Commonwealth nations will come together to mark Victory over Japan (VJ) Day with flypasts and ceremonies across Britain.
Celebrations will take place on August 15 to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender to the Allied forces.
A series of flypasts will take place at the Royal British Legion’s national commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
In London, a sunset ceremony and lightshow recognising the contribution of the Commonwealth to the Second World War on the eve of VJ Day at the Memorial Gates, including a laying of the wreath from Lord Boateng on behalf of The King during the ceremony.
At dawn on VJ Day itself, military bagpipers will simultaneously perform the lament Battle’s O’er at The Cenotaph, in the Far East section of the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, and at Edinburgh Castle.
There will then be a moment of remembrance at a Japanese peace garden to reflect reconciliation which has taken place between the UK and Japan in the decades since the Second World War.
Some of the planes taking part in the ceremony will include The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster.
Gurkhas from the British Army’s Brigade of Gurkhas will also form part of the guard of honour in recognition of the contribution of 120,000 Gurkha soldiers during the Second World War, particularly in Malaya, Burma and Singapore.
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WWII aircraft including three Spitfires, a Hurricane and a Lancaster bomber
Meanwhile, there will be a remembrance on board the flight deck of the HMS Prince of Wales.
The aircraft carrier is currently leading the UK Carrier Strike Group on deployment to the Far East.
Military pipers will be performing around the world to recognise the contribution of communities across the Indo-Pacific to the Second World War,.
UK Armed Forces pipers will perform in Japan, Nepal, Brunei and New Zealand.
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GETTY | HMS Prince of WalesAround 400 members of the Armed Forces will pay tribute to Second World War veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire for the national commemorative event hosted by the Royal British Legion.
Chief of the defence staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “The Armed Forces are proud to be at the heart of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day this month.
“The service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation continues to inspire the men and women of today’s Armed Forces.
“The alliances and partnerships forged during the Second World War, in Nato, the Commonwealth and in the Far East, still keep us safe today.”
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Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “The bravery and sacrifice of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces during the Second World War continue to inspire us today.
“The nation will come together on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day to thank those who served and remember those who died.
“Our UK Armed Forces today continue the legacy of the Greatest Generation, protecting the peace they secured through their courage and commitment across the world.”
