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.

This spectacular late September sunset over Birmingham from the tower of Coleshill parish church invokes the immortal lines from Laurence Binyon’s For the Fallen.

Few will remember the night of 11/12 December 1940 when a German air raid set Birmingham aflame, visible from this same spot.

It also recalls how the Barton sisters, Mary and Doreen, entered the history books as Coleshill’s civilian war dead. Their home on Coventry Road across the way from Hall Walk, was hit that night.

Their memorial, like that of an RAF corporal William Lucas who died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp, is hidden in plain sight in the church. So are the memorials to two World War One brothers John and Robert Willmot. Still visible on the base of the cross and two candlesticks are details of the brothers and their father. 

The names of Mary and Doreen are carved on the side of the vicar’s desk. Corporal Lucas is remembered on the reredos in the lady chapel. Their stories are told on the church website www.coleshillparishchurch.org.uk

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This year’s Remembrance Service will be held outside by the war memorial following the parade from Coleshill Primary school. Assemble by the church wall opposite Bank House by10.40am for a 10.50am start. There are no seats available outside the church.

Wreaths can be laid before or after the event, or on Armistice Day, Thursday 11 November, at an outdoor service starting at 10.50am.

The church is open all day on Remembrance Sunday for prayers, reflection and candle lighting and an opportunity to see the memorials.

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There are graves from both World Wars in the cemetery including the more recent ones of Trooper James Munday (Afghanistan 2008) and Private David Baird (Bosnia 1996)