75 years ago on 15 August 1945, the surrender of Japan ended the Second World War, which had, until then, continued in the Far East.
The Fourteenth Army who fought in the Asia-Pacific at this time, was formed of British and Commonwealth men and women. Often, they were and continue to be referred to as the ‘Forgotten Army’, having been at war in such remote, jungle locations, with very little opportunity to correspond with loved ones at home.
Great losses were felt on all sides of the conflict, and by the civilians of countries in the Asia-Pacific region. During the notorious Battle of Kohima (1944), the local people of Nagaland actively supporte
d Allied troops in many ways, leading to their victory. In order to sustain the memory of this comradeship and to support the education of future generations of the Naga people, veterans founded the Kohima Educational Trust in 2004. More information about the Trust and its work is available online.
This weekend, #VJDay75 will be observed through numerous activities paying tribute to the service and sacrifice of all who contributed to victory in the Far East. In addition to media coverage of wreath-laying and veteran stories throughout the day, a televised service of commemoration, including a two-minute silence at 11am, will take place on Saturday at the National Memorial Arboretum, led by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Online resources to help reflect on the peace and freedom VJ Day enabled have also been developed for use at home. To find out more about VJ Day, visit the Royal British Legion’s website.
‘When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today’.
Kohima Epitaph, by John Maxwell Edmonds
