Remembering VJ Day
Our veterans share their memories of the war in the Far East, 80 years on.
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On 15 August 1945, the guns finally fell silent as Japan surrendered to the Allied forces, bringing the Second World War to a long-awaited end.
The brutal conflict, which played out across jungles and remote islands in the Far East, was marked by unbearable heat, relentless hardship and unimaginable loss. Millions perished in what would become known as 'The Forgotten War'.
Now, 80 years on, we share the poignant stories of three brave veterans from across the Armed Forces who witnessed the horror first-hand. Their memories serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice and resilience of all who served in this terrible war.
We will never forget them.
Douglas's story: 'I certainly didn't like Burma'
Now 102, Douglas was in his early 20s when he was sent to assist the British 14th Army from the air.
A skilled RAF navigator, D-Day veteran Douglas went on to volunteer for Burma as he was “single and had nothing better to do.” But battling monsoon season in tropical jungles, as well as an aggressive enemy, was an experience he would never forget.
When peace was finally declared, the relief was immense, but for Douglas and many others the journey home was delayed by months. And when they did return, it was to a country focused on moving on. As Douglas says, "They quite literally forgot about us."
In this video, Douglas remembers his time in Burma
"I'll always remember returning home 15 months after the war in Burma finished, thinking: 'No wonder they call it 'The Forgotten War.'"
After the war, Douglas found solace in painting
When his service finally came to an end, Douglas enrolled onto a three-month art course in Siliguri, at the foot of the Himalayas. Staying at the Everest Club, he would begin his days looking out at the magnificent view, as dawn turned the snow on the mountains from pink to white.
Over the years, art became a real passion for Douglas. But then later in life, he lost his sight due to macular degeneration and was forced to put his brushes away - that is, until he joined Blind Veterans UK. When our staff introduced him to magnifying equipment and new techniques, Douglas was able to fall in love with painting all over again.
This VJ Day, please show Douglas he's not forgotten
Douglas says the name 'The Forgotten War' was very apt, adding: "They quite literally forgot about us." Eighty years on, please show Douglas and all our VJ veterans they're not forgotten.
John's story: 'Some of those soldiers went through hell'
John served on board the mine-laying submarine HMS Rorqual - and was lucky to survive when so many of his comrades perished.
"We lost three submarines in the Indian Ocean. On one, most of the crew were executed by the Japanese. In fact, the officers were beheaded. That’s what was in store for submariners if they were caught.
"At the time we didn't know that the Japanese went to that extent, but we'd heard some awful stories... I think it's very important to remember the anniversary because some of those soldiers went through sheer hell."
"I found that people didn't celebrate VJ Day that much. I don't remember so many street parties or anything like that... We were regarded as 'The Forgotten Fleet.'"
Raymond's story: 'It was a horrible sight in Hiroshima'
Royal Army Medical Corps veteran Raymond was on a troopship which docked in Japan soon after the atomic bombs were dropped.
"Hiroshima was as flat as you can get it and there were people walking about were covered in bandages, head to foot. It was a horrible sight.
"Remember how people weren't allowed to touch anything to eat or drink in Chernobyl for at least three years after the nuclear accident there? Well, after the bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, everybody was drinking this and drinking that, and eating this and eating that."
"There were no precautions after the bombs dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki - just a few people wearing dark glasses."
Raymond lost his sight to macular degeneration in later life
Having joined Blind Veterans UK in 2008, Raymond has loved using the sight loss equipment we've given him, like the scanner that helps him read his own letters.
He's also enjoyed his visits to our centre where he's received rehabilitation and training, and also met other veterans in the same boat. "It's where I've learnt what's still possible," he says.
Our support worker Lizzie has been there for Douglas since 2017 - and couldn't wait to help him celebrate his 102nd birthday. "I know she's there to help if I need it," he says.
Since joining the charity, Douglas has also received other support including sight loss equipment to support his art and his daily life, such as his portable electronic magnifier for scanning price tags when out shopping.
John loves his visits to our centre and the chance to "swing a few lamps" with his fellow navy veterans. He says, "I've got nothing but praise for the staff - they're incredible people. I enjoy the entertainment, the visits and the excellent food.
"I must also praise the Blind Veterans UK volunteer who comes to see me. I spend a lot of time on my own so it's nice to go out and just talk about everything and nothing."
Please support our VJ Day veterans
When you support our Second World War heroes like Douglas, Raymond and John, you show them, and all our veterans, that they're not forgotten.
Send a message to a veteran
80 years on from VJ Day, many blind veterans are still battling sight loss. We’re inviting you to share a message with them. Your words can brighten their day and bring a smile to their face.
Read more about VE Day 80
VE Day 80: Remnants of a brutal war
The joy on VE Day was universal, but as Alice, Derrick and Joan attest, almost six years of war had taken its toll.
VE | VJ Day 80: After the Darkness
Read and listen to our Second World War veterans share their remarkable stories of VE and VJ Day.
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