THE sunshine glinted on the medals of veterans and those still serving at the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers’ annual commemoration of Gallipoli on Sunday.

The event saw more than 300 people take part in the parade through Bury town centre, including serving Fusiliers from Fifth Fusiliers as well as Fusilier Cadets and Veterans.

This year, however, there was additional pride and poignancy with the unveiling of a new stone memorial in the Gallipoli garden.

The day began with a service at Bury Parish Church conducted by the Rector of Bury, the Rev Julian Heaton.

During the service, Jerusalem was sung and, following The Last Post, a minute’s silence was observed.

Among those taking part were Lt Col Tom Ruggle and Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Colbeck of the Loyal Scots Canadian Army Regiment affiliated with The Fusiliers.

Mr Ruggle said: “For us its a commemorations of the roots forged in the First World War. It’s a ‘family’ event.”

The new memorial was officially unveiled by the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Jane Black and representatives from the regiment in a special ceremony.

The new addition to the garden has been made from Portland stone to match the existing Lutyen memorial which was designed by Sir Edward Lutyen in 1922 to commemorate the Lancashire Fusiliers killed in conflict.

The new sculpture was designed and crafted by Paul Crabtree and Hannah Sofaer of the Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust and includes all 18 names of the Lancashire Fusiliers who were awarded the Victoria Cross during the First World War.

The latest project by The Fusilier Museum follows on from the successful exhibition – 18 for 18 which saw all 18 Victoria Crosses reunited for the first time at the end of last year. The initiative which has cost £18,000 has been jointly funded by Bury Council and The Fusilier Museum itself.

Colonel Brian Gorski, chairman of The Fusilier Museum, said: “Following the success of our 18 for 18 exhibition we wanted to have a permanent landmark to commemorate the end of World War 1 and the 18 Victoria Crosses won by Lancashire Fusiliers.

“The new stone memorial enables us all to recognise the sacrifices they made as well as acknowledge the important roles they played within the regiment and the war effort. A huge thank you to Bury council for helping us make this tribute a reality and to Paul and Hannah for their work in the finished piece.”

Colonel James Denny, Regimental Secretary for the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers said: “Gallipoli is an important day in our Regimental calendar, so once again we will pay tribute to the fallen and recognise the ultimate sacrifice they made as Lancashire Fusiliers.

Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Paul Nanson CBE, took the salute outside.