Intermittent light rain during the night had threatened to force the service under cover of street awnings, losing much of the effect of a crowd standing shoulder to shoulder around the monument.

The decision proved to be right and Dorrigo RSL Sub Branch members were delighted to see a crowd estimated at between 250 and 300 people remember ex-service men and women of many conflicts.

The crowd formed a large circle, several deep in places, around the town’s war memorial.

A simple, moving service in the centre of town honoured all serving and ex-service personnel in all conflicts, especially those on the Western Front during the latter period of World War One.

Sub branch secretary and parade marshal, Bob Denner, acknowledged the number of young people at the service.

“It is especially pleasing to note the number of family groups who make the effort to be here on what first appeared to be an inhospitable morning,” he said.

“Their commitment is a credit to Australia, this community and themselves.”