OWEN Clark, at just four, asked the most poignant question as people gathered in Derby to mark Remembrance Sunday: "why did daddy's friend die?"

His words showed how relevant the annual service was, not only for the generations who remember those killed in both world wars but also younger people because of the growing toll of killed and wounded in Afghanistan.

The service in the Market Place had its biggest turnout in recent years.

More than 650 people also gathered in two services in Ilkeston, the biggest attendance there in 40 years.

Little Owen had turned to his grandmother, Joyce Clark, to ask about Thomas Wright, 21, from Ripley, who was killed in an explosion in Helmand Province while serving with the 2nd Mercian Battalion (Worcesters and Sherwood Foresters) two years ago.

Drummer Wright was serving with Owen's dad, Matt Clark, at the time.

Matt's mother, Joyce, 53, said: "We are trying to keep Owen involved and to explain to him what happened as best we can.

"When I heard the Last Post during the service it was very moving because that's what they played at Thomas Wright's funeral.

"I'm just thankful that my own son came back."

Yesterday's Derby service began with a parade, which included representatives from the 2nd Mercian and the 9/12 Lancers.

Major Jim Turner said the day had added poignancy because 2nd Mercian had recently returned from Afghanistan, where five of its soldiers were killed. He added: "We get tremendous support from people in Derbyshire and that means a huge amount to us.

"In Afghanistan we received huge numbers of letters and parcels from people and the difference that made to morale in a very austere location meant a heck of a lot to all of us."

The ceremony was also attended by Commander Peter Green of HMS Ambush, a submarine being built and is affiliated to Derby.

He said the focus of Remembrance Sunday had shifted to those killed in Iraq and, more recently, Afghanistan.

He said: "It's very important young people remember what it's all about and what struck me today was how many youngsters were there."

At the end of the service, wreaths were laid at the war memorial.

Messages included "you must never forget their sacrifice"; "we will remember them until the seas be no more," and "for departed comrades and absent friends, sadly missed but not forgotten."

Mark Taylor, 38, of Arundel Drive, Spondon, said he was there to help educate his children, Saskia, five, and 19-month-old Tillie Mae.

He said: "The children see it on the news, especially Saskia, but that doesn't bring it home in the same way as seeing the events today and the old soldiers who are here.

"The armed forces do a fantastic job for us."

Elizabeth Booth, 47, of Albert Road, Chaddesden, went along to the service for the first time because her 13-year-old son, Daniel, recently joined the army cadets.

She said: "My son is pretty committed to the cadets and wants to go into the army and my nephew is in the navy.

"The service was really nice and its emotional whether or not you know someone who has died."

Graham Morphet, 70, of Wade Avenue, Littleover, said the service brought back memories of his uncle.

He said: "He spent four years in France in the First World War and came back without a scratch on him.

"It was a very nice service; very touching and it was nice to see so many people there."

In Ilkeston, the vicar of St Mary's Parish Church, the Reverend Allan Brown, made an appeal for politicians to ensure the Armed Forces always received full backing.

A former army chaplain who served as a padre to front-line infantry units for 17 years, he said this year's Remembrance Service felt different because of the sacrifices in Afghanistan.

He said: "This new public mood raises uncomfortable questions for politicians of all parties.

"Every soldier has always said, 'give us the tools and we'll finish the job'

"The military covenant means members of the Armed Forces are willing to lay down their lives in defence of the realm on the clear understanding the Government of the day will look after them and their dependants.

"With Afghanistan, the spotlight is shining its harsh light on just how well our soldiers, sailors and airmen are being equipped and their families looked after.

"I must not stray into politics here. All I will say is the men and women serving in our armed forces are very special people and should be equipped and looked after in a very special way."

Around 150 people attended a service around the Cenotaph in the Market Place, Ilkeston.