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Victory over Japan Day, also known as VJ Day, is an important date which shaped today’s history – marking the end of the Second World War.
At Help for Heroes we’d like to recognise and pay tribute to those who fought in the campaign in the Far East. Without their brave sacrifices, we would not have the way of life and freedoms we enjoy today.
On 8 May 1945, the end of the war in Europe was marked – known as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). Following this end of fighting, the UK, US, France and USSR - otherwise known as the Allies – gave Japan a deadline of 26 July to also stop.
An estimated 71,000 service personnel from the UK and the Commonwealth died fighting the Japanese. This included 12,000 people who perished in a prisoner of war camp.
The deadline passed without any sign of peace. This prompted the US President Harry Truman to make the decision for the US to drop the atomic bomb on two Japanese cities – Hiroshima on 6 August and Nagasaki on 9 August. Around 214,000 people were killed in the blasts and Japan was forced to surrender.
15 August 1945 marks the end of the Second World War and is known around the world as VJ Day.
British Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced two days of national holiday on 15 and 16 August to celebrate the end of fighting. All over the world there were street parties and parades.
This was a bitter-sweet time, however. The happiness felt because of the war being over and the Allies being victorious, was accompanied by sadness. Millions of people had died in the global conflict and many veterans and civilians were left with physical and mental trauma.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank anyone who has served in our Armed Forces.
We support veterans on both sides of the war, and of all generations, regardless of whether they fought in a conflict or not. Because we know how difficult life can be after a career in the military. Pain, mental trauma, disability, inaccessible homes and poverty all make up the relentless Veterans War. Our support helps veterans from all over the world find the peace they deserve.
If you or anyone you know needs support, please get in touch.
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