The UK Armed Forces marked the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day) with a solemn and reflective service held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on 15 August 2025, hosted by the Royal British Legion. The event was attended by Their Majesties The King and Queen, around 30 veterans of the Far East campaign, and representatives from across the Commonwealth.
The commemoration honoured the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during the Far East campaign of the Second World War in Asia and the Pacific. The service recognised the diverse backgrounds – from India, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and beyond – that contributed to the allied victory.
The King and Queen were welcomed to the ceremony by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin. They laid wreaths together in front of the Armed Forces Memorial. The ceremony began with the nation observing a two-minute silence, a powerful moment of reflection broadcast live on BBC One. The service featured a guard of honour made up of men and women drawn from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force.
The veterans in attendance included recipients of the Burma Star, veterans involved in the Battles of Kohima and Imphal and Far East prisoners of war. Serving members of Brigade of Gurkhas attended the event, along with Gurkhas forming an honour guard on the memorial and Pipers performing during the ceremony.
- Major Dave Walker – Chief of Staff, Headquarters Brigade of Gurkhas.
- Major Lalkaji Gurung – Representing the Regimental Association of the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.
- Captain Akash Limbu – Representing the Regimental Association of the GSPS.
- Warrant Officer Class Two Khadka Chhetri, whose grandfather, Subedar Major Kalu Singh Chhetri, fought during the war and he was mentioned during the ceremony.
