The church was well filled and while there was an impressive turn-out of veterans with a no less impressive display of service medals, there were others whose memories and experience do not exend so far.
"It is nice to know that so many people are interested," commented Steve Knight, branch secretary for the past 12 or more years.
The rector of Farnham Andrew Tuck and the Rev. Paul Rich, vicar of Crondall and Ewshot and a past chairman of the Rushmoor branch of the Burma Star Association who gave the address, both hazarded a guess that the service might be held again next year.
But Mr Knight told the Herald: "Most of us are now over 80 and there is a lot of work involved; but we want to carry the branch on as long as possible, even if there are just four or five of us meeting each month for a chat.
There is a current membership of 25 with an average attendance of 15 at the meetings on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Liberal Club.
At a reception held there following the service, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Surrey Major General MCM Steele presented plaques for services to the association to the Farnham branch chairman Bob Knowles and Steve Knight.
Mr Knowles, who served with the Paratroop Regiment, founded the Farnham branch in March 1985 and Mr Knight(RAF) joined at the second meeting.
The Farnham branch standard (bearer Dave King) was joined at the service by four other Burma Star branch standards, as well as those of the Farnham branch Royal British Legion, Normandy Veterans, RN Association, the Gloucester and Wiltshire Regimental Association and the Royal Military Police.
Among the invited guests were the High Sheriff of Surrey W Biddell, the Mayor of Waverley Michael Goodridge, the Mayor of Farnham Victor Duckett, vice-president South East Area Committee Burma Star Association Joan Edwards, hon secretary South East Area Committee and Burma Star Association council member PMJ Moran, president of the Farnham branch RBL Frank Cordier and chairman Chindits Old Comrades Association Major Neville Hogan.
Lt Col CRD Gray, Skinners Horse, representing the Indian Cavalry and Armoured Corps, recited the act of remembrance: "We remember with pride and thanksgiving all those of many races, colours and creeds, who as comrades fought and died in Burma, Malaya and Hong Kong and in the Japanese prison camps, and in particular those of the British and Indian Forces."
The Kohima epitaph to the "forgotten army" of SE Asia was spoken by Bob Knowles... "When you go home, tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, we gave our today".
The Royal British Legion exhortation which begins "They shall grown not old" was spoken by Frank Cordier.
During the singing of the hymn "O valiant hearts, who to your glory came" a wreath was placed at the Burma Star memorial by the president of the Farnham branch Lt Col William Farrow, 11th Sikh Regiment.
He read a lesson from St. John 15, vv 9-13. Ronald Brown, who served in Burma with the Royal Corps of Signals 2nd British Division, read from Micah 4, vv 1-5.
In his address, the Revd Paul Rich said that at the time of great national crises throughout history there had been men and women ready to lay down their lives in the cause of justice and peace.
Today the world was facing another conflict which had become a matter of life and death for the whole human race.
He spoke of the "enormous terrifying power" pervading homes and families, trades unions, management, civil administration and international politics.
"How to use all of this creatively and not destructively? If we don't, the chances are that we will simply hand over power into the wrong hands.
"We are less likely to end war, and peace is unlikely to be won or maintained without the use of power. We seem to think our freedom and heritage and tradition are something to be taken for granted, but we have to be worthy of the sacrifices that have been made.
"Christians in this country must stand up as the people of God. Let God fill us with his presence, power and love so that we may be able to defeat evil wherever we may meet it."
Toni Muggridge, of the Aldershot and Farnham Sea Cadet Corps, sounded the Last Post and Reveille.
Guests also included: Mr PMJ Moran, Hon Secretary, South East Area Committee, Burma Star Association Council Member; Mr Frank Cordier, JP, President, Farnham Branch, Royal British Legion; Major Neville Hogan, chairman, Chindits Old Comrades Association; Brigadier Gordon Dennison, OBE; Rear Admiral Sir Peter Anson, Bt.; Mr Fred Culver; Mrs Jean StPierre; Dr A J Blowers CBE JP DL; Lt Col CRD Gray, Indian Army Skinners Horse; Sir Ray Tindle CBE DL, Devon Regiment 2nd Div.