Today, people gathered at The Memorial in Preston Cemetery to commemorate the Victory over Japan Day. The Preston District Veterans Council Chaplain, Canon Timothy Lipscomb, led the service, joined by Colonel Bernard Stam, President of the Preston and District Veterans Council, and the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Margaret McManus and her consort. A parade of standards, veterans from Preston’s ex-Service associations were also in attendance on the day.

The VJ Day commemoration has always had particular significance locally because of the capture of the Preston-based 2nd and 5th Battalions of the Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire) at the fall of Singapore in 1942.

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One of the veterans present was Corporal Stephen Allen, who came from London today to be there for the fallen. Corporal Allen is Preston’s own Chelsea Pensioner and he Served With The 14/20Th Kings Hussars 1962 to 1968, then went on to Serve as a tank transporter with The Royal Transport Corps (RTC).

An abridged video can be viewed below of the VJ commemoration parade and service.

All above photographs by Gillian Lawson and video by Paul D. Swarbrick.

Penwortham War Memorial.
Also today in Penwortham at the War Memorial, there was a short ceremony of lighting a candle and a sign placed nearby which reads:
‘VJ DAY (Victory over Japan)
On the 15th August 1945 (70 years ago today) Japan surrendered.
A candle is lit in memory of the thousands of men and women who died in this conflict. They will not be forgotten. RIP’

Penwortham War Memorial. Pic: Heather Crook

Penwortham War Memorial. Pic: Heather Crook

Lit candle at Penworham War Memorial. Pic: Heather Crook

Did you attend any of these memorial services today? Let us know in the comments below.