The Mayor to lead a service commemorating 80th anniversary of VJ Day

A pivotal moment that brought the Second World War to an end in the Pacific, VJ Day is marked on 15 August in the UK and commemorates the day when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces in 1945.

The surrender was met with relief and celebration that after six long years the Second World War was finally over.

While millions took part in parades and street parties, there was also great sadness – the human cost was enormous and many eagerly awaited the safe return of loved ones.

Over 90,000 British troops were casualties in the war against Japan – 30,000 died and 37,500 were held as prisoners of war.

Over 130,000 Allied civilians – 50,000 men, 42,000 women and 40,000 children – were also interned in East Asia during the Second World War.

These included colonial officials and their families, employees of European companies and the families of servicemen. More than 14,000 civilian internees died as a result of their internment.

To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, everyone is encouraged to participate in a national two-minute silence at 12 noon on Friday 15 August.

The Service of Reflection

4pm, Friday 15 August

St Helen’s Church, Hangleton Way, Hove, BN3 8ER

This solemn occasion will honour the thousands of Allied prisoners of war and civilian internees who endured unimaginable hardship during the Asia-Pacific conflict. The service will be led by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend David Hazell.

- Advertisement -

We are deeply honoured that local residents will be in attendance to share their powerful personal stories and stories of their relatives who were held as Prisoners of War in the Far East – testaments to human courage, resilience, and endurance. Their experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the true cost of war and the enduring importance of peace.

Due to limited space in the church, attendees are kindly asked to RSVP by contacting the Mayor’s Office at MayorsOffice@brighton-hove.gov.uk or by calling 01273 291225.

A small reception will follow in the adjoining church hall, offering an opportunity to share memories, tributes, and reflections over light refreshments.

Councillor Amanda Grimshaw, The Mayor of Brighton & Hove and Armed Forces Champion for the city, said: “As the Armed Forces Champion, I am honoured to lead a Service of Reflection, commemorating, remembering and thanking those who served and sacrificed so much in the Far East.

“I am also deeply grateful to everyone who reached out to me with their personal remembrances and stories of their loved ones experiencing Victory over Japan Day and the Second World War.

“It’s an honour that a local resident, who was held as Prisoners of War in the Far East, will be in attendance at the service as well as residents, who will be sharing memories of their loved ones.

“I invite everyone to listen to their powerful personal stories – testaments to human courage, resilience, and endurance.”

Anne Elizabeth Bawden (96) a Hove resident who survived one of World War II’s most infamous internment camps will be sharing her story at the event and available for interviews.

Anne was just 12 years old when Japanese forces captured her family during the fall and invasion of Shanghai and spent her formative teenage years imprisoned in Lunghwa Internment Camp – the same facility where J.G. Ballard and his family were interned from 1942-1945 and later immortalised in Ballard’s novel and the subsequent Steven Spielberg film “Empire of the Sun” – but Anne’s first-hand account of survival, resilience, and coming of age under brutal occupation has remained untold.