KARACHI: British Deputy High Commis­sioner Ms Belinda Lewis, Defence Adviser Brigadier Murray Whiteside and British Naval and Air Adviser Group Captain John Alex­ander remembered those who lost their lives in the Great War and all those who have fallen in conflicts since by laying poppy wreaths during the Remembrance Service at the Karachi War Cemetery, says a British Deputy High Commission statement here on Monday.

It said that organised on Sunday by the Commonwealth Ex Services Trust, the service was also attended by dignitaries from the Government, Pakistan military, civil society and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

The British Deputy High Commissioner hosted a reception after the Remembrance Service at her residence.

During the Service the British Deputy High Commissioner said; ‘Remembrance Services are not about marking victories, or the celebration of war. Instead, they offer an important opportunity to pause for a moment in our busy lives and remember all those who died in conflict.

Remembrance Services have taken place all around the world today.

Listening to the Last Post in the Karachi War Cemetery, the sacrifice made by those who travelled from across the Commonwealth to fight wars, often far away from their homes and loved ones, was particularly poignant’.

British Defence Adviser, Brigadier Murray Whiteside said: “Today’s event gives us a chance to reflect on the history of contribution and sacrifice that the UK and Pakistan share.

We also honour the three soldiers Sepoy Khudad Khan, Jemadar Mir Dast and Naik Shahamad Khan from the areas comprising Pakistan who were awarded Britain’s highest award for gallantry, the Victoria Cross, during the First World War”.

This year a special tribute was paid to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme that took place 100 years ago.

The Battle of the Somme was fought from July 1 till November 18, 1916, with over one million men killed, captured or wounded during the course of the 141 days of the battle.

To mark the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Somme, the Imperial War Museum released a special war documentary which was shot during the battle.

In early September, British Deputy High Commission, Karachi, participated in the First World War Partnership Plan to commemorate the Battle of the Somme with a screening of the unique film from the Imperial War Museum’s collection to an audience in Karachi.

Published in Dawn November 15th, 2016