ELEVENTH hour preparations are being made for a poignant service in Petersfield to commemorate Victory over Japan Day on Saturday, thanks to the Post.

There were no plans in place to mark the 70th anniversary of VJ-Day for veterans and residents in the town.

But the Post stepped in after the Petersfield branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) stressed the importance of such a service to remember those who fought in the Far East to help bring about the end of the Second World War.

The relevant authorities were contacted and, as the Post went to press (Tuesday afternoon), Petersfield Town Council and East Hampshire District Council (EHDC)?officers were working together to enable the event to go ahead in front of the War Memorial at 10.45am this Saturday, with that part of the High Street closed to traffic.

The application process usually takes two months but it is being completed in days.

Chairman of Petersfield RBL Clive Lewis applauded “the power of the press.”

He was not only impressed with the Post’s coverage of the moving story of Japanese prisoner of war Ken Pett in last week’s edition, but the way the paper had pushed for the service.

“This is probably the last time we will have any genuine Second World War Far East veterans. The war on Japan was the forgotten war because the war in Europe finished six months before,” he said.

An EHDC spokesman said:?“Ultimately the council didn’t want anything to obstruct this from happening as it is such a good thing, but there was a process to go through.”

Town council?clerk Neil Hitch added:?“We are very hopeful of everything being finalised in time.”

John Salmon (80), of Ifield Road, Petersfield, will be laying a wreath during the 30 minute service.

He will be proudly wearing medals won by his late brother Fred who served in the Navy in the Far East campaign. “I am a great believer in remembering as I grew up in the war years,” he said.

The service will be led by the Rev Will Hughes of St Peter’s Church. There will be a minute’s silence and a strong presence by RBL standard bearers and members, and civic representatives. All are welcome to attend.