This special edition of the Ampthill Past Memories podcast marks the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day. On Friday 15 August 2025, the people of Ampthill gathered in the town square, joined by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Camilla King, the town mayor, Councillor Steve Addy, and fellow ward and town councillors, to honour those who served, sacrificed, and endured during the Second World War in the Far East.
We pay particular tribute to the local men of the 5th Battalion of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, many of whom suffered immense hardship as prisoners of war, and whose courage remains an enduring part of Ampthill’s history. This episode returns to that poignant moment, featuring the proclamation delivered by town crier Kelvin Horton, reflections from army veteran Terry McHugh, and the moving sounds of the Last Post and Reveille played by Louis Sherry of the Ampthill Town Band.
This recording is shared with grateful thanks to Martin Fryer and Ron Taylor of the Far East Prisoners of War Family for permission to use their invaluable research and data.
Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series from the Ampthill and District Preservation Society.
Long-standing residents of Ampthill and around, have recorded their memories of Ampthill Past giving a unique insight into their personal and working lives of several decades ago. The interviews conjure up a fabulous picture of how Ampthill used to be and highlights some of the interesting goings on and colourful characters that used to reside in the area.If you would like to be involved and help us continue to preserve Ampthill’s historic past, email ampthillpastmemories@gmail.com or go to the Ampthill and District Preservation Society website for further information.
