Royal British Legion members from across the UK travelled to France last week to take part in GP90, a march following the route of First World War troops.

The two mile route of Great Pilgrimage 90, through Ypres in Belgium, was the route that British and Commonwealth troops took during the 1914-18 war and was the culmination of the three-day event which saw 2,200 participants visit the trenches, battlefields and cemeteries of France and Belgium.

Coaches from Devon, the largest county contingent and including members from the Kingsbridge and Modbury branches of the Royal British Legion, converged on the ancient Belgian town in extremely warm temperatures.?The Grand Parade began in 1928 and takes place every 10 years in honour of the tens of thousands who marched through the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, to the front line, from which many did not return.

Chairman of the Kingsbridge RBL Branch Leon Lock and ex-chairman John Peacock joined the many thousand standard bearers and wreath layers. David Scott and his wife Bridget attended the Great Pilgrimage 90 as representatives of Modbury RBL Branch, as a standard bearer and wreath layer respectively.

Chris Hawkey, chairman of the Modbury RBL Branch said: “Being part of such an historic event, representing the Modbury Branch in commemorating those that lost their lives in the First World War, was an honour and something Bridget and David will never forget.”

Bob Gamble, The Royal British Legion’s Head of Commemorative Events, said: “GP90, was the Legion’s biggest membership event in modern history and is a suitable tribute from the members of The Royal British Legion in honour of the First World War generation, echoing the way the British Legion community commemorated the tenth anniversary of the conflict in 1928.”

The Royal Marine Band from Scotland led the parade, watched by crowds lining the streets.

A service of Remembrance was held at the Menin Gate and over 1,000 wreaths laid.