This years' Commemoration Service was held on Thursday 4th July in the Dean's Garden, York Minster. It was a marvellous occasion with a rousing band and piper accompanying a very moving service dedicated to the brave men who took part in the battles. This 75th anniversary year was a particularly special occasion with the Archbishop of York giving the Address and many VIPs including our Patron attending the service in the beautiful and calm surroundings of the Dean's Garden, York Minster.
The service each year in York is a wonderful opportunity for people to get together and this year, to our great joy, it was attended by a number of descendants of those who fought in the battle.
We were delighted that Harriet Getley, great grand-daughter of General Grover, was able to take part in the service and read the Kohima Epitaph.
On the previous evening, Wednesday 3rd July, we held a film and talk at York University's Holbeck Theatre. Military historians James Holland (pictured below right) and Robert Lyman (left) showed extracts from the film Imphal and Kohima: Britain's Greatest Battle and discussed the importance of this battle and that of the battle of Imphal which was taking place simultaneously further south. There followed a fascinating Q&A session. Rob Lyman also talked about the work of the Kohima Educational Trust.
