South East marks 80th anniversary of VJ Day

People gathered at Hailsham War Memorial at the town centre to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day

People across the South East gathered to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and honour those who fought for the world's freedom.

VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, is commemorated on 15 August each year and marks the date in 1945 when Japan surrendered to Allied forces, bringing World War Two to an end after nearly six years.

In the war against Japan alone, 71,000 UK and Commonwealth soldiers died while 12,000 prisoners of war were held in Japanese captivity.

Commemorations took place across the South East, including at Hailsham War Memorial, where armed forces personnel, veterans and residents gathered to pay tribute.

David Calvert's took part in the VJ Day commemoration in Hailsham town centre in East Sussex

David Calvert said he wanted to remember his father and his wife's grandfather's involvement in the Far East campaign.

"I am here to remember the men and women who fell during the Japanese war, in particular my father who was in the Royal Airforce," he said.

Mr Calvert said his father served as a code decipherer on Motorina Island near Papua New Guinea and was one of the few RAF members awarded the Pacific Star medal.

"My wife's grandfather served in Burma and suffered very serious injuries which affected him for the rest of his life.

"These people should be remembered. Attending this commemoration is not glorification but an act of remembrance."

A service was also held at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham.

It was led by Brigadier Peter Gilbert QVRM TD DL VR, deputy lieutenant of Kent, and attended by veterans and dignitaries and Medway's cadets.

Councillor Vince Maple, leader of Medway Council, said: "Medway has a long and proud history with our Armed Forces, and I know many of us will have a strong personal connection through veterans or current personnel they know.

"We saw how communities across Medway came together to mark VE Day earlier this year, and though VJ Day is a more sombre and reflective day, it's another chance for us to show that we continue to honour and remember the legacy of those who came before us."

VJ Day remembrance at the Historic Chatham Dockyards on Friday

Councillor Chrissy Stamp, Medway Council's armed forces champion, said: "Anniversaries like this give us all the opportunity to pause and think about the unimaginable sacrifices that people made to secure our freedom.

"Those sacrifices are still being made today, and we are committed to supporting veterans and those who are still serving as best we can."

Royal Star & Garter care home for veterans in Worthing also held a special service for VJ Day

Guildford Borough Council has also paid tribute to those who fought in Asia.

The Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Stephen Hives, laid flowers of remembrance at Guildford Castle war memorial.

He was joined by Graham Chilton, the secretary of the Surrey Branch of Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association.

The council says this act of reflection "honours not only those who served but also the enduring legacy of peace they helped secure".

Mr Hives said: "We honour the extraordinary bravery, resilience and sacrifice of those who served in the Far East.

Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Stephen Hives, with Graham Chilton, secretary of the Surrey Branch of Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association on 80th anniversary of VJ Day at Guildford Castle war memorial

"Their courage in the face of unimaginable hardship helped secure the peace we enjoy today. It is our duty to remember them, not just today, but always."

Other memorial services took place in Crawley, Burgess Hill, Crowborough and Worthing.

In Kent, events were held at Hythe War Memorial, Maidstone County Hall and Westgate.

A service is also due to be held at Horley Memorial in Surrey on Saturday at 12:00 BST.