80 years ago, on 15th August 1945, Japanese Emperor Hirohito announced to his people that Japan had accepted the Allies’ terms of unconditional surrender. The announcement came 10 days after Japan had agreed to end the hostilities, on 10th August 1945. The negotiators were in deadlock for 5 days until the Emperor himself convinced Japanese military officials to fully surrender, this day is known as VJ Day – Victory over Japan Day.
The war was bought to a rapid end due to many factors, including the United States dropping the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima and two days later, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and the second atomic bomb was dropped over Nagasaki. The death and destruction were like nothing seen before, and the number of deaths from the bombs was estimated to be as high as 200,000.
Across the Pacific and in Burma (present day Myanmar), fierce fighting led to the Japanese armies being largely defeated with the Allies gearing up for a full-scale invasion of Japan. Much of Japan’s merchant fleet had been destroyed and Japan could not afford to pay for the war, then the atomic bombing finally forced Japan into signing the surrender.
The Burma Campaign took place from December 1941 to September 1945 and commenced when Japanese forces invaded Burma and drove back the British Forces. The Burma Star was awarded to those who served in operations in the Burma Campaign.
More than 90,000 British troops were casualties; 30,000 were killed and 37,500 were held as prisoners of war. It would take many months for the tens of thousands of Allied prisoners of war to be located. They had been kept in appalling conditions, and many were put to work forced into labour. After the surrender, thousands of troops remained on active service in occupied Japan after VJ Day was announced.
For those people with relatives serving in the war, the wait for their loved ones’ return was long. At the announcement of the end of the war, millions celebrated and took part in parades and street parties, however there was also incredible sadness over the loss of life and devastation that this war had cost.
VJ Day is remembered across the world, with the United States marking 2nd September as VJ Day, in China it is marked on 3rd September and Japan marks the National Memorial Service for War Dead on 15 August with a solemn ceremony dedicated to the civilian and military casualties of the war.
In Folkestone, the 80th Anniversary was marked with a Service held in the Garden of Remembrance on the 15th August 2025, led by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend Chris Johnson. The Service was attended by dignitaries including the Deputy Lieutenant – Mrs Tracey Luke MBE DL, Chair of Folkestone & Hythe District Council – Cllr Anita Jones, representative from 1RGR, representatives from local organisations such as Royal British Legion branches, the Royal Artillery Association and Royal Naval Association. Also present were members of Folkestone Lions and Rotary Clubs, Folkestone Nepalese Community, Kent Police and Fire, the Shorncliffe Trust and the Friends of the Royal British Legion Community Choir.
The Mayor, Cllr Lucy McGirr, gave a speech during the service thanking those present for attending and Chris Shaw of the Shorncliffe Trust who read a poem written by Stanley Robinson, a 98 year old Veteran from Folkestone. The Shorncliffe Trust had also very kindly brought three symbolic lanterns: “Tommy” (Army), “Jack” (Royal Navy) and “Roger” (Royal Airforce) to the service. The lanterns had previously attended D-Day 80 in Normandy, the WW1 centenary, and were even flown lit to Canada in 2019 to mark the repatriation of the “spirit” of the 50,000 soldiers whose bodies lay in Europe. They have supported groups at the Menin Gate and events around the world.
The service in Folkestone combined solemn remembrance with a shared recognition of peace hard-won, paying tribute to the sacrifices of those who served and the enduring importance of keeping their memory alive.
Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Folkestone Town Council on 01303 257946
