PEOPLE in the Vale of Leven fell silent as they gathered to pay their respects to those who served in the infamous battle at the French seaport in 1940.

The Vale of Leven Remembrance Day Association (VOLRDA) held their annual service of Remembrance for Dunkirk at the Cenotaph in Christie Park last week.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: People gathered in the Vale of Leven last week for the service (Pic: David Russell)People gathered in the Vale of Leven last week for the service (Pic: David Russell) (Image: David Russell)

They were joined by Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Mrs Jill Young MBE, MSP Jackie Baillie, Provost Douglas MacAlister, leader of West Dunbartonshire Council Martin Rooney, local armed forces veterans, and members of Skylark IX Recovery Trust.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: People in the Vale held the Remembrance Ceremony last week (Pic: David Russell)People in the Vale held the Remembrance Ceremony last week (Pic: David Russell) (Image: David Russell)

Skylark IX was one of the 933 "little ships" that helped to rescue 338,226 from the beaches and Dunkirk Harbour.

Lyle Davidson, chair of VOLRDA, said: "Dunkirk was one of the most significant events in the second world war that affected so many. The Vales Remembrance Association is one of the last groups in the UK to still hold a service to remember this event."

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: There was also a wreath-laying service (Pic: David Russell)There was also a wreath-laying service (Pic: David Russell) (Image: David Russell)

During the event, there was a church service at Lomond Parish Church conducted by Reverend Ian Miller who led a poignant service remembering those who were rescued from Dunkirk as well as those who never returned.

The wreath-laying event was organised by Lyle Davidson of the Remembrance Association and Mary Burch of the Skylark Trust who was also in attendance. Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Dunkirk was one of the most significant events in World War II (Pic: David Russell)Dunkirk was one of the most significant events in World War II (Pic: David Russell) (Image: David Russell)

Provost Douglas McAllister said: "It was my great honour to accept the invitation from the Remembrance Association to attend and lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Christie Park. 

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Provost Douglas McAllister was one of the elected officials in attendance (Pic: David Russell)Provost Douglas McAllister was one of the elected officials in attendance (Pic: David Russell) (Image: David Russell)

"It is right that 83 years on, we should continue to remember those who lost their lives and continue to recognise the bravery of those who came to the rescue of our stranded soldiers. 

"We of course have a significant link to this story with the Skylark IX which was one of the Dunkirk Little Ships that saved lives during Operation Dynamo back in 1940."