The Far East Prisoners of War (FEPOW) tree on Nun’s Bridges Road has seen the installation of seating and an information panel, on the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Japan Day.
The installation of the new items was supported by the Pearson family. Pat Pearson’s father, Cyril, was held as a prisoner of war by the Japanese army, along with eight other men from Thetford, who were part of the 18th Infantry Division. Of the 3,000 men in the Royal Norfolk Regiment who left for Singapore in 1942, only 1,600 would return.
Speaking about the memorial tree, Pat said, “On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and the end of the 2nd World War, the Pearson Family are very pleased to have been able to support the installation of some seating and the info panel to enhance the FEPOW memorial area at Nuns Bridges.”
On VJ Day on the 15th August, a wreath-laying was held at the FEPOW Tree alongside remembrance services at Thetford Methodist Church and on the Market Place.
The town then came together for the VJ80 Evening on the Market Place, a well-attended evening of family fun to celebrate and commemorate the end of World War Two. The day included classic village fete games, a Punch and Judy show, and entertainment from local singer, Chloe Preston.
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