A CROWD gathered outside St Anne’s Church in Bewdley this morning for a special service to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
The event was organised by Bewdley Town Council and it was attended by representatives from local organisations, councillors, civic dignitaries and local residents.
Bewdley’s civic members pay tribute on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. Picture by Sara Jennings. s
Coun Nicole Harper, the Mayor of Bewdley, addressed the crowds with a heartfelt speech in memory of those who fought for our country.
Heads were bowed during the silence. Picture by Sara Jennings. s
Rev Melissa Beynon conducted the service which concluded with a two-minute silence.
Bewdley Mayor speaks at the VJ Day event. Picture by Sara Jennings. s
Wreaths were laid at Bewdley War Memorial.
Wreaths were laid at Bewdley war memorial. Picture by Sara Jennings. s
And the special VJ Day 80 flag was flown above the town hall.
Bewdley flies the VJ flag over the town hall. Picture by Sara Jennings. s
Following the service, invited guests partook in refreshments inside St Anne’s Church.
VJ Day
VJ Day took place on August 15, 1945 and was months after VE (Victory in Europe) Day.
The fighting continued in the Far East for a number of months after the conflict had concluded on our continent.
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.
