THEY were the forgotten ones – but they were remembered in a poignant service in Petersfield 70 years on.

More than 100 people, including many veterans proudly wearing medals, gathered at the town’s war memorial on Saturday to commemorate Victory Over?Japan (VJ) Day.

It had been something of a battle to put the service, 18 months in the planning by the Petersfield branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), in place, with the authorties and ?the Post working together to make it happen.

But it was well worth the last minute rush through of paperwork to have part of High Street closed to traffic.

The Rev Will Hughes, of St Peter’s Church, conducted a simple, moving service. Two wreaths were laid by those who had more to remember than most, during the minute’s silence.

One was by John Salmon, of Petersfield, who was wearing the medals of his brother Fred who served in the Far East. It carried the names of the Petersfield men who lost their lives in the Far East.

“I just closed my eyes and remembered,” said John.

The other was laid by Commander Keith Evans who was part of the Royal Navy’s so-called ‘Forgotten Fleet’.

His wreath also paid tribute to those on HMS Hood who died on May 24, 1941.

“When the war in Europe ended in May 1945 there were celebrations and most people thought ‘that’s the end’, but they had forgotten we were still in the Far East until August,” said Commander Evans, who came from his home in Fernhurst to join the service.

Chairman of Petersfield RBL Clive Lewis was pleased with the turnout. “People were moved. It brought it all home,” he said.