VJ Day – 15th August 2025

The Parish Council have raised commemorative flags in the Jack Verrall Garden in Brenchley and at Matfield Pavilion to mark the 80^th anniversary of VJ day on 15^th August.

VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, marks the surrender of Japan and the effective end of World War II. It is celebrated on August 15th, the date Japan announced its surrender, though the formal document was signed on September 2^nd at a desk on the battleship the USS Missouri, at anchor in Tokyo Bay. This day signifies the end of the war in the Pacific, where and the conclusion of the Second World War.

While the VE Day celebrations months before had had a bittersweet tinge, with many unable to fully rejoice knowing that their loved ones were still fighting, by 15^th August, they knew that the war was all but over, and their friends and family members would soon be home.  British troops suffered over 90,000 casualties in the war against Japan, with almost 30,000 deaths and 12,000 held as prisoners of war.

Further information on VJ Day can be found on the Royal British Legion website: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/stories/victory-over-japan-day