A SPECIAL service was held in Evesham last Friday (August 15) to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day).
About 70 people gathered at Abbey Park War Memorial in intense sunshine to remember the end point of the Second World War and those that had sacrificed their lives in the so-called ‘Forgotten Army’ – the name given to the Fourteenth Army, one of the main fighting forces in the Far East.
A service conducted by Revd Andy Green, and there were readings from Evesham & District RBL chair Phillip Rowne-Speed, mayor of Evesham, Councillor John Clatworthy and Worcestershire’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant Fiona Charny JP.
Wreaths laid by Mrs Charney on behalf of the Lord Lt. of Worcestershire, John Clatworthy for the town council, 92 year old veteran David Ludlow for Evesham & District RBL and Jennifer Johnson chairman of the Evesham Branch RAFA (RAF Association).
Amongst those present was Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston, Evesham mayoress Coun Marion Griffiths, deputy mayor Coun Bill Kimberley and wife Celia, plus councillors Ann Lyon, Robert Hale, Sharon Hemming and Sue Amor. John Smith OBE, and his wife Frances also attended.
Phillip Rowne-Speed told the Observer: “The day went brilliantly and we are grateful for those who came to give their support.
“It’s important that this crucial day does not get forgotten.
“Those that gave the ultimate sacrifice and suffered in 1945 might have been forgotten 80 years ago but they have not been in 2025.”
There were also a small number of veterans representing the Army, Navy, Merchant Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Air Force.
