IN A light drizzle a small group of people stood to remember those who served in the Far East during the last War, no longer forgotten as they had felt on returning home, in a short ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day on Saturday morning, August 15.

The ceremony had been organised by the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch, who thanked those who had attended, taken part in the two minutes’ silence, laid wreaths, and helped commemorate the Victory over Japan.

He said that throughout the country people were gathering to remember the 72,000 British and Commonwealth service people who gave their lives and to remember that in Japan, the Emperor had gathered people to remember the two-and-a-half million Japanese people who lost their lives mostly because of the dropping of the two atom bombs which ended the last World War.

Representing ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the national charity of the British Army, Philip Hutchens of Crediton pointed out that the people serving in the Far East from all the different countries, speaking 40 different languages and with different religions, had worked together for the same goal, sharing the horror and deprivation.

Representing Crediton Methodist Church, Mrs Christine Marshall said that two years ago she had visited what was Burma and realised how hard it would have been in the jungle, the humidity and the heat.

Among the people there, some had family who had served in Burma and the Far East.

As well as the wreaths that were laid was a bunch of dried roses. There was a wreath from Crediton branch Royal British Legion and one from Crediton Town Council.

The final prayer was given by the Rector of Crediton, the Rev Matthew Tregenza.