Honouring Somerset's Heroes on the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day

Jackie, who lived and died in Taunton, was one of the women of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), delivering aircraft across Britain so frontline pilots could focus on combat.

Parish and County Councillor Fraiser Thomas recalls “Jackie Moggridge was one of those ladies who delivered aircraft all round the country… She was a real ground breaking lady.”

Thomas remembers Jackie recounting one of her experiences at a time when female pilots were still rare. She arrived at an airport alone in a large plane, and when officers asked where the pilot was, she replied, “I am the pilot,” explaining she had flown the aircraft entirely on her own.

To mark her contribution, Maidenbrook Country Park will host a VJ Day event starting at 6 pm, featuring the unveiling of a new information board about Jackie and other ATA pilots. Candy Sully, volunteer coordinator at the park, says “Her grandson will be at the remembrance to unveil the board. It’s a chance to talk and understand more about what went on 80 years ago.”

The evening concludes with a beacon lighting at 9.30 pm, and communities across Somerset, including Taunton, Frome, Chard, and Somerton, are holding additional commemorations to honour all local VJ Day heroes.

Maidenbrook Country Park, home to Somerset Wood, already honours servicemen and women with memorials for WWI, VE Day, VJ Day, and the Falklands War.

Candy Sully adds “Honouring the sacrifices made is vital for the wellbeing of the country… it’s important young people get involved.”