Today - VJ Day 2025 - marks the 80th anniversary of 15 August 1945 when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces. As the fighting ended in Europe in May 1945, Allied troops in the east were still engaged in fierce warfare.

On 6th August 1945, the United States dropped the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima. Two days later, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan followed by a huge attack on 9th August. That day also saw the dropping of the second atomic bomb – over Nagasaki. Recognizing that victory was impossible, the Japanese government finally accepted the Allied surrender terms on 14th August. The following day was declared Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

VJ Day was a day of final relief and a time to give grateful recognition for the sacrifice of those who had served. We remember them, 80 years on. From our own community we remember 4 men who died in service in the Far East - all 4 were prisoners of war when they died.

Fusilier Percival Elliott, served in 9th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, died 23rd August 1943 and lies in Kanchanaburi war cemetery, Thailand

Gunner John Bernard Hall, served in 9 Coast Regiment Royal Artillery, died 10th May 1945 and lies in Labuan war cemetery, Malaysia

Fusilier Herbert Hunter, served in 9th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, died 12th September 1944 and is commemorated on the Singapore memorial. He was imprisoned on Rakuyo Maru, a Japanese prison ship, which was torpedoed by USS Sealion resulting in the deaths of more than 1000 prisoners of war.

Fusilier George Edward Thompson, served in 9th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, died 22nd May 1944 and lies in Thanbyvzayat cemetery, Myanmar

The 9th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers were sent to Singapore at the beginning of February 1942, the 9 Coast Regiment Royal Artillery also served there and both groups were captured by Japanese forces when Singapore surrendered on 15th February 1942.For the rest of the war the surviving men worked on Japanese projects including the bridge over the river Kwai.

God of the nations,

our refuge and our dwelling place,we remember with thanksgivingthose whose service achieved Allied victory in the Pacific,and hold before you all those who sufferedfrom the devastation and trauma of war.As we pray for those who suffer the atrocities of war, strengthen our resolve to pursue what makes for peace, through the one in whom we are reconciled and made one, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.