Two towns in Thurrock will be raising the flag for the first time for Armistice day after poles were installed.

South Ockendon and East Tilbury now have flag poles at their War Memorial Grounds which will be the location of the Armistice Day Service this Saturday and the Remembrance Sunday Service the following day.

The poles were erected by councillors Chris Baker, of Belhus Ward, and James Baker, of East Tilbury Ward in their respective War Memorial Grounds.

They were assisted by Walsh S & Sons and the Thames Enterprise Centre who also sponsored the flag pole in East Tilbury, and S & J Self-Drive Hire and H W Wilson ltd who also sponsored the flag pole in South Ockendon.

Councillor Chris Baker said: “For the first time ever, we managed to get a flag pole erected in South Ockendon village.

“The residents are over the moon with this. I think that every memorial should have a flag pole.

“I couldn’t thank the local businesses enough for their support; without them we wouldn’t have been able to do this.”

Councillor James Baker added: "This will honour and respect our fallen heroes.

"The flagpole is robust and the company are a professional firm. 

“To my knowledge they have War Memorial Grounds in Grays, Aveley and Stanford-Le-who also have flagpoles which have been there for many of years, so I believe it’s about time East Tilbury also had one. 

“I have to say, in my opinion, the East Tilbury Memorial is a most impressive structure and flying the union flag, which is our nations patriotic symbol would will only add to honour to those who have served and gave their lives for our country. 

“Going by what residents I have managed to ask, they thought it was a brilliant thing to do.”

The poles were erected on Tuesday November 7 and they stand at six metres high.

In East Tilbury, Richard Scruby, who is the Boy Scout Master of East Tilbury, will be raising the Union Jack alongside other boy scouts at the Armistice Day ceremony on Saturday November 11.

Father Justine Hutchinson will also be in attendance to say a few words.
At the ceremony in South Ockendon, the ceremony is to be attended by Dennis Mason who owns the well-known charity shop, Nicky’s, which was set up in the memory of his son, Nicky Mason, who tragically died while serving in Afghanistan.

Also in attendance at the South Ockendon ceremony will be Father Peter Rabin of St Nicholas Church, who will be saying a few words, and the local scouts group.

Remembrance Poppies are available in most public outlets by now.