VJ Day marked the formal end of the war with the surrender of Japan. More than 71,000 British and Commonwealth troops died in the war against Japan, including 12,000 who lost their lives in Japanese prisoner of war camps.
On September 2, 1945, a formal surrender ceremony was performed in Tokyo Bay, Japan, aboard the battleship USS Missouri.
Fighting had been ongoing for around six years, and the news of Imperial Japan’s surrender was met with jubilation.
Today, senior members of the Royal Family will join veterans to mark the 75th anniversary of the special occasion.
Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, will lead the two-minute silence at 11am.
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This will be broadcast across the country on BBC One, with coverage beginning from 9.30am.
The service will also include the Red Arrows taking to the skies for a UK-wide flypast.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will take part in a flypast following the two- minute silence.
Big screens across the UK will show photo montages of living veterans, including Prince Philip – who was present in Tokyo Bay when the surrender occurred.
Philip was serving onboard the HMS Whelp, which was in Tokyo bay on August 15, 1945.
The Red Arrows will fly across the entire country, passing over Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff, and London.
An evening service of remembrance will also be shown on BBC One at 8.30pm, featuring Prince William.
Ahead of the commemorative day, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:”When the Second World War ended 75 years ago with the surrender of Japan, British soldiers, sailors and airmen were serving in the Far East, fighting hard to achieve victory – and were among the last to come home.
“On this anniversary I want to remember what we owe the veterans of the Far East campaign.
“They brought an end to the Second World War, they changed the course of history for the better, liberated South East Asia, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“That’s why on this remarkable anniversary – and every day hereafter – we will remember them.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added: “We must never forget the bravery and sacrifice of our greatest generation.
“On August 15 we will come together as a nation to remember, give thanks and pay tribute to the endurance of those who served around the world and finally secured peace for us.
“These commemorations will inspire a new generation to learn about them and ensure their stories of heroism and sacrifice live on.”
Among those who will attend today’s service is 96-year-old veteran Roy Miller, who joined the Royal Navy at the age of 15 and served in the gunnery division onboard the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable in the Far East.
Speaking from his home in Surrey, he told Sky news about his experiences of World War II.
