ARMY cadets from across Devon visited the WW1 battlefields recently as part of the 100-year commemoration of the end of World War One and to pay their respects to the fallen.

Seventy-seven army cadets and 16 adult officers/instructors from Devon joined more than 3,500 army cadets from across the UK to travel to France last month.

One of the cemeteries visited was the Devonshire Trench — a cemetery with the graves of 163 members of the Devonshire Regiment who were killed on the first day of the battle of the Somme. The trench which was held by the regiment before the battle was turned into a grave site when no longer needed in the conflict.

There is a sign at the entrance to the cemetery which states: ‘The Devonshires held this trench. The Devonshires hold it still.’

The trip was said to be a poignant visit for the cadets, who could reflected on the historic relationship.

Army cadets from across the county will be paying their respects at remembrance services held in their towns and villages across Devon on November 11.