Twenty veterans of Britain’s WWII "forgotten army" gathered together last Sunday in quiet commemoration, together with their family and friends, and the congregation of St Martin’s in Epsom.

A special Burma Star Association service was held to mark the 65th anniversary of the victory at Kohima on the borders of India, a bloody battle that turned the tide of the war in the Far East.

The Epsom branch of the Burma Star Association gathered for a service of prayer, contemplation, and thanksgiving.

Simon Talbott, vicar of St Martin’s and honorary branch chaplain, reflected on all the memories that would be rekindled on such a day - of fallen friends, of the comradeship of war, and of all the horrors that had been witnessed and never be erased from memories.

He spoke of the fifteen days of the siege of Kohima, when a few hundred brave men had held out against thousands of their enemies.

And he reminded the congregation that while that battle may now be a distant memory, the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are a reminder of the continuing pain and suffering endured by the armed forces.

The forces serving in the Far East during World War II earned the title of the forgotten army because they were still at war after the conflict in Europe was over and because their sufferings were largely unknown for many years.

Among the congregation was the Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey and President of the Epsom Branch of the Burma Star Association Major General MCM Steele, the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell Councillor Alan Winkworth, the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor Roger Newstead, the chairman of the Mole Valley District Council, Councillor Derek Burt, Major M James, officer commanding 135 Independent Geographical Squadron, Royal Engineers, TA, members of the Burma Star Association and their families.

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