You can download a copy of the Armistice Day Order of Service (PDF) or read it as a webpage below.
The importance of the Bedfordshire Yeomanry
The Bedfordshire Yeomanry commemorates the lives of the 60 soldiers of this regiment who died honourably during the First World War. To remember these soldiers, a memorial was created to symbolise the sacrifice they made. This memorial is located in the Mayor's Parlour, in Bedford.
Before our Borough’s Armistice Day Commemoration on Tuesday, 11 November in Harpur Square, a moving ceremony takes place at this memorial, to honour the men of the Bedfordshire Yeomanry who gave their lives in the First World War. As part of the ceremony, their names will be read out.
Traditionally, a private moment shared in the room by dignitaries, veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces and the Royal British Legion, this year we’re opening the experience to more of our community.
The ceremony will be live-streamed inside the Harpur Suite, where people will gather and remember the fallen together. Members of the public are warmly invited to join us in the Harpur Suite from 10.15am, before the ceremony begins at 10.25am.
The Armistice Day Commemoration
Organised by Bedford & District Branch, The Royal British Legion on behalf of The Mayor of Bedford.
10.45am Tuesday 11 November 2025, Harpur Square
Veterans, Dignitaries, and Members of the Public being assembled in the Harpur Suite to watch the Live Link from the Mayor’s Parlour, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, the Mayor and Invited Dignitaries read the names of the Fallen of the Bedfordshire Regiment.
All proceed into Harpur Square, forming a Hollow Square facing theHarpur Suite.
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, the Mayor and Mayoress, and Major Walter proceed into Harpur Square and take up their positions
Led by the Pipers, the Standards March On.
Mr Barry Tappenden reads the Introductory Poem
In Retrospect
The world asks a great deal of the poppies, insists they carry the wounds of war
and shoulder the weight of remembrance. Such flimsy, wavering plants;
we painted their flowers the colour of blood and punched dark holes in their heads
as if bullets had passed through,
then trimmed them with green sprigs of hope.
And from deep in the seeds we concocted
the essence of sleep and dreams and resting-in-peace.
Almost weightless even in full bloom we made them souls, the poppies, souls
of those who we lost, and – let it be said – those who we killed.
Poppies – nursed in darkness, nourished by dirt.
But for all their spindly roots, frail stalks
and papery petals – as easily smudged as a butterfly wing – they joggle into existence
again and again, unearthing themselves in fallow fields and railway sidings,
on roundabouts, verges and no man’s land, from the brickwork of old chimneys and bridges and cracks in the pavement.
They nod and they nag,
reminding us not to forget, flagging a red alert as their crumpled petals unfold.
So, rightly, the poppies ask a great deal of the world.
Simon Armitage, Poet Laureate
Composed for the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, 2025
The Branch Chairman of the Bedford & District Branch, Royal British Legion gives The Exhortation
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them.
All respond: We will remember them.
11am, the Last Post is sounded.
The Two Minutes Silence is kept Reveille is sounded.
A Member of the Bedford & District Branch, Royal British Legion gives The Kohima Epitaph:
When you go home, Tell them of us and say: “For your tomorrow, we gave our today”.
The National Anthem is played
God save our Gracious King, Long live our noble King,
God save The King.
Send him victorious, happy and glorious; Long to reign over us,
God Save The King.