A SPECIAL service is being held at the home of 40 Commando to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.

Taunton’s 40 Commando Royal Marines and the Mayor of Taunton, Cllr Fran Smith, are hosting a Covid-secure service at the Norton Manor Camp on August 15 to commemorate the occasion, which marks the day Japan surrendered, effectively ending the Second World War.

Attendees will include The High Sheriff of Somerset, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, and Civic leaders from Somerset West and Taunton and Somerset County Council, alongside serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans.

While VE Day (Victory in Europe) marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in bitter fighting in the Far East.

VJ Day marks the day Japan surrendered, which in effect ended the Second World War.

Taunton’s VJ Day commemoration thanking them for their service and sacrifice is traditionally held in Vivary Park but Covid-19 restrictions have meant changes to the format of many Civic events this year.

40 Commando have agreed to hold the event at Norton Manor Camp with a service for up to 30 people in the Memorial Garden followed by a small reception.

"Although the service will be private this year there are many ways that members of the public can get involved with VJ Day while following social distancing guidelines," a spokesperson said.

More information can be found at https://ve-vjday75.gov.uk/get-involved/