Wisbech remembers VJ Day with ceremony of commemoration

Members of the Wisbech branch of the Royal British Legion carried out a small remembrance ceremony on Saturday (15) to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.

Around 10 members, including branch chairman Toby North, performed the ceremony at the town's War Memorial to mark the actual end of World War Two.

Victory in Japan in August 1945 came three months after the war had ended in Europe, and is often referred to as the 'Forgotten Army' as soldiers, many from this area, continued to fight in the Far East in places such as Burma and Thailand.

Three wreaths were laid as part of the commemoration. One was laid by Mr North on behalf of the Royal British Legion, and the other two were laid by veterans Steve Horton, ex-Royal Anglian (Vikings) Regiment, and Bill Durrant who served with the North Cambs Regiment.

Mr North gave two readings the first was the 'Ode to the Fallen' and the second was the 'Kohima Epitaph'.

The event was publicised as there were concerns over how many may attend making it difficult for organisers to police and maintain social distancing. However, a few members of the public did observe the ceremony, which also saw the playing of the 'Last Post' through a sound system rather than the usual bugler.

Mr North said there are currently plans to hold the usual annual Remembrance Day commemorations on November 8, however, he said the final decision on whether the event, which is run in conjunction with the town council, will go ahead will be made nearer the time to fit in with government guidelines.