The Japanese Emperor Hirohito announced
Japan's surrender to the Japanese people on 15 August 1945 the first time
an emperor had ever addressed the nation by radio.
Our then Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced Japan's surrender to
the people of the UK at midnight GMT on 14 August 1945 which was broadcast
to Britain and the Empire. Prime Minister Clement Attlee went on to say
that a two-day national holiday would begin on the 15 August 1945, marking
VJ Day, (Victory over Japan Day) the end of WWII.
The Japanese Emperor Hirohito formally signed the Instrument of Surrender
on 02 September 1945 aboard the USS Missouri, ending the war.
On Friday 15 August 2025 we will again be marking that day in pride of
our loved ones who fought and died in Burma and India as part of 'The
Forgotten Army', on this their 80th Anniversary.
The Royal British Legion are planning events to mark this momentous anniversary
to ensure that their service and sacrifices of the Second World War generation
will always be remembered, and I daresay ample television and radio coverage.
We must however remember the men women and children of all nationalities
who lost their lives. Along with those who suffered on their return home
to their families and loved ones in that awful conflict that was the Burma
war, so after we pay a respectful two-minute silence of remembrance at
11.00am, can on this day raise a glass or two in their honour so they
shall be 'The Forgotten Army' no more.
As Dame Vera Lynn, the "Forces Sweetheart" once sang 'Bless
'Em All'.
Kohima Epitaph
“When you go home, tell them of us and say,
for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
A poignant quote from Brigadier Gordon Blight's book The History of the Royal Berkshire Regiment 1920-1947. In which he wrote- "On January 3rd, 1948, the 2nd Battalion left Rangoon in H.M.T. Scythia., the last British battalion to leave the country. And if there was no one on the quayside to watch them go, it was of little matter. There had been a job to do; now it was done."
China Dragon Cap Badge
