Armistice Day: Nation falls silent to remember war dead

The UK fell silent at 11am today as the nation marked Armistice Day.

A two-minute silence was observed and wreaths laid at the annual Western Front Association service of remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.

Members of the Armed Forces and veterans of past conflicts attended a service of commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire.

The events mark the agreement signed between the Allies and Germany that led to the end of the First World War in November 1918.

Big Ben, that has been silent since August as it undergoes repairs, chimed 11 o'clock to begin the two-minute silence.

People observe a two minute silence during a service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum. Credit: PA

People in streets, squares and railway stations stopped to observe the silence that remembers those that died in the First World War and all conflicts since.

Among those remembering, 99-year-old Les Cherrington, of the Staffordshire Yeomanry Queen's Own Royal Regiment, who was the only survivor from his tank crew in the North African desert in 1943.

Mr Cherrington's Sherman tank was left a flaming wreck by a German field gun, but he managed to escape despite being badly burned and his left arm nearly severed by shrapnel.

99-year-old Les Cherrington at the National Memorial Arboretum. Credit: PA

After almost bleeding to death overnight in a slit trench, he was believed to be among the dead by a New Zealand soldier who came across him and only realised his mistake when Les shouted "water!"

Mr Cherrington, originally from Albrighton, Staffordshire, said of his lost pals: "I think more today of the mates I lost, and their families, than I do myself."I thank God every day that I'm still here."

Standard bearers lower Colour Flags at the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance Credit: PA

The Queen and senior members of the royal family also paid tribute to the fallen at the annual Festival of Remembrance.

She was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, who attended despite officially retiring from public life.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke of York and the Princess Royal were also present at the event in London's Royal Albert Hall.

The Queen and Prince Philip at the annual Festival of Remembrance. Credit: PA

All were dressed in dark clothing as they watched from the royal box, with the Queen acknowledging the gathered servicemen and women with a wave.

Thousands of veterans were present for the 90th anniversary of the event, organised by the Royal British Legion, of which she is patron.