A show of freedom we’ll never forget...
PRINCE William has paid a special tribute to those who “endured terrible suffering” and lost their lives fighting brutal Japanese forces in the Far East.
In a prerecorded speech made at the Guards Memorial in London and aired last night, the Duke of Cambridge told of his extreme pride in the wartime generation.
He recalled the day, 75 years ago, when his grandfather, King George VI “addressed the nation as the most catastrophic conflict in mankind’s history came to an end”.
He added: “It is hard for us to imagine what Victory over Japan Day must have felt like at the time – a mix of happiness, jubilation and sheer relief, together with a deep sadness and overwhelming sense of loss for those who would never return home.
“Today we remember those who
endured terrible suffering and honour all those who lost their lives.”
Referring to his grandfather, Prince Phillip, he said: “Like many of you, I am hugely proud of the wartime generation.
“My grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, fought in the Far East. His ship, HMS Whelp, was present in Tokyo Bay as the surrender was signed.
“He remembers vividly his role in collecting released prisoners of war, a sign – as sure as any to him – that the war was finally over.”
And he urged today’s youth and future generations to heed the hard-fought lessons of the war against fascism and imperial aggression.
He said: “As we look back, we must not forget our responsibility to learn the lessons of the past and ensure that the horrors of the Second World War are never repeated.
“We owe that to our veterans, to their families, and to the generations who will come after us.
“As we mark the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, to each and every one of you who contributed to the effort, I say – thank you. Our country owes you a debt of gratitude.
“Your bravery, and the sacrifices you made, will never be forgotten.” His speech marked the culmination of a series of events in London to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.
As dawn broke wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Maj Gen Chris Ghika, commander of the historic Households Division. Throughout the morning other tributes were laid by Maj Gen Ghika at the Chindits’ memorial and the Gurkha memorial.
Defence minister Baroness Goldie laid a wreath at the Commonwealth Gates at Constitution Hill while another was laid at the Mountbatten memorial by Commodore David Elford OBE.
Large screens across the country showed a montage of living Second World War veterans with an image of their time in service, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh, who was aboard HMS Whelp in Tokyo Bay for the signing of the Japanese surrender.
Prince William’s speech was the highlight of VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute, a special broadcast filmed at Horseguards and aired on BBC One last night.
Narrated by Joanna Lumley, whose father served in the 6th Gurkha rifles, and actress Sheridan Smith, the extravaganza boasted interviews with veterans and historic images projected on to Horse Guards Parade.
The event was accompanied by more than 200 military musicians from the Bands of the Household Division, the Royal Marines, the RAF, the Gurkhas, and Army musicians from the Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra.
They played a selection of famous music as well as scores especially composed by Steve Sidwell and Lieutenant Colonel Simon Haw, the Commanding Officer for the Bands of the Household Division.
The event included appearances from
‘The horrors must never be repeated’
actors portraying key figures from the Second World War. Those taking part included Hugh Bonneville, Paterson Joseph and Martin Shaw.
Yesterday Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter met with Burma veterans at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Red Arrows fly pasts were cancelled over London, Edinburgh and Cardiff due to bad weather. Last night Mr Wallace said: “I will be thinking of the unique hardships faced by those who served and thanking them for all they did for us. The partnerships forged during the Far East campaign continue to thrive today.
“It’s a unique honour for me as Defence Secretary to meet Second World War veterans in person at important commemorations such as these. As a former Army officer, I understand just how much today’s troops are inspired by those who came before them.
“I am proud we have put together such a full programme of events and look forward to paying tribute to our amazing Asia Pacific war veterans.”
During at online service of commemoration from Leicester cathedral, the Duke of Gloucester read an extract from the VJ speech given by King George. He said: “The campaigns in the Far East will be famous in history for many reasons.
“There is one feature of them which is a special source of pride to me, and also to you, the citizens of our British Commonwealth and Empire to whom I speak. In those campaigns there have fought, side by side with our allies, representatives of almost every unit in our great community – men from the old country, men from the dominions, from India, and the colonies.
“They fought in brotherhood. Through their courage and endurance they conquered.”
‘They faced unique hardship in Far East’