Service to remember victory in Pacific

ON the 60th anniversary of victory in the Pacific, a special remembrance service will be held at St James Anglican Church, Pakenham.
The service at 9.30 am on Sunday, 6 November is a chance to remember all those who lost their lives or were affected in any way by wars and conflict, particularly those in Australia’s service.
All are welcome to attend the service, especially widows, children and relatives of former service personnel.
Guest preacher will be Archdeacon Stanley Moss, an exserviceman who served with the RAAF in World War II.
Archdeacon Moss joined the RAAF in 1941 with active service in the UK with 464 Australian Squadron flying bombers. He was the only survivor in a twoplane collision over the North Sea and spent 50 hours “in the drink”.
In 1942 he was shot down during a raid on the Philips factory in Holland. Barely conscious from extensive shrapnel wounds, he landed his Ventura in a field. He spent 28 months in German prisoner of war camps.
It was during his incarceration that he prepared himself in expectation of ordination, which occurred in 1950.
In 1945, when being force marched west across Germany as the German army retreated from the advancing Russian troops, he and his fellow prisoners were mistakenly attacked by two Allied Mustangs, killing 15 and wounding about 40.
Exservice personnel and their kinfolk are advised that it will be appropriate to wear decorations and awards at the service.
Beaconhills College Cadets will provide the colours escort and members of Pakenham RSL will be involved in the service.