A SOCIALLY distanced ceremony to mark the ending of the Second World War and victory over Japan was held in Devizes on Saturday.

The Royal British Legion cancelled all official gatherings to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ day but servicemen and members of the public gathered at the War Memorial in Long Street to observe a two minutes silence and to lay wreaths.

Mayor Chris Gay attended along with veterans, serving personnel and town’s people gathered to remember those who served in the Far East and did not return home.

Devizes British Legion chairman Lt Col (Retd) Bobby Haslam closed the ceremony by reading the Kohima Epitaph which says: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

He said: “We were there to commemorate the ending of World War Two and the victory over Japan, to pay tribute to all those who served in the Far East and those who never returned home.”

His own father served in Burma and was a member of the Burma Star Organisation and he laid a wreath in memory of him and others who served with him.

He was joined by his son Lt Col David Haslam, who also laid a wreath.

Town councillor and member of Devizes Band, Kelvin Nash played played the Last Post and Reveille and Maj (Retd) Bede Etherington read the Act of Remembrance.

The Mayor spoke to remind people it was day to remember the bravery of those who served in the fight against Japan.

Among those laying wreaths were Devizes poppy organiser Franklin Richmond.