Tributes paid to those who fought in Far East to mark 75th anniversary of VJ Day

Veterans, their descendants and civic leaders all paid tribute to those who fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice – with the nation falling silent for two minutes in remembrance.

Coronavirus restrictions had meant only a few poignant services could go ahead, with people asked to commemorate the anniversary safely in their own way.

Services were carried out in Wolverhampton and Staffordshire but saw no crowds attend to ensure everyone was protected from the risk of the virus.

A number of veterans were allowed at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, where the Prince of Wales led the televised two-minute silence at 11am.

The remembrance ceremony was held to mark 75 years since Japan surrendered to the Allied forces on August 15, 1945.

In Wolverhampton, a ceremony was held at the cenotaph in St Peter's Square, having been organised by the Royal British Legion (RBL) to pay commemorate VJ Day – and to also pay tribute to those who fought during the Burma campaign.

Lyndon Purnell, president of the Wolverhampton Central Branch of the RBL, said it was his "duty, honour and privilege" to be able to take part in the ceremony.

And the 85-year-old, who served in the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment, said they had a "duty of care" to ensure everyone was safe – and said it would've been "irresponsible" to attract crowds for the ceremony, as has been the case in previous years.

Standards were hoisted up and lowered as a sign of respect to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

A prayer was read out, followed by two minutes of silence, for people to reflect on the anniversary before wreaths were laid and Laurence Binyon's For the Fallen poem was read out.

Korean War veteran Fred Bunce, chairman of the RBL branch, said: "We're here to remember and to rejoice, to rejoice that 75 years ago on August 15 the war in the Far East was over.

"Members of the Armed Forces knew the war for them was over and they could slowly make their way back to their homeland. Prisoners of war were also freed, all of them hoping to come home and make a new life.

"Many did so but many were not able to bear what they had seen, done or endured as prisoners of war. Besides the enemy, mother nature threw everything she could at them.

"Everything you could think of was put upon those soldiers and now it was all over. We must remember together all hose who did not come home – and those who died after this date as a result of their injuries."

Councillor Claire Darke, Mayor of Wolverhampton, recorded a special video message to mark the occasion after the usual event was cancelled due to coronavirus.

She said: "This year is the 75th anniversary of the surrender of Imperial Japan; an act which brought about the end of the Second World War.

"We remember the Commonwealth and Allied Forces who served and died during those dreadful years of conflict in the Far East.

"It is a day of mourning for all the war dead and an opportunity to pray for peace and reconciliation. With the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, we look forward to a sustained era of peace, hope and reconciliation."

Elsewhere, in Staffordshire, the Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall gathered at National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas to pay their respects.

The ceremony, which was closed to members of the public due to the virus, was followed by a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Philip White, deputy leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "It’s fitting that a day of national commemoration of Victory over Japan should begin here in Staffordshire for the county has many links with that historic conflict in the Far East – through the army regiment that bore its name and the many others who served on land, sea and air in harsh physical conditions to bring about peace.

"Not many of that generation are alive to tell the story now, but we know from our parents and grandparents what a difficult time it was at home and abroad, as the so-called ‘Forgotten Army’ fought on against a determined opponent at a time when so many people in the UK were celebrating the end of the war in Europe.

"I hope everyone found a moment to reflect on the sacrifices everyone made in doing their duty to help one another and the equally inspiring way that different nations have worked together since then to build closer, stronger relationships with one another."

The Union Flag was flying from the top of Shire Hall, Stafford, and the chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Kath Perry, attended a local commemoration in Great Wyrley.

Commemorations were moved online with the majority of the official services cancelled in the Black Country.

Dudley mayor Councillor David Stanley said: "Although it is easy to think of the battles that took place in Europe, the fighting that took place in the Asia-Pacific, from North East India to Hawaii, is less talked about but no less important.

"The descendants of those Commonwealth soldiers are today part of multicultural communities around the world, a lasting legacy to the success and comradeship of those who fought in the Asia-Pacific.

"We owe so much to those who fought and those who gave their lives for the peace that is now shared by our nations."

Walsall mayor councillor Paul Bott said: "This was an opportunity for residents in the borough to acknowledge the contribution of the Commonwealth forces, who came from across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and Australasia to form one of the most multicultural forces in history and to ensure that all who served and sacrificed were properly recognised."

Sandwell mayor Councillor Dr Ann Jaron said: "This year we're remembering the many different communities who served and sacrificed themselves in the Second World War to bring an end to the conflict and shaping Britain today.

"The descendants of many of the Commonwealth veterans of that army are today part of multicultural communities around the world, including those in Sandwell.

"We thank veterans of the Far East campaign and we also pay tribute to the tens of thousands of service personnel from across the UK and the Commonwealth who fought and died in the war against Japan.

"And we remember also those who were held as prisoners of war. We will remember them."