On Thursday 4 September, retired soldier, Andy Middlemiss, will be joined by Jackie Sutherland, Children of Far East Prisoners of War (COFEPOW) Coordinator in Scotland, at the Loch Leven Community Library for a discussion commemorating the final events of World War Two. Proceeds from the evening will be donated to Culture Perth and Kinross and to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
The event comes shortly after the 80th anniversaries of Victory over Japan Day – VJ Day – on the 15 August – and the conclusion of the war on the 2 September.
To mark these historic triumphs, Andy will share insights into the events that led to the conclusion of the war and how victory over Japan was achieved. And, drawing on the experiences detailed in her father’s diaries while held in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps, Jackie will discuss the homecoming and repatriation of prisoners of war. Jackie’s compilation of her father’s diaries was published in 2021 as a biography, titled Doctor Behind the Wire.
Andy commented,
“Eighty years ago, the nation breathed a sigh of relief as the Second World War reached its end. The effort took years of bravery and sacrifice. As decades stretch further between present day and the war, we must remember its history and lingering effects, even after victory was declared. Anyone from Kinross and the surrounding areas is welcome to join us for what will be a thoughtful and informative evening.”
The event is taking place on Thursday 4 September from 7:00pm-8:00pm at Loch Leven Community Library, Leven Community Campus, Muirs, Kinross KY13 8FQ. Admission is £10 per person, though entry for under 18s is free. The talk is suitable for people aged 14 and up.
Places can be booked by visiting the Loch Leven Community Library in person, phoning 01577 867205, or emailing lochlevenlibrary@culturepk.org.uk.
Information is available on the event listing: https://www.culturepk.org.uk/event/1945-a-reflection-on-the-end-of-world-war-ii-80-years-on/
SSAFA has been working for the whole UK Armed Forces community for 140 years, since 1885. Its mission is simple: to reach and embrace the Armed Forces family, so they never battle alone. To access support, or to learn more about its work in Perth and Kinross, visit: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/perth-kinross
