IN AN extraordinary act of defiance, Bournemouth's Mayor says she will ignore government and Ministry of defence instructions and shun the official combined VE and VJ Day celebrations on July 10 next year - if veterans ask her to.

In a voice shaking with anger, Emily Morrell-Cross pledged to do everything in her power to ensure World War II veterans are able to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the conflict in Europe and Asia, on May 8 and August 15 respectively, in the way they choose.

Speaking in her capacity as a borough councillor, she said: "I am spitting nails on this one. As far as I am concerned, July 10 is a made-up date to suit the convenience of the civil servants at the MOD and the government.

"How can they talk about commemorating VJ Day on July 10 when men were still dying in 1945, way into August? There is only one section of people whose views should be taken into account here, and that is the views of our veterans."

Her comments came as the nation remembered the fallen in all wars yesterday. Services and ceremonies were held across the area.

The mayor added: "I am willing to do, within reason, whatever they want. If they want a service or event on VE Day and later on VJ Day, that is what they will have.

"If they want to have one and not the other, that's what we'll do. If they want the July 10 date or don't want anything at all, we'll respect that. As far as I'm concerned, I'll go with whatever the majority says. There will be blood running down the walls if the veterans don't have what they want."

Mrs Morrell-Cross has already contacted the leaders of 24 Bournemouth veterans' associations, and is holding a meeting at the Town Hall today to canvass their views.

But she says she is ready and willing to hear the views of any veteran who wants to contact her. "They can call, ring, write, e-mail, use a carrier pigeon - I'll listen to it all."

Mrs Morrell-Cross was stung into action as news leaked out that the government had decided - for reasons many believe are more to do with a possible general election and ministers' holidays - to amalgamate the 60th anniversary celebrations on July 10 because it is midway between the significant dates.

"It's been done for convenience, nothing else," she declared. "The decision has been made by people who weren't even a twinkle in their daddy's eye, when the war was being fought."

Like many other people in Britain, she said she was dismayed that what will prove to be the final big commemoration of the war would officially be held on a date that wasn't relevant to those who fought in it.

"There are so many of them who survived and they've felt 60 years of guilt because they came back and their friends didn't," she said.

Emily Morrell-Cross can be contacted on 01202 451451. Or write to her at the Town Hall, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth BH2 6DY.

First published: November 15