Nantwich will commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on Friday 15 August with a series of events, including a special low-level RAF flypast over the town centre.

The date marks Japan's surrender in 1945, bringing an end to the Second World War in Asia.

While the war in Europe ended on 8 May that year, the Burma campaign, fought by the British 14th Army, often referred to as the "Forgotten Army," continued until August.

Many in Europe had begun returning to normal life, but troops and their families in the Far East remained in the midst of conflict.

RAF 60 Squadron, which won several Battle Honours during the Burma campaign, will conduct the flypast.

President of The Royal British Legion, Nantwich and District Branch, John Dwyer (Supplied).

Now re-formed as a Helicopter Training Squadron based at RAF Shawbury, Shropshire, the unit regularly flies over the Nantwich area.

At 12 noon on August 15, one of its aircraft will pass low over the town's VJ Day Monument in the Square.

advertisement

A short ceremony will follow at the monument, led by the Nantwich and District Royal British Legion.

President, John Dwyer, told Nub News: "I am so pleased that we are able to mark this occasion properly here in Nantwich.

"My father was a member of the 14th Army in The Royal Artillery Regiment.

"Although he passed away many years ago, I am proud to be able to represent him, and his colleagues, by laying a wreath on behalf of the Burma Star Association during our lunch-time ceremony.

At 8pm on Friday 15 August, St Mary's Church will host a service, followed by a second ceremony at the monument at 9pm, when John Dwyer will light a commemorative beacon (Ryan Parker).

"It is important that we must not let them be forgotten at this time. Their sacrifices were significant, and helped to secure our safety today."

The day's commemorations will continue with afternoon tea in the Parish Rooms from 2pm.

At 8pm, St Mary's Church will host a service, followed by a second ceremony at the monument at 9pm, when Mr Dwyer will light a commemorative beacon.

advertisement

READ MORE: Outrage after football goalpost defaced with swastika graffiti.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Nantwich Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Please consider following Nantwich Nub News on Facebook.