THE Aldermaston community came together last week to remember those who lost their lives during the First World War.

A special centenary Great War plaque was unveiled by the Atomic Weapons Establishment during a special service at St Mary’s Church, in Aldermaston, last Friday.

The unveiling event took place on the centenary of the first day of the Battle of Loos, which saw six men from the village lose their lives.

Villagers, children and dignitaries, including the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Anne Court, attended the ceremony to mark the 44 men who lost their lives.

Children from Aldermaston Church of England Primary School wrote the names of the 44 men that feature on the special plaque. New records have allowed the addition of 16 new names alongside the names already on existing memorials.

Unveiling the plaque, AWE technical director Graeme Nicholson said: “Today we pay tribute to those from the Aldermaston and Wasing community who, 100 years ago, gave their lives in the defence of this nation.

“This centenary plaque recognises all 44 servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War. I thank the children from Aldermaston CE Primary School who recorded the names of the fallen on this plaque.”

He added: “You have learned about the history and impact of war and the importance of keeping these memories alive. I ask that you pass these memories to future generations – through our own children and grandchildren.”

Research by AWE has shown that a significant proportion of men from the village joined the 8th Royal Berkshire regiment at the outbreak of war.