The United Kingdom is preparing to honour the surviving veterans of the Far East and Pacific campaigns of the Second World War, eighty years after Victory over Japan (VJ Day). A series of commemorative events are planned, culminating in a national service of remembrance.
National Commemoration at the Arboretum
A central event will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. It will be attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, alongside approximately 1,500 guests. The service will pay tribute to British, Commonwealth, and Allied veterans who served in the Far East theatres of war, including Myanmar, and the Pacific and Indian Ocean territories. Thirty-three veterans, aged between 96 and 105, who served in the Far East and Pacific, will be guests of honour.
The service will include a national two-minute silence and flypasts by the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, featuring a Spitfire, Hurricane, and Lancaster. Military bagpipers will play at dawn in the Far East section of the Arboretum, adding a poignant touch to the proceedings. The service will be broadcast live on BBC One.
Royal Recognition and Remembrance
Ahead of the service, King Charles III will deliver a pre-recorded audio address to the nation, reaffirming that the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the Far East campaigns “shall never be forgotten”. He will reflect on the suffering endured by prisoners of war and civilians in occupied lands, emphasising that “war’s true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life”. The King will also highlight the importance of international collaboration, stating that “in times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear but the arms you link”.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) plays a key role in organising and facilitating the commemorations. Mark Atkinson, Director General of the RBL, emphasised the organisation’s privilege in leading the nation in marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. He highlighted the diverse contribution of Allied Forces from Britain, the Commonwealth, and beyond, and stressed that this is one of the last opportunities to thank the veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Prime Ministerial Tribute
The Prime Minister hosted a special reception at Downing Street for veterans. He affirmed the government’s commitment to service and drew a parallel between the values fought for in the Second World War and those currently being defended in Ukraine. He stated the importance of passing on the stories of those who have gone before us. During the reception, veteran Stanley Elliss, aged 103, shared pictures he had taken during the war with the Prime Minister.
Sir Keir Starmer paid his respects to those who fought, were captured, and made the ultimate sacrifice in the Far East. He acknowledged the country’s debt to those who fought for a better future and the freedoms enjoyed today, stressing the need to honour that sacrifice with every new generation.
Veteran Voices
Many veterans attending the commemorations have never shared their stories before, having registered with the RBL to participate in the 80th-anniversary events. Veterans attending the event served in various roles across the British Army, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Air Force, including submariners, minesweeper crews, destroyer crews, a Spitfire pilot, and a combat cameraman.
Among the attendees are Yavar Abbas and Owen Filer, both aged 105, and two of the last surviving Chindits – Charlie Richards, 104, and Sid Machin, 101. The Chindits were an elite Special Forces unit known for their deep jungle warfare tactics during Operation Thursday.
Charlie Richards, who served in the 7th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment, spent months behind enemy lines, ambushing Japanese supplies and communications. He expressed his pride in attending the RBL’s national event and his desire to represent all those who saw action in the Far East, including his best friend who was killed in action in Burma.
Joseph Hammond, 100, who fought in Burma, will be watching the live broadcast from his home in Ghana. He shared his reflections on the futility of war and urged everyone to strive for peace.
A Landmark Illuminated
In a symbolic gesture of remembrance, landmark buildings across the UK, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and Durham Cathedral, will be illuminated. This will stand as a visual tribute to the veterans who served in the Far East and Pacific during the Second World War.
Ensuring the Legacy
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasised the importance of remembering this vital part of the nation’s story. By coming together to hear the stories of VJ Day veterans first-hand, the legacy of the British Armed Forces and those from across the Commonwealth can be passed on to future generations, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.