VJ Day did not bring peace for everyone

SIR – Although many will be celebrating VJ Day today, we should remember that Japan did not officially surrender until September 2 1945, with the signing of the surrender on USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, Commander in Chief of the British Pacific Fleet, signed on behalf of the British government with some 32 British and Commonwealth ships in the bay.

On August 15 1945, several Fleet Air Arm planes were attacked over Tokyo and one was shot down. SubLieutenant Fred Hockley, of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, bailed out and was taken prisoner and executed by his captors.

Josh Cosnett

Oxted, Surrey SIR – The “Forgotten Fleet” and its aircraft will be remembered today when a vintage Royal Navy Swordfish biplane leads the fly-past over Horse Guards Parade in London as part of events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VJ Day.

The British Pacific Fleet was the largest strike force ever assembled by the Royal Navy and it fought alongside the US Navy during 1945.

Aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm undertook the largest ever raid in naval aviation history on the oil fields at Palembang in Sumatra, and British naval aircraft also carried out attacks on Japan itself.

It’s most appropriate that a Swordfish, which saw action in every year of the war, will represent not just the Forgotten Fleet but the oftforgotten Fleet Air Arm, too.

We should all take a moment today to remember those who fought the Japanese empire. Most who survive are nearly 90 years old or more. They deserve our salute.

Lt-Cdr Lester May (retd)

London NW1