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VJ DAY - HEROLANDING - ASSET - 001 (1)

Uncover the untold stories

15 August 2020 was the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, marking both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War.

Join us as we remember and recognise all those who served and sacrificed in the Far East and ultimately brought an end to the Second World War.

Whilst VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still involved in bitter fighting in the Far East.

Victory over Japan would come at a heavy price, and Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) marks the day Japan surrendered on the 15 August 1945, which in effect ended the Second World War.

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Help us remember the forgotten history of those who served in the Far East

Browse stories and messages of thanks left on our interactive map as part of our VJ Day 75 campaign.
Explore the map

Fighting in the Asia-Pacific took place from Hawaii to North East India.

Britain and the Commonwealth’s principal fighting force, the Fourteenth Army, was one of the most diverse in history - over 40 languages were spoken, and all the world’s major religions represented. The descendants of many of the Commonwealth veterans of that army are today part of multicultural communities up and down the country, a lasting legacy to the success and comradeship of those who fought in the Asia-Pacific.

This year we remembered the contribution of all Commonwealth and Allied Forces, without whom victory and the freedoms and way of life we enjoy today would not have been possible.

Find out more about VJ Day

A wounded British soldier being evacuated by Indian Army stretcher bearers, Burma

In sickness and in health

The Fourteenth Army played a vital role in victory over Japan. During the Burma campaign, they faced the danger of tropical diseases, as well as Japanese forces.

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A Sikh and a West African soldier at a Command Post, Burma

Commonwealth contribution

Commonwealth forces outnumbered British forces in the Far East, and they were essential in bringing the war against Japan to an end.

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Lieutenant-General Sir William Slim awarding the Military Medal to Sergeant Jilalo Gafo, 11th East African Division

Remembering the forgotten

The war in the Far East has never been seen to hold the same importance as the war in Europe, with many who fought in the Far East considering themselves forgotten.

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British soldier reading "Leader" for relaxation at jungle base during Burma campaign

Overcoming isolation

Coping with isolation in the Far East was a challenge for all Allied forces, whether they were from Britain or a Commonwealth nation.

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VJ Day celebrations in Piccadilly Circus, London

The impact, the aftermath and the future

With the end of the war in Asia and the Pacific, over a million servicemen and women from Britain and across the Commonwealth had to be demobilised and transported home.

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Victory over Japan exhibition, Oxford St. London

Victory over Japan Day

As Europe celebrated the surrender of German forces on VE Day, thousands of British, Commonwealth and Allied Armed Forces personnel were still involved in bitter fighting in the Far East.

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Rajindar modern day in uniform

Rajindar's story

Rajindar Singh Dhatt was living in pre-partition India when the Second World War broke out. He joined the army and fought at Kohima and Imphal in North East India.

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Joseph image 2

Joseph's story

Joseph Hammond was at school in Ghana when the Second World war broke out. In 1943 he joined the army and was drafted to serve in the 82nd West African Division alongside Gurkha and British forces as part of the Fourteenth Army.

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