THE community of Hubberston and Hakin came together on Tuesday (November 6) to remember the local men who died during the First World War.

A special service was held at the community centre, led by Rev Andy Bookless, and featuring performances from Gelliswick Community Choir and the Salvation Army band.

Poppy crosses were laid in memory of John Edwin Anthony, Hubert Ernest Mills, David Owen Harries, Sgt Charles Ernest Badrock, William Gordon Edwards, Theophilus Henry Hicks, gunner James Davies, and Privates Edward James Davies, William Ronald Hastings and Ivor Carlisle Williams.

Also on display was a family cross, provided by Gail Sheppard (nee Badrick).

The cross is a tribute to Sergeant Charles Ernest Badrick, of Green Terrace, Hubberston, who died on December 1, 1915 near Armentiers, France, aged 33.

It was created by his brother, Gail's grandfather, William John 'Jack' Badrick, who also fought in the trenches

Sgt Charles Badrick of the Field Company, the Royal Engineers, is buried in the New Military Cemetery, at Nord, in France

The cross was left to Jack Badrick's two sons, William John (Jackie), and Cecil Badrick and then passed on as a treasured family memento to Jackie's daughter Gail.

Also on display, courtesy of Gail, was a unique box, hand-carved in the trenches by Jack

Badrick with little more than a pocket knife.

It contains a collection of precious artefacts that chronicle the comradeship forged in "the war to end all wars".

The documents include a rare album, an autograph book which was passed around the soldiers for them to enter verses and dates, and a collection of post cards entitled "In Reconquered Country" that records the devastation inflicted on French communities by the war.

Jack Badrick survived being gassed, returned home to his family in Hubberston, and lived to 92.

Gail agreed for these exceptional items to be displayed as part of the community's tribute to all those who served and sacrificed.