WWll 80th Commemoration Celebration

A Heacham man is planning to commemorate VJ Day with a nostalgic show and he needs your help.

Whilst the formal surrender of Imperial Japan occurred nearly 80 years ago on the 2nd September 1945 when the surrender document was signed aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, the 15th August is recognised by the Allies as VJ Day, the Memorial Day for the end of the war.

Jim Race from Heacham is looking to commemorate this 80th anniversary with a show in August. The idea is to base it around the experiences of local men who served in the war, but predominantly in the Royal Norfolk Regiment between 1939 and 1945. Six members of the regiment have been awarded the Victoria Cross.

Jim said, “I know from my relationship with my father, that people may not always have been fully privy to what their parents experienced during the conflict, so I am asking anyone with personal experiences, memorabilia or memories of the time to get in touch so I can pull together what I hope will be a nostalgic show in August”.

Jim aims to base the evening on a ‘Norfolk at War’ theme with interesting facts and stories interlaced with songs from the era.

If you or anyone you know feel they can contribute, please get in touch with Jim by email at jimrace@jayars.co.uk or on 07950 032292.