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PICTURE GALLERY: Burma fallen from World War Two remembered at special event




A poignant event commemorating the 28,000 lost lives in Burma and those closer to home during the Second World War took place.

At Fressingfield Baptist Church, on August 17, there was an exhibition and service to pay respect to those who fought in the conflict.

The event also paid tribute to Edna Girling, a Land Army girl who died after an accident at Pinkneys Farm in the village on January 27, 1943. She was 17.

Maria Johnson with a picture of great aunt Edna Girling, who died aged 17 whilst serving with the Land Army in 1942
Maria Johnson with a picture of great aunt Edna Girling, who died aged 17 whilst serving with the Land Army in 1942
Nicky Reynolds of the Suffolk Women’s Land Army Memorial Trust. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Nicky Reynolds of the Suffolk Women’s Land Army Memorial Trust. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Richard Passmore of Fressingfield RBL with a picture of a regiment of the Indian Army. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Richard Passmore of Fressingfield RBL with a picture of a regiment of the Indian Army. Picture: Mark Bullimore

Organiser Michael Flounders, who organised the event after finding out about his uncle L/Cp Ernest Flounders of the 1st Batallion West Yorkshire Regiment, who was lost in action fighting in the Asian conflict, said the day had been special.

“There was a good turnout and it was lovely the way the village came together for what we were doing,” he said.

“The tributes to the fallen in Burma and to the Land Army were absolutely wonderful, there was a lot of emotion, a few tears when people reminisced about how it affected them and I feel the event was very respectful.”

Event organiser Michael Flounders with his son Christopher Flounders.Pictures: Mark Bullimore
Event organiser Michael Flounders with his son Christopher Flounders.Pictures: Mark Bullimore
The service and exhibition took place at Fressingfield Baptist Church
The service and exhibition took place at Fressingfield Baptist Church
Lt Col Jeremy Troughton with his maternal Grandfather Lt. Col. Herbert Mudie’s medals. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Lt Col Jeremy Troughton with his maternal Grandfather Lt. Col. Herbert Mudie’s medals. Picture: Mark Bullimore

As well as Mr Flounders displaying the contents of his uncle’s war box, which included his enlisted bible, his medals, his uniform and his enlistment papers, there were also representatives from the Royal British Legion, the Suffolk Women’s Land Army Memorial Trust and many others proudly displaying the war heritage of their families.

Mr Flounders also said due to his research into Edna Girling, whose niece attended the event, and her connection to Fressingfield, the village will get a memorial bench to honour her in its churchyard.

“It is great news as that is what I wanted more than anything, for that girl to be remembered,” he said.

A memorial service was held during the event, where people read poems and paid tribute to those that lost their lives before a single bugler played The Last Post.

Steve Kemp. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Steve Kemp. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Michael with Major Paul Corden of the Burma Star Memorial Fund at the Burma Star Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum. Picture submitted
Michael with Major Paul Corden of the Burma Star Memorial Fund at the Burma Star Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum. Picture submitted

Mr Flounders said: “I would like to convey my sincere thanks to everyone that came and supported the event. Everyone’s contribution made it highly successful and emotional.”

At the weekend, Mr Flounders went to the National Memorial Arboretum for VJ Day to march with the Burma Star Brigade and hand over his uncle’s war box to the Burma Star Museum.

“This is the closing chapter for me and my journey in finding out about my uncle, but I hope I can carry on spreading awareness about what went on in Burma during the Second World War,” he said.



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