Yesterday marked the centenary of the momentous and ultimately devastating day we entered into the First World War.

Millions were killed and millions more injured as four years of intense fighting spread across Europe.

Tens of thousands of brave men from Sussex answered their country’s call and were soon in the trenches of northern France and Belgium.

These were ordinary men – butchers, bakers, sheep farmers and factory workers – who were thrust into the most extraordinary of situations.

Thousands died, hundreds of miles from home, while those who survived returned to live with the horrors they had endured.

Sadly, none of these brave men are with us and as a result it is more important than ever to remember them.

Remember their sacrifice, their bravery and courage. Many would have had little say in whether or not to join up.

It is difficult to imagine us today dealing with the situation in such a way.

Thankfully we do not have to thanks largely to the sacrifice of those before us.

The words of the poet, John Maxwell Edmonds, were read at ceremonies across the world yesterday, sum up the sacrifice: “When you go home tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today.”