Bramley and Pudsey to remember the ‘forgotten war’

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Saturday will mark 70 years since Victory over Japan Day and the final end of World War Two hostilities.

Residents are being invited to come together at memorials in  Bramley and Pudsey to remember the thousands of British and Commonwealth troops who gave their lives throughout the conflict.

Lasting three years and seeing some 300,000 men taken prisoner, the conflict with Japan was the longest campaign of the Second World War but is rarely commemorated as widely as events in Europe.

Locals in Bramley, Stanningley and Rodley are keen to shine a spotlight on the immense bravery and sacrifice of those who fought against Japan, primarily in Burma, Singapore and Thailand, and will attend a short service led by the Rev Paul Crabb.

The community is being invited to gather at 10.45am at the Bramley War Memorial, where a minutes’ silence will be observed at 11am and a wreath will be laid in remembrance of those who gave their lives.

The local group responsible for organising the service – The Friends of Bramley War Memorial – believes that around 32 of those names listed on the Memorial fought and died in conflicts in the Middle and Far East.

Councillor Caroline Gruen (Labour, Bramley and Stanningley) said:

“Each year we see incredibly moving commemorations of VE Day across Leeds, but perhaps VJ Day has not had the recognition it so richly warrants. There is a strong feeling in Bramley that we want to remember all of those who fought in Second World War conflicts as we give thanks for their sacrifice to secure our freedom.

“The service at the Bramley War Memorial next Saturday will be the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the strength of feeling local people have on this, and I’m looking forward to seeing people from all faiths, or none, joining us.”

Crosses can be ordered before 15 August by emailing bramleywm@aol.com or are available on the day for those attending who wish to place personalised messages, with donations going to the Royal British Legion.

A similar civic ceremony will be held at Pudsey Cenotaph on Saturday (10.45am).

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