Gunners join with footballers to mark Remembrance, 8 November 2014.

Airborne gunners have joined with Ipswich Town footballers and fans to mark Remembrance.

Before today’s (Sat 8 Nov) match against Watford, troops from 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (7 Para RHA) lined the centre circle at Ipswich’s Portman Road stadium for a minute’s silence to honour military personnel killed or wounded on operations.

As they marched off the pitch the troops were given a standing ovation by the crowd of 22,490, who went on to watch Ipswich win 1-0.

Outside the ground 7 Para RHA put on a display of the vehicles and equipment, including a 105mm Light Gun, it uses in its role within 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British Army’s rapid reaction force.

Captain Richard Bociek said: “It is important that we join with the community to mark Remembrance and my soldiers are proud to have represented the military at Portman Road. The silence before the match was impeccably observed by the crowd and a very poignant tribute to the Fallen.

“This has also been a great opportunity to come out into the local community and build links with Ipswich Town. All of the fans we spoke to were very supportive and interested to find out about who 7 Para RHA are and what we do.”

On Thursday (6 Nov) Ipswich players Paul Anderson, Jonny Williams and Tyrone Mings visited 7 Para RHA at Colchester’s Merville Barracks to gain an insight into military life. They joined troops doing ground training for parachuting; and climbed aboard the camp’s Dakota - the aircraft used for Second World War parachute operations.