THE 75th anniversary of VJ Day was commemorated with sombre ceremonies in Minehead and Watchet.

A service at the Burma memorial in Blenheim Gardens, Minehead, was conducted by the Rev John Thorogood, and supported by members of the Royal British Legion, the chairman of Minehead Town Council and others.

The last veteran surviving from the conflict, Captain Walter Godsal, said the Kohima epitaph, and the Exhortation was given by Philip Collins, chairman of the Minehead RBL.

Several wreaths were laid. A vote of thanks was given by Brigadier D E Godsal.

The service concluded with a two-minute silence, Reveille played by Bugler Alan Radford, and singing of the national anthem.

A ceremony at Watchet war memorial honoured two local servicemen, who died in the conflict.

Organiser Sara Summers, Watchet’s memorials archivist, said: “The service was planned with full coronavirus safety and social distancing in place. 

“It was felt that, with Royal British Legion guidance, we should go ahead with this commemoration of significant importance.”

Sara had the support and help of Watchet RBL chairman Fred Powis and Chaplain Deacon Vincent Woods. 

Sara said: “We were delighted to have Cllr Hazel Prior Sankey, chair of Somerset West and Taunton Council, to lay a wreath, invited by us and our district councillor, Loretta Whetlor. 

Watchet Town Council representative and mayor, Cllr John Irven, laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Watchet.

An additional wreath was laid for the Watchet Memorial Group and the Royal British Legion by Ann Snelling and town crier David Milton contributed ‘A Cry For Peace’.

A highlight of the service was the remembrance of Aircraftman 2nd class Donald James Binding of the RAF Volunteer Reservists, who died on March 6, 1942, in Singapore aged 22, and has relatives living locally.

Lance Bombardier Reginald James Davey of the 9th Coastal Regiment. Royal Artillery, died on March 24, 1942, aged 34.

Both are named and remembered in the Kanji War Cemetery in Singapore.