Veterans honour those who died in Asia

VETERANS of World War II marked the 65th anniversary of the Allies’ victory over Japan yesterday in a solemn ceremony attended by Prince Charles and British Prime Minister David Cameron.

The prince and Cameron were among those who laid wreaths at the Cenotaph war memorial in central London in memory of nearly 30,000 Britons who died in the campaign in Asia, which ended with Japan’s surrender on August 14, 1945.

About 12,500 of those who lost their lives died while prisoners of war.

“We must never forget the sacrifices made and the dedication showed by those who served our country in the Second World War,” Cameron said in a statement ahead of the ceremony, which involved readings, hymns and prayers.

“They fought and suffered around the world in ferocious conditions. They witnessed incomprehensible horrors. They lost their lives – and many were imprisoned. And they did all this for us – to protect the freedoms we all enjoy today.”

The war in Asia began with the Japanese bombing of the US Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii in December 1941, and simultaneous attacks on British, Dutch and US possessions in Asia.

“I think it’s very important to keep the memory alive,” said veteran Peter Proctor, 88, who served with RAF in Burma.