Commonwealth Contribution in the Far East

Join General Lord Richards, President of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, in conversation with Dr Peter Johnston as they explore the contribution of Commonwealth soldiers during the Far East campaign.

Victory over Japan (VJ) Day commemorates the Japanese surrender on 15 August 1945, which brought the Second World War to an end.

Britain’s principal fighting force against the Japanese, the Fourteenth Army, was one of the most diverse in history, with more than 40 languages spoken, and all major religions represented.

Around 4.5 million Commonwealth servicemen and women from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and the Caribbean played a vital role in the Second World War. Drawing on the National Army Museum’s Collection, Dr Peter Johnston and General Lord Richards will focus on their key contributions throughout the campaign in the Far East.

They will also highlight the important work carried out today by the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, which currently has 57 member organisations in 48 Commonwealth countries, supporting 40,000 veterans.