A HUSH fell over Crown Close in Bromsgrove as veterans of the war in Burma remembered those days more than half a century ago, and their comarades who fought and died alongside them.

The Bromsgrove branch of the Burma Star Association teamed up with the Far East Prisoners of War Association (FEPOW) from Birmingham on Saturday, for a memorial service to mark the anniversary of the victory over the Japanese in World War II.

It is traditionally held on the nearest Saturday to VJ Day, August 15, at the Burma Star memorial in Crown Close.

The service, which included wreath laying, was conducted by Burma Star branch chaplain, the Rev. Tom Barlow.

He was assisted by the Rev. David Copley, a former vicar of Tardebigge, who is FEPOW'S branch chaplain.

The gathering included members of the Royal British Legion; Cllr Mike Gill, the chairman of Bromsgrove District Council; and Court Leet Bailiff, Adrian Powell.

Ken Long from Rubery, who was the parade marshal, and also serves on the Burma Star welfare committee, said: "It is a very poignant moment for all of us who gathered. A time when we meet every year to remember the 50,000 men who never returned from the campaign in Burma".