The 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day was commemorated on Friday, August 15, at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire with a Service of Remembrance honouring those who served in the Far East theatres of the Second World War. The event was hosted by the Royal British Legion in partnership with the UK Government and the Armed Forces. Thirty-three Second World War veterans attended as guests of honour, representing the diverse backgrounds that contributed to the Allied victory, including personnel from India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Africa, and other Commonwealth and Allied nations. The ceremony paid tribute to those who fought and died in conflicts across Burma (now Myanmar), the Pacific, and the Indian Ocean Territories, with special recognition given to veterans of the Battles of Kohima and Imphal, recipients of the Burma Star, and former Far East prisoners of war.
Their Majesties The King and The Queen, along with the Prime Minister, were in attendance, joining approximately 1,500 guests in the solemn event, while thousands more watched the ceremony broadcast live on television. The service included moving firsthand testimony from veterans who experienced the conflict and began with a two-minute silence observed by the nation, broadcast live on BBC One. A guard of honour formed of personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force provided ceremonial support. The Red Arrows performed an overhead display, followed by a formation flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) comprising the Lancaster, Hurricane, and Spitfire aircraft, underscoring the enduring legacy and sacrifice of those who served in the Far East. For more information about the event, click HERE. For more information about the RAF Memorial Flight Official Club, visit www.memorialflightclub.com.
