In the UK, 15 August 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, a day that’s not only pivotal in our history, but also an important milestone for humanity as a whole. Had the Second World War not ended when it did, who knows how events might have unfolded? Millions more could have died, and with the nuclear arms race already beginning to take shape, the future could have been much darker.
For veterans, VJ Day is a powerful moment of reflection. It’s a chance to respect and honour those who helped bring one of the most devastating wars in history to an end. With the 80th anniversary now upon us (hard to believe, in of itself) and commemorations taking place across the world, there’s no better time to remember the fallen and celebrate their legacy.
However, while VJ Day rightly honours those who served, there are many whose contributions have been overlooked. In this blog, we’ll explore why the day is still so important, and shine a light on the Forgotten Army, whose bravery not only deserves to be remembered, but needs to be.
When Is VJ Day 2025 In The UK?
VJ Day 2025 takes place on 15 August. The date marks the day in 1945 when Japan’s surrender was announced, officially bringing the Second World War to an end. While victory in Europe had been declared in May, the conflict in the Pacific and Asia was still raging, with fierce battles fought in brutal conditions.
VJ Day is not about celebrating war, but about marking the moment peace finally returned after six long years of global conflict. It is a time to remember the sacrifices of those who fought and gave their lives, and to recognise the immense relief and hope that came with the war’s end.
A Brief History of VJ Day
While the war in Europe ended on 8 May 1945 with VE Day, fighting in the Pacific and Asia continued for several more gruelling months. Allied forces faced determined Japanese resistance across the region, including in Burma, Malaya, and the Pacific islands.
The turning point came in August 1945, when the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima (6 August) and Nagasaki (9 August). Combined with the Soviet Union’s declaration of war on Japan and its rapid advance into Japanese-held territory, the pressure became overwhelming. On 15 August 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender.
News of the victory sparked celebrations across the UK, the Commonwealth, and Allied nations. Streets filled with cheering crowds, church bells rang, and communities came together to mark the end of six years of global conflict. For many, VJ Day was both a moment of joy and relief, and a time to mourn those who never made it home.
The Forgotten Army: Britain’s Overlooked Heroes
Every schoolchild in Britain learns about Dunkirk and D-Day. But how many have heard of Kohima, Imphal, or the Fourteenth Army (the largest Commonwealth force ever assembled)? The Burma Campaign, despite being one of the longest and toughest theatres of the Second World War, rarely features in Britain’s collective memory.
This isn’t an accident. It reflects our Eurocentric focus and the uncomfortable truths of empire. While the battles in Europe offered cleaner, more familiar narratives, the fight in Burma was a different story, one of relentless heat, monsoon rains, jungle rot, and the mobilisation of hundreds of thousands of colonial troops to fight a war far from home.
The Fourteenth Army brought together soldiers from Britain, India, Africa, and Burma, fighting side by side in some of the harshest conditions of the war. Key battles such as Kohima and Imphal turned the tide in the region, halting the Japanese advance and paving the way for eventual victory in Asia. However, their courage and sacrifices have often been sidelined, not for military reasons, but political ones.
Many of these men fought and died without ever receiving the recognition they deserved. Britain has never launched a major, state-funded effort to record and preserve their testimonies.
The Forgotten Army never asked for glory: only not to be forgotten. On this 80th anniversary of VJ Day, their place in history must finally be secured.
Why Their Story Was Overlooked
The Burma Campaign’s absence from mainstream history is not due to a lack of bravery or strategic importance. Instead, it reflects the way Britain’s wartime story has often been told, with a stronger focus on the European theatre and events that fit cleaner, more familiar narratives.
The Fourteenth Army’s ranks were made up largely of Commonwealth troops from India, Africa, and Burma. Their service, while vital, sat within the complex context of empire and decolonisation: subjects that, for decades, received less attention in official commemorations and school history lessons.
Preserving and sharing these stories is essential. Without a dedicated effort to record the memories of those who served in Burma, we risk losing first-hand accounts forever. Recognising the full breadth of our wartime alliances is not just a matter of historical accuracy; it’s a matter of respect.
If VJ Day Isn’t The Time To Remember, When Is?
The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is a rare opportunity to set the record straight. For the men of the Fourteenth Army and the countless Commonwealth troops who fought alongside them, recognition has been too long in coming.
If we are serious about honouring their service, we must ensure their story is included in school history lessons, their testimonies are recorded while they still can be, and their contributions are acknowledged alongside every other victory of the Second World War.
At Veterans for Veterans, we believe remembrance is a responsibility. This VJ Day, let’s not just look back. Let’s make sure their legacy endures.
Take The Time To Remember This VJ Day
Every veteran deserves meaningful recognition. As a team of veterans ourselves, with service across multiple conflict zones, we understand the challenges and sacrifices that come with military life. Sharing their stories and ensuring their contributions are remembered is one way we can honour that service.
Our work is about more than words. We help ensure veterans receive the acknowledgement they deserve, whether through national days of remembrance like VJ Day or by securing fair compensation for injuries sustained in service. We specialise in supporting claims for conditions such as NFCI and NIHL, making the process straightforward and giving veterans the best possible chance of success.
If you left the military after 1987 and believe you may have grounds for a military claim, contact us today. Our team of veterans is here to help you get the recognition and support you deserve.