A service of commemoration of the battles of Kohima and Imphal and the 80th anniversary of VJ Day took place in Dean's Park, York Minster on Thursday 26th June 2025.
The Memorial Service was conducted by the Very Reverend Dominic Barrington, Dean of York. The Kohima Educational Trust is grateful to the Chapter of York for allowing this memorial service to be held in Dean's Park.
The music was provided by the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, by kind permission of Commanding Officer 4 Royal Yorkshire Regiment. The Piper was Andrew Paton.
The service was attended by The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM and the Sheriff of York, Mr Paul Doughty.
We were honoured to be joined, this year, by Mr. IKEGAMI Masaki, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary (Deputy Head of Mission) - pictured below greeting KET Chairman Angus Barclay, and Mr. DOYU Akihide, First Secretary.
The readings were given by:
Janet Hodges, daughter of WO1 (ASM) Ken Hodges, REME
Paul Willbourn, grandson of WO1 RSM Bill Scarratt, Lancashire Fusiliers.
Linda Hetherington, daughter of Gunner Alfred Henry Crawford Warr, 2nd Dorset Regiment
The Address was given by The Reverend Canon Michael D Parker, KHC CF, the Chaplain General to His Majesty's Land Forces, pictured below, and with KET Chairman Angus Barclay.
Laurence Binyon's famous lines were read by WO1 (GSM) Brian Kiernan:
The Kohima Epitaph was recited by Keith McIntosh, son of CSM Peter Norrie McIntosh, 1st Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders.
Wreaths were laid by:
The Right Honourable the The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM
Mr. IKEGAMI Masaki, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary (Deputy Head of Mission)
Colonel Peter Stitt, Commander North Region
Lt Col Thomas Skinner, CO 2nd Signal Regiment
Mr Angus Barclay, Chairman, Kohima Educational Trust.
The service is organised by the Kohima Educational Trust and we are enormously grateful to the Chapter of York. We would also like to thank the soldiers of the 2nd Signal Regiment for their unstinting help. Without their support, and the support of the Chapter, this event would not be possible.
Finally, we thank most warmly all the families and friends who joined us in York for this very special event and we look forward to welcoming you all again next year! - Thursday 2nd July 2026
Photographs with many thanks to Nikki Bowling Photography www.nikkibowling.com
