Six surviving members of the Burma Campaign of World War Two have gathered in Epsom for their final commemorative service.

The veterans attended a moving service at St Martin of Tours Church on Sunday, April 24, to mark 72 years since the epic Battle of Kohima, which marked the turning point of the war against the Japanese.

Surrey Comet:

Each year around this time, veterans of the Burma Campaign have gathered together, to commemorate their fallen comrades, and to renew old friendships.

But with numbers rapidly dwindling, the long-established branch of the Burma Association in Epsom has decided to call it a day.

John Rogers, spokesman for the Epsom Branch of the Burma Star Association, said: “At one point the group was 70 strong. We decided this year should be the last event and the veterans were determined to make it a good one – it really was.”

The mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Councillor Chris Frost, attended, along with the President of the Burma Star Association, Viscount John Slim, Surrey County Council chairman Sally Marks and other guests.

After the remembrance service, everyone relocated to the TA Centre in Ewell for a curry lunch. Then the final few members shook hands and said farewell.

Though the group will now be disbanded it will leave a lasting connection in Epsom as its standard will hang in the church along with a plaque.

Mr Rogers added: “It was, as you can imagine, a very emotional occasion, but also a joyful one.

"There was a great sense of pride, of a job well done, and a celebration of so many years of comradeship and sheer good fun.

“Although nothing formal will follow this, the veterans may continue to meet informally, probably at the pub over a pint.”

The Burma Star Association is a veteran’s organisation that includes all forces – army, navy and air force – that fought in the Burma campaign during the Second World War.