Oldham tribute to war dead

STANDARDS are lowered in tribute to those who died

RELATIVES of former Far East prisoners of war laid tributes at Oldham War Memorial to mark the 70th anniversary of VJ Day.

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Ateeque Ur Rehman, laid a wreath outside Oldham Parish Church.

The Vicar of Oldham, the Rev Derek Palmer, read a prayer and Alan Noble, secretary of Oldham Liaison of Ex-Service Associations, read out the surrender speech of Emperor Hirohito of Japan before the “Last Post” was played and those who attended observed a two-minute silence.

On August 14, 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allies, effectively ending the Second World War.

The name VJ Day was selected by the Allies after they named VE Day for the victory in Europe.

The council is encouraging residents to share their memories or stories of the Second World War, or organise events over the coming months to commemorate the contribution Oldhamers made to the war.

Visit www.oldhamremembers.org.uk for a closer look.

twitter: @DawnMarsdenOC