New Forest remembers 75th anniversary of VJ Day
A SERIES of small remembrance ceremonies were held across the New Forest to honour the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, socially distanced events were held to mark the surrender of Japan on 15th August 1945, which officially marked the end of the Second World War.
Piper John Adams started the commemorations early by playing The Battle’s O’er at New Milton’s war memorial as dawn broke at 5.57am.
He was one of thousands of members of the Royal College of Piping who played across the world to mark the anniversary. Nationally and locally, a two-minute silence was also held at 11am.
Coronavirus rules ban gatherings of more than 30 people but residents in Fernhill Road in the town also marked the day with a socially distanced street party, including a barbecue and music.
Bessie Thurgood, who attended the event and remembers the original VJ Day, said: “I remember going by bus with my family to an open-air swimming pool in Finchley, London. It was so hot. Also attending a street party in May 1945 to celebrate VE Day.
“I also remember Winston Churchill being driven down a lot of high streets with his ‘V for victory’ sign.”
Veterans and members of the Royal British Legion came together at Lymington’s war memorial to lay wreaths and observe the silence.
Among them was Pennington veteran Bill Matthews who, as reported in the A&T, celebrated his 95th birthday on VE Day earlier this year.
In Brockenhurst a short service of remembrance was led by the Rev Simon Newham. Wreaths were also laid by parish council chair Cllr Pete Wales, and president of the Brockenhurst Royal British Legion Air Vice-Marshal Andrew Roberts CBE.
A short service and wreath-laying ceremony also took place at the war memorial outside St Mary’s Church in Romsey Road, Copythorne, led by the Rev. John Reeve.
There was also a short service at Totton’s war memorial, including members of the Royal British Legion and other town councillors.
Cllr David Harrison said: “I think it was very good that the anniversary was at least remembered and the occasion marked with a short ceremony and very moving address by Rev. Bill [Whitfield], but sad that we could not allow so many people who would wanted to be present to join.”
