The final survivors of the Second World War’s "forgotten army" gathered on Sunday to lay up their standard in a poignant act of remembrance.
The Epsom branch of the Burma Star Association once had nearly 70 members, but only six of them were able to attend the service to mark the battle of Kohima in India, 71 years ago when the tide was finally turned against the Japanese.
The veterans, who served in the Far East and are all now aged over 90, decided it was time to entrust their standard into the care of St Martin’s church. It will not be carried on parade again.
Standard bearer Roy Miller, 91, was on a warship which was part of the Pacific Fleet and was targeted by Kamikaze suicide bombers.
Mr Miller said: "It’s a very emotional time. The branch was started more than 20 years ago.
"I have carried the standard, but I am in my 90s now and thought it was time to lay it up. It will be in the church forevermore."
Standard bearer Roy Miller and the piper for the branch in Epsom
John Rogers, press officer for the branch, said Mr Miller carried the standard with pride and with precision before handing it to the branch’s chaplain for the very last time.
Mr Rogers said: "They were called the ‘forgotten army’ at the time during the 40s because all the focus in Britain was on the war in Europe.
"The armies in Burma felt they had been forgotten and they gave themselves that nickname as an ironic badge of pride."
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