Motherwell ceremony remembers those who fought in the Far East during WWII

The ceremony, held to mark Far East Prisoners of War Memorial Day, was attended by veterans, their families, members of the armed forces community, civic and community representatives, and members of the public.

A special service at the Civic Centre in Motherwell has brought the community together to remember the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Far East during the Second World War.

The ceremony, held to mark Far East Prisoners of War Memorial Day, was attended by veterans, their families, members of the armed forces community, civic and community representatives, and members of the public.

The Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Lady Susan Haughey, was among those attending, with wreaths laid in memory of those who served, suffered and lost their lives.

The service included readings, an Act of Remembrance, the Last Post and Reveille, a minute’s silence and the Kohima Epitaph. Music was provided by Mason Richards, a piper from Dalziel High School, while Elaine Smith played the bugle.

Wreaths were laid by representatives including Lady Haughey, North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy, Interim Provost of South Lanarkshire Bert Thomson, MPs and MSPs, the armed forces, emergency services, the Lanarkshire Yeomanry, and families and friends.

The Far East campaign was one of the most difficult chapters of the Second World War. Many servicemen were captured and endured years of hunger, disease, exhaustion and brutal treatment as prisoners of war. Many never returned home.

North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy said: “It means a great deal to see so many people come together to remember those who served in the Far East and those who suffered as prisoners of war.

“Many of these men were not much older than the young people we see in our communities today. They left their homes and families behind, not knowing what lay ahead, and what they experienced was beyond anything most of us can imagine.

“Today’s ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance of passing these stories on to future generations, ensuring the sacrifices made 81 years ago continue to be remembered.”

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