London Marks 65 Years Since VJ Day

15 August 2010, 06:40 | Updated: 15 August 2010, 06:45

The Prime Minister, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will today join representatives of the three military Services and WW2 veterans to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day).

The service at the Cenotaph will remember the efforts of hundreds of thousands of veterans operating in the harshest of conditions, and pay tribute to nearly 30,000 British losses suffered during the Far East campaign, some 12,500 of whom died while prisoners of war.

Mr Cameron, who will place a wreath on behalf of the Government, said: "We must never forget the sacrifices made and the dedication showed by those who served our country in the Second World War.

"They fought and suffered around the world in ferocious conditions. They witnessed incomprehensible horrors. They lost their lives - and many were imprisoned. And they did all this for us - to protect the freedoms we all enjoy today.

"VJ Day, the day the Second World War ended, is a time for this generation to reflect and show its gratitude to our veterans for their bravery, dedication and sacrifice."

For the veterans of the campaign the service is an opportunity to meet long-lost comrades and remember the thousands who did not make it back.

John Nunneley, from Petersham, Surrey, fought in Burma against the Japanese and is attending the event.

He said: "On this 65th anniversary of Victory over Japan, survivors of that savage war, and the bereaved, pray for those who did not return.

"To them, lying rank upon rank in eternal comradeship in distant war cemeteries, or lonely in an unmarked grave, we renew our pledge; at the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember you."

The service is being organised by the Ministry of Defence along with the Burma Star Association.

After the event the veterans will be hosted at a special reception attended by Charles and Camilla, the Prime Minister and military representatives.