A POIGNANT ceremony in a ‘forgotten’ corner of a Bournemouth cemetery marked the sacrifice of Commonwealth war heroes yesterday.

The mayor, Cllr Chris Mayne, was among those who placed a wreath at the foot of a memorial in East Cemetery, Gloucester Road, which stands above 80 graves marking the final resting place of military personnel from as far away as Australia and New Zealand.

Immaculately maintained, the yard is predominantly a tribute to World War I soldiers who died at Boscombe’s old Royal Victoria Hospital and at the hospital site of what is now Bournemouth Town Hall.

Saddened that there have been no recent ceremonies at the graveyard, Ferndown resident Leslie Allard alerted the council and the Royal British Legion, in the hope of resurrecting interest in the site.

Mr Allard heaped praise on the vice-chairman of the Royal British Legion’s Winton branch, Ian Cox, who he said had made the commemoration possible.

“I would especially like to thank Ian and the mayor for coming,” he added. “It is wonderful it has been recognised.”

After paying their respects, the group examined the graves, which include an understated stone for 5215 Private J.A.R. Ford, who died on April 15, 1915, at the age of just 15.

It also pays tribute to a handful of World War II veterans who died in Bournemouth, including New Zealander Cecil Hight, who was shot down in his Spitfire, aged 22. Among those attending the ceremony was Hazel Davies, 76, who was accompanied by her son Dean Davies.

“I have lived here all of my life and never knew it was here,” said Ms Davies.

“It is so moving. We have seen all the ones in France, Germany and Italy – but to have one in our hometown – it’s sad we didn’t know.”

Mr Davies added: “It is amazing that you can be so close to history and just not know it is there.”