Photos of soldiers 100 years apart show Remembrance Day is just as important as ever

This Sunday, millions of people will come together across the country to remember those who have lost their lives in war.

As part of Remembrance Day, the Royal British Legion has released a set of photographs that help to show the legacy of the Poppy Appeal - by juxtaposing photos of service personnel from the First World War with those of veterans who have been injured in or affected by modern day warfare.

Both sets of photographs were taken in exactly the same studio, using the original camera and the same darkroom by the great-grandson of the original photographer.

The Legion says the photos demonstrate "the sacrifices that were made in the past, and that continue to be made today."

The Edward Reeves Studio - the world’s oldest established photographic studio - was set up in Lewes, Sussex, in 1858.

Edward's son, Benjamin, took the First World War photographs in 1915 and 1916, just before the soldiers headed for the front line and Edward's great-great-grandson took the new photos this year.

Charles Byrne, The Legion’s director of fundraising said:

This year’s Poppy Appeal campaign provides us with a poignant reminder that the poppy is a powerful symbol, worn to commemorate the sacrifices of our Armed Forces whilst providing us with a way to support today’s service community.

We’re proud to reveal these striking images and hope people across the nation will take a moment to reflect, and give generously to the appeal to help the Legion raise £41 million towards our vital work.

The story behind the soldiers:

Gunner Mark Stonelake, 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery.

• Served until 2011.

Mark Stonelake was in a vehicle that hit a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2008. The blast led to an amputated leg, badly damaged right foot, fractured back, broken bones in both legs and broken nose, jaw and teeth.

The Legion funded adaptations to Mark's home in order to make it easier for him to go out about everyday life

Corporal Linda Noble AGC (SPS), 1st Military Intelligence Corps.

• Currently Serving.

Linda-Maris Noble met her husband Alexander in Deepcut Barracks, Surrey. Alex later had a parachute accident and now needs to use a wheelchair outdoors. Thanks to the Legion, Alexander and Linda were able to afford the automatic car that allows Alexander to stay mobile despite his injury.

Lance Corporal Corie Mapp, Household Cavalry Regiment.

• Served until 2013.

Corie Mapp from Swindon is a double amputee who was injured in an IED blast in Musa Qala, Afghanistan, in 2010. In the blast, which happened as he was driving a tank, he also suffered a broken jaw, a severed lip, broken hand and a punctured lung.

Chief Petty Officer Peter Edge, Weapons Engineer.

• Currently Serving.

Peter Edge, or Cliff as he’s known to friends, was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in March 2013. Both him and his wife received support and care from The Royal British Legion during this difficult time. Following chemotherapy he was given the all clear and still remains in Service with the Royal Navy. Cliff and his wife help raise funds for the Legion by selling poppies in their home town.

Private Harmeet Singh, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps

• Currently serving

After watching a documentary about Sikh soldiers in the First and Second World Wars he decided to follow in his ancestors’ footsteps and signed up at the Careers Office the very next day. In 2013, Harmeet raised funds for the Legion after collecting donations for Sikh poppies in his regiment.

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