Today marks the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, when Japan ceased fighting in the Second World War on August 15, 1945.

One remarkable lady who served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) during the war is Lance Corporal Felicity Joan Edwards.

Originally from Balham in south London, the 97-year-old now resides on the Isle of Wight.

It was in 1941, at the age of 18, that Felicity joined the ATS, spending the greater part of her years in the army at Arborfield as a cinema projectionist.

Her role was to educate troops on the maintenance of army vehicles including the Churchill, Cromwell and Sherman tanks.

Felicity vividly recalls being at Aborfield when the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) was formed.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Lance Corporal Felicity Joan Edwards with her family during the war

She said: “I remember feeling a sense of pride and confidence to be part of this new regiment.

"A large parade was held to mark the formation of REME, and I had to march across the parade ground to the new theme song while a flag was hoisted to the top of the mast to mark this new elite military establishment — it was a day to remember!”

Felicity remained at Arborfield until the end of the war after a short posting to Derbyshire. Her memories from this time were incredibly traumatic.

She endured relentless bombing throughout the London Blitz, which hit the street where her family was living at the time.

Recalling her time stationed in the Midlands, she said: "We used to stand in silence and watch while squadron after squadron of Lancaster bombers filled the skies to take part in the carpet bombing of Germany.

"My heart will always embrace the men who served in Bomber Command. Ethics are the luxury for those who have come after us.”

The WRAC Association is the only charity specifically supporting women who served in the British army and distributes grants to women who are finding life financially challenging, as well as offering social support and initiatives.

Retired Colonel Ali Brown, vice-president of WRAC, said: “Today marks 75 years since victory over Japan, which finally brought the war to an end.

"We must not forget Joan, and all other pioneering women who served their country, particularly those women who played instrumental roles in bringing back British soldiers held captive by the Japanese army.

"On behalf of the WRAC Association, (we wish to) thank them for their great courage, loyalty and comradeship.”