The Armed Forces Memorial, and its immediate surroundings, will be closed to visitors from 10am on Friday 8 August to 5pm on Sunday 17 August to allow us to prepare to host the national VJ Day 80 commemorations. The rest of the Arboretum's 150-acres will remain open to visitors as normal. We are sorry for any inconvenience this might cause and appreciate your understanding during this time.
In this compelling talk, the two grandsons reveal how they joined forces to research and identify the individuals in the portraits, successfully tracing them back to over 60 families.
Until recently, these portraits lived in a plastic box in Ben's house. For most of the previous 80 years, their home was a dusty drawer in Fred Stallard's desk. The majority of these portraits have never been seen before - now, their stories are finally being told.
This talk accompanies the free exhibition in the amphitheatre at the National Memorial Arboretum, delving deeper into the extraordinary tale of how a chaplain meticulously recorded these powerful moments in time 80 years ago.
Image Left: Charlie Inglefield
Groups 10+ and NMA Friends please call our team on 01283 245 100 to book using your discounted rate. NMA Friends are entitled to two tickets at the discounted rate per active membership.
In 2025 the National Memorial Arboretum will be reflecting upon and remembering the significant events that brought about the end of the Second World War and marking the anniversaries of both VE and VJ Day.
The Year Was 1945, a series of exhibitions, events, services, talks and tours will open a window in time to 1945, sharing the stories of those who lived and served 80 years ago.