THERE have been a number of services dedicated to commemorating VJ Day across the Somer Valley, including Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Paulton and Chilcompton.

The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion, commemorated VJ Day and the end of the Second World War, with a short service Friday, August 15, at the High Street Cenotaph.

The service in Midsomer Norton was led by the Rev Guy Scott
The service in Midsomer Norton was led by the Rev Guy Scott (Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion)

The service was led by the Rev Guy Scott and the Last Post was played by fifteen year old Rosie Eyres, a member of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band.

A number of wreaths were laid including one by the deputy mayor of Midsomer Norton, Dr Cheryl Scott.

During the service veteran Chris Copeland saluted the fallen.

The Last Post was played by fifteen year old Rosie Eyres in Midsomer Norton
The Last Post was played by fifteen year old Rosie Eyres in Midsomer Norton (Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion)

A short service was later held at the War Memorial in Radstock by the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion.

The Last Post was played by Kit Biggs in Radstock
The Last Post was played by Kit Biggs in Radstock (Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion)

The service was led by the Rev Ian Rousell and the Last Post was played by Kit Biggs, a member of the Norton and Radstock Silver Band. A number of wreaths were laid including one by the mayor of Radstock, Cllr Chris Dando.

The service in Radstock was led by the Rev Ian Rousell
The service in Radstock was led by the Rev Ian Rousell (Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion)
A number of wreaths were laid including one by the mayor of Radstock Cllr Chris Dando
A number of wreaths were laid including one by the mayor of Radstock Cllr Chris Dando (Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion)

A short ceremony was also held at the Chilcompton War Memorial at midday on August 15.

As Europe celebrated the surrender of German forces on VE Day (May 8 1945), thousands of British, Commonwealth and Allied Armed Forces personnel were still involved in bitter fighting in the Far East.

Victory over Japan Day on August 15 marked the surrender of Japan forces, which in effect ended the Second World War.

For months after VE Day war continued to wage in the Asia-Pacific region and only came to an end after two atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Eighty years on the UK have remembered the contribution of all British, Commonwealth and Allied Forces, without whom victory and the freedoms and way of life enjoyed today would have not been possible.

Commemorations took place across Somerset and the mayor for the West of England also paid tribute to those who fought during the Second World War as services for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day take place.

The West of England Combined Authority joined other government buildings and local authorities across the country in holding a two minute silence at midday on Friday August 15, with Victory in Japan Day marking the end of the Second World War.

Helen Godwin, Metro mayor for the West of England, said: “The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is another opportunity to reflect on the dedicated service of our armed forces, past and present.

“We are forever indebted to the bravery of my grandparents’ generation, especially to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, in Asia and around the world, fighting for freedom.

“Today is sadly likely to be among our final opportunities to honour veterans of the Second World War who are still with us. Today and every day, we thank them for their service and sacrifice.”