Search for Teignmouth residents with links to VJ Day

The search is on for people in Teignmouth with direct links to Japan’s part in the Second World War in advance of VJ Day commemorations on August 15.

Teignmouth Town Council is set to host a cream tea at Bitton House on the day but with spaces limited to 60, members want to ensure that some seats are available for those whose families had close ties with the liberation of Japan in 1945.

Cllr Vanda Rudge volunteers at the Alice Cross Centre where contact with colleagues has revealed hidden stories about the conflict.

‘I spoke to one colleague whose father had been a POW in Chiang Mai and another whose father had actually liberated the camp,’ she said.

‘It seemed such a strange chain of events that I wanted to find out who else is out there locally with similar stories as we hear a lot about the main events of World War Two but not much about VJ Day, it’s often overlooked.

‘A main part of the celebration of VE Day for me is that my father was a Polish POW who was repatriated to this country so if it hadn’t have been for VE Day and liberation by the Allied Forces I wouldn’t be here today.

‘I’d just like to think that people with similar stories relating to VJ Day can be offered the chance to join us for a special day on Friday August 15.’

In addition to the Bitton House event, Teignmouth Town Council will be distributing cream teas to care homes in the town so that those unable to travel can still be part of the day.

Town centre events are also set to take place with Revd David Longman set to lead a service.

Full details and applications for free tickets to the 2pm Bitton House event are available at www.teignmouth-devon.gov.uk.