaces across the South workers remembered the fallen.

Members of the Royal British Legion's Romsey branch honoured their fallen comrades when they gathered at the cenotaph in the War Memorial Park for the two-minute silence. Wreaths were laid at the memorial and a short service.

In Winchester, veterans gathered in the High Street, Broadway, and at the Guildhall. Buses and cars stopped in the street, while a driver stood to attention beside his van.

Judge Richard Pryor, stopping a Winchester Crown Court trial, said: "It think it right we should observe this. There are great sacrifices to remember from previous generations in two great wars and subsequent conflicts which never seem to end."

A hush fell over Eastleigh's Fleming Park Leisure Centre as civic chiefs led an Armistice Day tribute.

Deputy mayor Peter Humphreys was joined by representatives from the local branch of the Royal British Legion, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and schools.

A maroon was fired to signal the start and finish of the two-minute silence. Citations were read and the Last Post was sounded by bugler Bob Grant.

A First World War 18-pounder was fired on the parade ground of Fort Nelson Armouries Museum, Fareham, to signify the start and finish of the two-minute silence.

There was added poignancy when Tim Lowe, who works for the Royal Armouries, gave a moving historical interpretation of an artillery man's feelings when the guns finally fell silent on the Western Front.

Staff and shoppers united in silent tribute at Lymington's Safeway supermarket. Manager Philip Curry said: "Everyone observed the silence very reverently. People appreciated the need to pay their respects and there was no dissent whatever."

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