A DRUMHEAD ceremony to commemorate the 1944 Battle of Kohima was held by the Brighstone and District branch of The Royal British Legion in a marquee on the playing field at Warnes Lane.

Piper John Brodie opened the ceremony by playing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, followed by Medina Marching Band, who gave a display of marching to music, and supplied the hymn music for service.

David Langford, Isle of Wight Deputy Lord Lieutenant, read the History of the Battle of Kohima.

A drill marching display without music by the 1024 Squadron ATC also took place, after which was a display of drill movements by standard bearers of the Royal British Legion and the Service Standard under the watchful eye of Simon Tutton, the RBL County Parade Marshal.

Rev Linda Porter officiated the service at the Altar Of Drums, laid by members of the Medina Marching Band.

There were readings from the Island's Vice Lord Lieutenant, Sir Guy Acland and Reg Hunt, branch chairman.

The service ended with the readings of the Exhortation by Peter Hopkins, branch president, and the reading of the Kohima Epitaph, by Tony Gregory, branch member.

The Last Post was played and there was a two minutes' silence.

Piper Brodie, accompanied by Medina Marching Band, played The Highland Cathedral, following by a march past.

There followed refreshments in the Wilberforce Hall.

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