HUNDREDS turned out to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day in Bromsgrove.
A special parade and service was held at the Burma Star Memorial at Crown Close which is the national memorial for the Far East campaign. It was organised by the Burma Star Association, Bromsgrove Branch and the Birmingham Association of the Far East Prisoners of War (FEPOW).
The event was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Beatrice Grant, Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas, armed forces veterans and representatives from Burma associations, the Royal British Legion, the Bromsgrove Society, the Bromsgrove Court Leet and the district council.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Several standards were on parade, along with army and sea cadets.
The service was led by Rev Ray Khan, the Vicar of St John’s Church and the Bromsgrove Royal British Legion Chaplain.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
He opened by explaining everyone was gathered to thank God for comradeship and to remember those who gave their lives for freedom during the campaigns in Burma, South East Asia and the Far East. We were also here to remember those who gave their lives elsewhere in the Second World War.
After readings and prayers, The Last Post was played to punctuate an impeccably observed two-minute silence. That was followed by the Reveille.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
The service then saw The Kohima Epitaph, the hymn ‘Oh God, our help in ages past, and the official FEPOW (Far East Prisoners of War) prayer.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Then 15 wreaths were laid – starting with the Lord Lieutenant of Worcetershire and Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas and then by representatives from the other organisations.
The service concluded with a commitment to peace and the National Anthem.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Thousands of British soldiers were held as Prisoners of War (POWs) in Japan.
The Japanese captors treated the prisoners with disdain and subjected them to harsh treatment, including forced labour, starvation and physical abuse.
Around 30,000 British POWs perished in captivity and the death rate was much higher than those captured and held in Europe.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Because VJ Day happened months after VE (Victory in Europe) Day, those fighting in the Far East were known as the ‘forgotten army’.
After the service, Rev Khan said: “They were known as the forgotten army but they are not forgotten today.
“This has been an amazing turn-out for the 80th anniversary.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Ms Grant added: “I thought the service was very well attended and beautifully done.
“I think it is important for us all to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.”
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
And Mr Thomas said: “It was wonderful so many people from Bromsgrove came and remembered this conflict that was not fought on our continent.
“We must remember the Second World War was not exclusively in Europe and other battles were just as important to bringing about peace.”
The service was broadcast live on the Bromsgrove Standard Facebook page – click below to watch it on YouTube.
