Across the United Kingdom, communities gathered over the weekend of August 15-17, 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day)—a milestone commemorating the end of World War II and honoring the sacrifices of those who fought in what many still call the “forgotten war.” From solemn ceremonies in Warwick District and Oxfordshire’s Witney to vibrant gatherings in Portsmouth, the nation paused to remember a conflict that, while overshadowed by earlier European celebrations, left an indelible mark on millions of lives.
VJ Day, officially observed on August 15, marks the day in 1945 when Japan surrendered, finally bringing six years of devastating global conflict to a close. According to the Oxford Mail, the war’s toll was staggering: up to 85 million lives lost worldwide, with the Pacific theater continuing months after Germany’s unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945—Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). For many British families, the wait for loved ones to return stretched on long after peace was declared.
In Warwick District, commemorations began even before the anniversary itself. On Sunday, August 10, St Margaret’s Church in Whitnash hosted a service honoring the fallen, attended by local dignitaries. The following Friday, August 15, saw a series of moving events. Councillor Naveen Tangri, chairman of Warwick District Council, raised a commemorative flag at Leamington town hall, joined by local mayors and representatives from the Royal British Legion. Kenilworth Town Council and the Kenilworth Royal British Legion held a short service at their town’s war memorial, while in the evening, the bells of St Mary’s Church in Warwick rang out before another memorial service. Later, at 6:30 pm, the Royal British Legion Leamington branch and All Saints Church led a service at the war memorial, culminating in a beacon lighting at Newbold Comyn at 8:30 pm, casting a glow over the community as night fell.
Leamington and Warwick MP Matt Western was among those who underscored the enduring importance of VJ Day. In a statement shared by parliament.uk and WarwickshireWorld, he reflected, “VJ Day is a chance to remember all those who fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice in a conflict too often forgotten yet continued months after VE Day. It is an important opportunity to remember those who fought and died to defend our freedoms. We will remember them. My thanks to all who organised commemorations across our towns and villages.”
Elsewhere in Oxfordshire, the town of Witney paid tribute to Britain’s ‘forgotten army’ with a series of heartfelt events. The day began at 9 am, as the Town Crier delivered a special VJ Day cry from the Corn Exchange, setting a reflective tone. Mayor Andy Bailey and Deputy Lieutenant Ron Spurs then presided over a flag raising at the Town Hall, a moment that drew together local leaders and residents alike. Following the national two-minute silence at midday, the mayor joined the Royal British Legion for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Church Green War Memorial, before moving on to the Memorial Bench. There, the plaque dedicated to Arthur Titherington—a local man and Japanese prisoner of war—was reinstated, and tribute flowers were placed in his honor.
The day’s commemorations didn’t end there. Witney Museum opened a special exhibition on VJ Day, inviting visitors to reflect on the conflict’s legacy, while Tower Hill Chapel offered refreshments, giving the community a space to gather and share memories. As Oxford Mail noted, the events served as a poignant reminder of the soldiers who, after the fighting stopped, still faced months or even years before returning home—a sobering reality for many families.
Portsmouth, too, became a focal point for remembrance and camaraderie. On August 15, former military personnel flocked to The Ship Anson pub in The Hard, turning the venue into both a place of reflection and celebration. According to The Star, the gathering drew former sailors from HMS Tiger and HMS Ganges, members of the Royal Naval Association Portsea branch, and local residents. The atmosphere alternated between somber and joyful, with covers of wartime songs, live bands, and even karaoke echoing through the pub. A remembrance poem, shared on the pub’s Facebook page, captured the spirit of the day: “They went with songs to the battle, they were young. Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.”
Commemorations in Portsmouth extended beyond The Ship Anson. Portchester Castle hosted its own memorial service, while sailors aboard HMS Prince of Wales—currently stationed at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan—participated in a joint ceremony with Japanese forces. This international act of remembrance highlighted the enduring alliances forged during the war. Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, in comments reported by The Star, emphasized the continuing relevance of these bonds: “The Armed Forces are proud to be at the heart of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day this month. The service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation continues to inspire the men and women of today’s Armed Forces. The alliances and partnerships forged during the Second World War – in NATO, the Commonwealth and in the Far East – still keep us safe today.”
Throughout the UK, these commemorations were not just about looking back—they were about connecting generations. The presence of veterans, the participation of local officials, and the involvement of community groups like the Royal British Legion all spoke to a shared commitment to remembrance. In Warwick District, Oxfordshire, Portsmouth, and beyond, the message was clear: the sacrifices of the ‘forgotten army’ and all who endured the Pacific conflict will not fade from memory.
As the 80th anniversary of VJ Day passed, towns and cities across Britain proved that even as time marches on, the importance of honoring the past—and those who shaped it—remains as vital as ever.
