Veteran Bert off to VJ commemorations

A 99-year-old veteran who served in Burma and now lives in Audlem is to take part in the national VJ (Victory over Japan) Day 70th anniversary commemorations in London.

Former army captain Bert Molsom, a resident at Morris Care's Corbrook Park Nursing Home in Audlem, will attend the special event with his son, also called Bert, on Saturday 15 August.

He will join fellow Burma Star and Pacific Star holders whose service in the Far East during World War Two will be recognised. After a drumhead service and flypast on Horse Guards Parade, the veterans will parade down Whitehall to a reception at College Gardens, Westminster Abbey, hosted by the Royal British Legion.

Morris Care has funded Bert's trip to the capital so he can take up the invitation.

Bert said: "I'm pleased I'm going and to be part of the day. It is important to remember, not just VJ Day but what went before. I want to remember those who cannot be there, like my best friend
Ray Perriman who died in Burma.

"I hope to meet others who were out there, there are not many of us left."

Bert was in the Royal Army Pay Corps supporting frontline staff in Burma when Japan surrendered in 1945. On VJ Day he remembers all normal duties being abandoned and going to a thanksgiving service held in a rice mill.

Today Bert has two sons, four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and lived independently until he moved to Corbrook Park nearly three years ago. The retired computer programmer and trainer, who worked for ICL, still regularly uses a computer.

Tracey Williams, social life co-ordinator at Corbrook Park, said: "Bert is our oldest resident and is very excited about his trip to London.

"I'm sure it will be a memorable and poignant occasion for all the veterans who have been invited."

For his 99th birthday treat last month Tracey took Bert to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford where he was given a guided tour.

For more information on Morris Care and its seven care homes in Shropshire and Cheshire visit
www.morriscare.co.uk.

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