HUNDREDS of people gathered under a leaden sky yesterday for the dedication of a memorial wall, remembering those who have given their lives since the Second World War.

A moving ceremony started with a parade of service personnel – past and present – marching to the wall next to Sunderland’s Burdon Road War Memorial.

Following a reading of the poem In Flanders Fields, a lone bugler sounded the Last Post and the chimes of Big Ben heralded a two minutes’ silence – interrupted only by a flock of seagulls wheeling overhead.

The memorial wall was dedicated by Father Stephen Hazlett, followed by wreath laying at the wall by Sunderland Mayor, Councillor Norma Wright, and members of the Brothers in Arms – a group of families from the city who have lost loved ones in conflict and training.

The wall, made of a series of granite plinths encircling the war memorial, is engraved with the names of 20 service personnel and was built with funds raised by Brothers in Arms.

More than £100,000 was raised through donations from individuals, groups, businesses and members of the public to help pay for it.

Addressing the service, Coun Wright said: “The memorial wall commemorates hostilities going back to the Second World War and remembers all those killed in training and other operations.

“We honour all those who, when called on, left all that was dear to them, facing terrible hardship and dangers; who paid the ultimate price so that all those here today may live in freedom.”

She added: “The wall is the culmination of the efforts of the Brothers in Arms who, while grieving their own devastating loss, ensured that the bravery and courage of their own loved ones and others who have been lost will never be forgotten.”

Brothers in Arms founder member Tom Cuthbertson, whose son, Nathan, was killed in Afghanistan in 2008, said: “It has taken two years of hard work to see today’s dedication.

“We have achieved a great deal and we give our thanks to everyone who contributed in cash and in kind to help us realise our ambitions.

“We are so proud of our lads, who made the ultimate sacrifice, and wanted to ensure their names were remembered on this wall.

“The council has been fantastic and we are proud of what we have achieved. This is a unique memorial and the Armistice Day dedication was very moving.”