VJ DAY

Today Friday 15th August 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), which signalled the end of the Second World War.

While VE Day (Victory in Europe) marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in fighting in the Far East. 

And after VE Day many thousands of Allied service personnel ( including some of my relatives and family friends ) were transferred to the Far East to join the ongoing  war against Japan.

Victory over Japan come at a heavy price, and VJ Day marks the day Japan surrendered on 15th August 1945, which effectively ended the Second World War.

 

Fighting in the across the Asia Pacific region took place from Hawaii to North East India. Britain and the Commonwealth’s principle fighting force, the Fourteenth Army, was one of the most diverse in history – more than 40 languages were spoken, and all the world’s major religions were represented.

 

The descendants of many of the Commonwealth veterans of that army are today part of communities around the world, a lasting legacy to the success and comradeship of those who fought in the Asia Pacific region.

 

VJ Day is of immense historical significance, and we believe it is crucial that this anniversary is honoured and remembered in a meaningful way as we remember the courage of those who fought tyranny across the globe.