City comes to standstill as VJ Day is honoured

EVENTS ON 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF WORLD WAR TWO

- By ANDY PHILLIPS

PLYMOUTH came to a standstill at noon yesterday for two minutes' silence on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, which marked the end of World War II.

Events were held across the region to mark the anniversary of 'Victory in Japan' Day, which saw allied forces receive a full surrender by the Japanese, bringing an end to the war months after the conflict had ended in Europe.

In Plymouth, a service in the Minster Church of St Andrews was organised by the Far East Prisoners of War (FEPOW) Families of Plymouth, followed by a march to the Crowne Plaza hotel, where a military salute took place.

FEPOW Families in Plymouth have held VJ Day events every year since 1950, laying wreaths and planting crosses at the Rowan Tree of Peace, outside the Minster Church of St Andrew, to remember loved ones.

Among many venues and institutions honouring VJ Day was China Fleet Country Club in Saltash.

The venue's history stems back to the Far East, as the original China Fleet Club was founded in Hong Kong as a Royal Naval Canteen, serving as a vital sanctuary for sailors on the China Station.