The 80th anniversary of VJ Day, Victory over Japan, takes place on 15 August 2025.
Whilst VE Day, Victory in Europe, marks the end of the war in Europe in May, thousands of troops were still engaged in fighting in the Far East. VJ Day marks the day Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945. After six long years, the Second World War was finally over.
More than 90,000 British troops were casualties in the war against Japan – 30,000 died and 37,500 were held as prisoners of war. For hundreds of thousands of service personnel from Britain and the Commonwealth, it would take many months to be reunited with loved ones, some of whom they had not seen for more than five years.
Oswestry Town Council and the Oswestry Branch of the Royal British Legion will be commemorating VJ Day with a remembrance service at the Memorial Gates, Cae Glas Park on Friday 15 August 2025, starting at 11am. Members of the public are warmly invited to attend the service.
Neil Lawrenson, Chair of the Oswestry RBL Branch, said: “Not everybody who fought in the war came back and many who did were injured and traumatised. We must remember the significance of VJ Day, and must never forget the losses, sacrifices and contributions made on our behalf.”
The Mayor of Oswestry, Councillor Rosie Radford, added: “It is right that we pause to remember the sacrifices that so many people gave. If you can, please join us in honouring them.”
There will be a temporary road closure in place on Church Street from the traffic lights to the mini roundabout for the remembrance service to take place safely, from 10.30am to approximately 12pm.
Picture credit; Graham Mitchell.
