5 days ago
Blaenau Gwent to commemorate 80th anniversary of VJ Day
Blaenau Gwent will commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on Friday, August 15, honouring the end of the Second World War and the sacrifices made in the Southeast Asia campaign.
The commemorations hold particular significance for the area due to the Battle of Tredegar Hill in Burma (now Myanmar), where 11 young men from Blaenau Gwent lost their lives and 29 were injured during a critical assault by the 6th Battalion South Wales Borderers.
The 11 who died were Private John Edward Ellis; Private Charles Benjamin Evans; Sergeant Charles Gwilliam; Lance Corporal Edward Holmes; Private Thomas Sims Howells; Private William Eleazer Jones; Corporal Harold Lucas; Private William Emlyn Rogers; Lieutenant Austin Noel Stephens; Private William John Tranter; Corporal Raymond Frederick Wookey.
The ridge, later renamed Tredegar Hill, was described by General W.J. Slim as 'held by a tenacious and fanatical enemy who fought to the last.'
Lieut-General Sir A.F. Christison said: "I was privileged to watch the assault on the 26th March by the 6th Battalion South Wales Borderers and it was with great pride that I saw with my glasses British troops swarming over the hill and knew that the position had been won."
Pat Evans, of Tredegar, shared memories of her father, Douglas Healy, who served in Burma with the 2nd Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment."
She said he didn't speak about his experiences, but never recovered from what happened out there.
Councillor Derrick Bevan, armed forces champion for Blaenau Gwent Council, paid tribute to those who served in the Southeast Asia Campaign.
Cllr Bevan said: "They fought in some of the most challenging conditions, through dense, insect-infested forests and faced a fierce fighting opposition.
"It is no wonder that those who served there never spoke about it."
A full programme of events will take place across Blaenau Gwent on August 15, including commemoration services, a parade, and the lighting of beacons and lamps.
The public is invited to attend and take part in remembering those who served and sacrificed.
