On Saturday, 22nd August 2026, Sefton Support Group was honoured to help one of our members capture a very special VJ Day Remembrance Service held at the Chindit Memorial on Proctor Road in Formby, the historic site of the former Harington Barracks.
Organised by Formby Royal British Legion and Women’s Section Branch, the moving ceremony brought members of the local community together to remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Far East during the Second World War.
A Site with an Important History
The location itself added even greater significance to the morning.
During the service, those attending heard how the former Harington Barracks site was established in 1939 as a training camp for members of the King’s Regiment. Later in the war, it became a pre-deployment training camp for those preparing to serve in the Far East, particularly the Chindits who were destined for Burma.
While people across Europe celebrated the end of the war in Europe, thousands of servicemen and women remained involved in brutal fighting thousands of miles away. Those serving in the Far East would later become known to many as the Forgotten Army.
The service reflected on the incredibly difficult conditions they faced, including relentless fighting, disease, hunger and long periods away from home.
Remembering Those Who Served
The ceremony included prayers of remembrance and hope, reflecting not only on those who gave their lives but also on the importance of peace, reconciliation and remembering the human cost of war.
Those gathered joined together for the traditional Act of Remembrance, followed by the powerful words of the Kohima Epitaph:
“When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
Members of the community were also invited to lay remembrance crosses at the memorial, providing an opportunity for everyone present to quietly pay their respects.
A Special Moment for Major Roy Bevan MBE
There was another particularly special moment during the morning when Major Roy Bevan MBE was invited forward.
Roy has spent many years photographing and filming events held by Formby Royal British Legion, creating an invaluable record of the branch’s history and the many important occasions that have taken place within the local community.
During the service, the branch spoke warmly about Roy and the contribution he has made over the years before presenting him with a special Certificate of Appreciation.
It was a wonderful and very well-deserved moment of recognition.
Capturing the Day for Roy and His Family
Sefton Support Group became involved in the day after one of our members, Paul, asked whether we could help record the occasion.
Filming events isn’t a service that SSG normally provides, but this was something very personal and meaningful to one of our members, and we were more than happy to help.
There was something especially fitting about being able to capture the occasion. Roy has spent so many years documenting Royal British Legion events and preserving memories for others, and on this occasion the camera was turned back on him.
A Surprise at The Pinewoods
Following the remembrance service, the day continued at The Pinewoods in Formby, where Roy was treated to another surprise.
The moments that followed will also form part of the finished video being created from the day, providing Roy and his family with a lasting record of what was a very special occasion.
From the solemn remembrance at the Chindit Memorial to the warmth and friendship afterwards, it was a morning filled with history, reflection, community and appreciation.
A Very Special Morning for Formby
We would like to thank Paul for asking us to be involved and Formby Royal British Legion and Women’s Section Branch for allowing us to capture such an important local occasion.
Most importantly, we hope the finished recording provides Major Roy Bevan MBE and his family with something they can treasure and look back on for many years to come.
SSG is proud to be part of the Formby community, and we were delighted to play a small part in preserving the memories of such a meaningful day.
We will remember them. Lest We Forget. 🇬🇧
