VJ 80

After watching a very moving documentary the other day, I decided that I wanted to commemorate the sacrifices of our people involved in the brutal conflict in the Far East in World War II. They were known as The Forgotten Army. Maybe one of the reasons is that when those who survived returned to Britain they were told not to tell anyone about the horrors that they had suffered.

People knew though of the torture, brutality and inhumane treatment. I was thinking of my father, he wasn't involved but he had friends who were. When MrQ and I bought a Japanese Hitachi TV in 1970 he wasn't happy. He knew what had happened and he hadn't forgotten.

I drove to High Wych where the Sawbridgeworth Local History Society had organised a wreath-laying. I left Mish in the van in the shade and went briefly into the church. MrQ always used to mention that one of his girlfriends had been married there. There's a wonderful community spirit in the village. It was lovely to meet the small band of people. (Extras)

Back home I caught the end of the ceremony at the Arboretum. The Lark Ascending was sublime. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, an Avro Lancaster flanked by a Spitfire and a Hurricane, made two passes over the crowd. The commentator said it made the ground shake.

I was eating my lunch when I heard the unmistakable sound of a Lancaster approaching. I rushed outside, nearly tripping over Mish. I got the above shot right over my home. What an absolute thrill!