2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day), which took place on 15th August 1945, signifying the surrender of Japan.
15th August 1945 is officially celebrated as VJ Day, as this was the day Japan announced its surrender. However, the day Japan officially signed the formal surrender documents was on September 2nd, 1945, aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This officially marked the end of the war in the Far East, bringing six years of WW2 finally to a close.
Here are a number of facts which will widen your knowledge on one of the most celebrated days in modern history.
1. Atomic Bombs Dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki Helped End WW2
The end of WW2 is largely attributed to the devastating aftermath of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima on 6th August and Nagasaki on 9th August, 1945. This remains the first and only time atomic bombs have been used in warfare.
The United States decided to use atomic bombs in an effort to force a quick surrender from Japan and bring the war to an end. The U.S. also aimed to demonstrate its superior military power to both Japan and the Soviet Union.
It is estimated that approximately 66,0001 people died immediately in Hiroshima and 39,0001 in Nagasaki. However, in the months and years that followed, thousands more died as a result of severe burns and radiation-related illnesses, including cancer.
80 years on, people around the world continue to debate whether the use of atomic bombs was justified, given the catastrophic loss of civilian life.
2. VJ Day Celebrated Across the World
In Britain, the new Prime Minister Clement Attlee declared two days of national holiday on 15th and 16th August, 1945 to celebrate Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.
Just like on VE Day, the British public took to the streets in celebration, with large crowds gathering in London. Many flocked to Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, and outside Buckingham Palace to mark the occasion. People danced in the streets, threw confetti, and some even climbed lamp posts and the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace for a better view.
Huge celebrations were also held across Allied countries, including the United States. In Times Square, an iconic moment was captured when a U.S. Navy sailor kissed a stranger; a photo that became famous worldwide.
Today, VJ Day is still commemorated around the globe. To mark the 80th anniversary, a special service will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire.
The VJ Day service on 15th August will pay tribute to those who served in the Far East during WW2. Some surviving veterans who fought in the region are expected to attend.
The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is especially poignant, as only a few WW2 veterans remain.
3. Prisoners of War
The war in the Far East is often associated with the vast number of prisoners of war (PoWs). It’s estimated that approximately 190,0002 British and Commonwealth troops were taken prisoner by Japanese forces.
Britain also suffered one of its worst defeats of the war in 1942 during the surrender of Malaya and Singapore. Around 9,000 British, Commonwealth, and pre-partition Indian troops lost their lives in battle, and a further 130,0003 were taken prisoner.
Prisoners of war were held in inhumane conditions and sent to labour camps, where they were forced to work on notorious projects such as the 'Death Railway', which linked Thailand to Burma.
Blesma Member John Booth was one such prisoner. He was forced to work 12-hour shifts in tropical heat, surviving only on rice, dead rats, and snakes.
Due to the horrific conditions, John developed tropical ulcers on both legs that turned septic. The pain became unbearable, and he was given just five minutes to decide whether to have his legs amputated by a fellow PoW medic.
Fearing for his life, John chose amputation. Four friends held him down while a PoW medic amputated both of his legs without anaesthetic.
4. Known as the Forgotten Army
WW2 is often associated with the battles fought in Europe. However, some of the most ferocious and strategically significant fighting took place in the Far East.
From 8th March to 18th July, 1944, the Battles of Imphal and Kohima were fought in India. Around 1,5004 British-Indian troops were tasked with defending the towns of Imphal and Kohima against a Japanese force nearly ten times their size. At one point, the battle descended into close-range, hand-to-hand combat.
After an exhausting three months of intense fighting, with an estimated 7,0004 casualties and supplies dwindling, the Japanese forces were forced to retreat into Burma.
The battle is now considered a turning point in WW2 and is regarded by some historians as Britain’s greatest battle. Despite its significance, it received far less attention than events like D-Day. As a result, the war in the Far East became known as the "Forgotten War", and the troops who served there as the "Forgotten Army."
On the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we encourage more people to explore the stories of the veterans who served in the Far East.
Blesma Member Larry Morgan is one of the last surviving British WW2 veterans. His story is truly remarkable. During WW2, Larry was involved in a jungle warfare offensive against the Japanese. He was a Signaller in the 8th Battalion Suffolk Regiment.
The Japanese launched a ferocious bayonet attack, with each side throwing grenades left, right and centre. One grenade landed between Larry and his comrade and exploded. As a result, Larry sustained multiple shrapnel wounds to his left knee and thigh.
He was initially treated at a bamboo hospital, before being airlifted to another hospital where he contracted malaria and soon after his leg developed gangrene. Larry then had to make the difficult decision to have his leg amputated above the knee.
Blesma has been by Larry's side since WW2. Our Support Officers regularly check in with Larry to ensure he receives the assistance he needs.
Arthur Dennis Bomber, known as 'Bomber,' was another Blesma Member who fought in the Far East during WW2.In 1942, at just 22 years old, Arthur was called up for service and joined the Royal Berkshire Regiment.
He was deployed to India and saw action on the Arakan Front. His regiment was later sent to Kohima to relieve the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, who, despite suffering major losses, managed to halt the advance of Japanese forces.
In April 1944, Arthur was severely wounded by a gunshot to his left leg. As a result of his injury, he was discharged from service. His health deteriorated over time, and two years later, he made the difficult decision to have a below-the-knee amputation.
Arthur became a Blesma Member in 1946 and lived to be 100 years old. Since his amputation, Blesma supported Arthur to ensure he received the vital assistance he needed.
5. Displacement of People
Although WW2 officially ended in 1945, its impact continued to displace millions of people worldwide. Some were left homeless, others were released from prisoner of war camps, and many were liberated from slave labour camps or concentration camps.
It’s estimated that up to 11 million people5 were displaced after WW2. Many sought refuge and started new lives in countries such as the United States, Canada, Israel, and Australia.
6. Few VJ Day Veterans Remain
The exact number of surviving VJ Day veterans is unknown. However, current estimates suggest that fewer than 8,000 British WWII veterans remain alive in 2025. The number who served specifically in the Far East is likely to be significantly smaller.
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, are an Armed Forces charity dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or loss of sight.
Around the 80th anniversary of VJ Day make sure to strike up conversations with friends and family about the topic. You never know what stories they may have to tell about family members who fought during WW2 and in the Far East.
Sources
3RBL
We can help
We are dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or sight. We support these men and women in their communities throughout the UK. Click the link below to find out the different kinds of support we offer.
Get Support