Victory over Japan Day to be remembered in Fressingfield

The event will be held at the Old Baptist Chapel in Fressingfield, near Eye, to mark Victory over Japan Day. 

The day, which is officially marked on August 15, is considered by historians to mark the end of hostilities in the Second World War. 

Michael Flounders is helping to organise the event (Image: Michael Flounders)

Burma was part of the British Empire during the Second World War when it was invaded by Japan in January 1942. The conflict to reclaim it by British Commonwealth troops became known as the Forgotten War.

During this weekend's event, the village will honour 103-year-old May Vincent, who was a Land Army girl during the war and still lives in Fressingfield.

The Women's Land Army made a significant contribution to the war effort by helping to boost food production. 

Mrs Vincent's husband, Fred, was in the Home Guard. 

Documents from May Vincent's time in the Land Army (Image: Michael Flounders)

The event will also pay tribute to 17-year-old Edna Girling, also a member of the Land Army. 

Event organiser Michael Flounders said: "I am doing a bit of further research and I realised and found out that a Land Army girl called Edna Girling, from Ipswich, was killed. 

"There was no memorial here and nothing about her. The history group didn't know anything, so we are now highlighting her and paying tribute to her at the event." 

May Vincent as young child (Image: Michael Flounders)

Ms Girling, from Ipswich, died in a farm accident in Fressingfield in January 1943.

She is remembered on a war memorial in Ipswich's Christchurch Park.

Mr Flounders is hoping relatives of the 17-year-old may be able to attend the event. 

"We are also funding a memorial bench and plaque on it in her name. If she has got any living relatives that would like to come to the event, we are inviting them down to come and have a look."

Mr Flounders said the event would pay tribute to the thousands of men who lost their lives and were never found.

The VJ Day exhibition will also have pictures of Fressingfield through the war years and pictures from the Second World War.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Burma Star Association. 

Doors open at 2pm on Saturday, August 10.