Friday 15th August is the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day 80). It marks the formal surrender of Japan, bringing an end to six years of global conflict and brought the Second World War to a final end.
90,332 British troops were casualties in the War against Japan, of which 29,968 died and 12,433 were held as Prisoners of War (PoW). It is estimated that there are only 8,000 Second World War veterans left in England and Wales.
Their sacrifices are being marked by Stuart Anderson MP, who has urged residents across South Shropshire to take part in a national two-minute silence at twelve noon on Friday 15th August.
According to the Royal British Legion, there were 365,000 British and 1.5 million Commonwealth troops deployed across the Far East by 1945.
Alongside the British Armed Forces, personnel served in the Far East from countries including India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Nepal and African nations.
Earlier in August, Stuart visited Bridgnorth Cemetery. The cemetery, which dates back to 1850, is home to 33 Commonwealth War Graves.
This includes 15 from World War One and 18 from World War Two. More than 200 casualties from World War One and World War Two are buried at 74 locations across the Constituency.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of these graves. To mark the 80th anniversary, the Commission is also running 250 mobile exhibitions across the UK and at key global sites worldwide.
Through this initiative, the Commission aims to highlight the stories of those who fought in the Second World War. More information can be found on their website.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"15th August 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day 80). This is the date that finally brought the Second World War to an end after six years of bitter conflict across the globe - including in the Far East. To mark this special occasion, I was pleased to visit Bridgnorth Cemetery, which is the final resting place for 15 First World War and 18 Second World War casualties. As a veteran, it was a humbling experience to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom."
The Government's National Porgramme runs throughout this 80th anniversary year to include both VE and VJ Day. More information is available at ve-vjday80.gov.uk.
