Latest news with #BorderRegiment
ITV News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Hundreds come together to commemorate Armed Forces Day in Cumbria
People across the Border region have celebrated Armed Forces went along to an event at Carlisle Football Club's Fanzone at Brunton Park to see military vehicles from World War Two, and to enjoy performances of military music, parades and stalls. Armed Forces Day is a chance to commemorate the links and extensive history that the military services have in our region. Keith Richardson, from the Royal British Legion in Carlisle, said: "Armed Forces Day is very, very important to current service members, veterans and their families. And there's been an absolutely excellent turnout here. This is the first time that we've had so many forces charitable associations here, and they've all been networking with each other, which is great for the veterans community." He said that it was particularly poignant to remember veterans because it is the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on August the 15th. Cumbria has a strong affiliation with the local regiment and many of its serving soldiers were still fighting in the Far East during the second world war - even after Victory in Europe had been declared. He said: "VJ day that's coming up shortly is very, very important for Cumberland because the the Kings own Border Regiment or the Border Regiment as they were, were still fighting in Japan. "So the locals were still fighting in Japan until VJ day on the 15th of August. So it's very important that we still keep the traditions going and make people remember, because the British Legion and the other charities remember what has gone before us and try and help those that are struggling with any difficulties." Elsewhere in the region, the Armed Forces Day flag has been flying on buildings such as in Coldstream where the British Army's oldest continuously serving regiment the Coldstream Guards, were formed in 1650. Councillor John Greenwell, Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans at Scottish Borders Council, said: "The Borders is steeped in military history. In Coldstream, we're about to have our Civic Week, which commemorates the Battle of Flodden, in 1513. We have the Coldstream Guards, the KOSB."
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Carlisle to celebrate 80th anniversary of VE Day
Carlisle is set to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day next month with a series of events. On Thursday, May 8, the city will commemorate the end of World War II in Europe with a range of activities. The day will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony and a short service at the cenotaph in the city centre at midday, honouring the contributions of service personnel during the conflict. Later in the day, Carlisle Cathedral will host a Civic Evensong service at 5.45pm, followed by the ringing of the cathedral bells at 6.30pm. The celebrations will then move to Carlisle Castle, where the public can participate in the lighting of the Lamp of Peace at 9pm. This will be followed by a rendition of words, songs, and the national anthem until 9.30pm, when there will be the lighting of the beacon. The ceremony will conclude with the floodlighting of the Cathedral, Citadel, and Devonshire Street by Cumberland Council. The nationwide celebrations, announced by the Government, will span four days, culminating on VE Day itself, Thursday, May 8. Communities across the country are encouraged to organise their own street parties, in a nod to how the day was celebrated in 1945. Victory in Europe Day is an annual celebration that marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, which marked the end of World War II in Europe. On May 8, 1945, after nearly six years of war, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced a national holiday, addressing the nation on the radio. However, the day was not celebrated by everyone, as fighting continued in the Far East against Japan for another three months. Jules Wooding, manager of Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, explained: "Although there were celebrations and rejoicing, many people mourned those that had been killed or worried about those still serving overseas. "Even with VJ Day later in 1945, life did not return to normal as the impact of the war continued for many years." The Border Regiment, whose depot was at Carlisle Castle, continued to fight in the Far East in May 1945, with the war not finishing for them until August 15 – VJ (Victory Over Japan) Day. The 2nd, 4th and 9th Battalions were fighting in Burma, as recalled by George MacDonald Fraser, author, who served with the 9th Battalion. Within a week of Rangoon's fall came the news of Hitler's death and the German surrender. The 1st Battalion of the Border Regiment was sent to Norway on Operation Doomsday in May 1945 as part of the German surrender. Due to bad weather, one RAF Stirling aeroplane crash-landed in the fog near Oslo, killing all those onboard, including 13 from the Regiment. Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, located in Alma Block within Carlisle Castle, the former Border Regiment Depot, will be showcasing some of its Second World War collections in a series of changing displays scheduled throughout the year. Residents are invited to join the celebrations in Carlisle to commemorate and celebrate this significant day in history. The events provide an opportunity for the community to reflect on the past and remember those who served during the war, while also celebrating the peace and freedom that was restored 80 years ago.
