Queen leads VJ day commemorations in spite of threats on her life

Today The Queen led commemorations for VJ Day, the anniversary of the end of WWII, despite facing serious threats to her life from terrorists.

The Queen leaves the service at St.Martin-in-the-Fields to commemorate the 70th anniversary of V J Day. Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images

Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh attended a service at St Martin-in-the-Fields, along with The Earl and Countess of Wessex, and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester; former prisoners of war, Prime Minister David Cameron and senior politicians also attended the service, which was organised by the National Far East Prisoners of War (FEPOW) and Fellowship Welfare Remembrance Association (NFFWRA).

Reverend Dr Sam Wells told the congregation: “The struggles, the suffering and the sacrifice of the war in the Far East are a defining experience in our nation’s history.

“We stand in awe of those who were tried in ways beyond what most of us ever have to go through and greater than many of us can ever imagine.

“People who lost life, limb and liberty that we might know peace.”

Security was clearly tight at the event, with seemingly more visible personnel than is normal. Snipers lined the rooftops of nearby buildings, and scanned the crowds with binoculars, while armed police officers surrounded the church.

The Queen had been holidaying at Balmoral, but she returned to London to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII.

When the Japanese surrendered on 15th August 1945, it ended the Second World War; Germany had capitulated on 8th May, following the suicide of Hitler on 30th April and the advance of the Russian Army into Berlin.

It is estimated that there were 71,000 British and Commonwealth casualties of the war against Japan, including more than 12,000 prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity. Stories have recently come to light from veterans about the state of the camps; one reveals he ate anything he could find, including maggots and scorpions.

A minute’s silence followed the church service, and Her Majesty and Prince Philip spoke with veterans outside, many of whom just a few years older than themselves.

Commemorations then moved to Horse Guards Parade, where a fly past took place of current military aircraft: a Dakota, Hurrican and Typhoon took to the skies of London. Prince Charles and Camilla attended the Drumhead Service, with the Prime Minister.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and Prime Minister David Cameron watch a fly past at a Drumhead service on Horse Guards Parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of V J Day . Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images

Charles Dance read the poem The Road to Mandalay, by Rudyard Kipling, set to music which was a favourite marching tune in the Burmese Army.

Royal Marine buglers and percussionists from Portsmouth had piled up their drums to form the ceremonial altar (Drumhead) at the centre of the parade, replicating the practise used by troops on the front line.

A minute’s silence was held just after 2:30pm; then The Prince of Wales laid a wreath, adorned with the three feathers of his title, at the Drumhead. His message read: “In perpetual memory of their service and sacrifice”.

Veterans, war widows and members of their families marched from Horse Guards Parade to Westminster Abbey, accompanied by marching bands, being applauded by members of the public who lines the roads of Whitehall.

A veteran’s tea party was held at Westminster Abbey, with Prince Charles and the Duchess in attendance, speaking with former Prisoners of War and veterans.

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall meeting veteran’s at the legion’s #VJDay veterans reception pic.twitter.com/3TGAd2ujt3

— Royal British Legion (@PoppyLegion) August 15, 2015

Earlier in the day, Mr Cameron said: “I think it’s really important to mark this date and to honour the memory of those that died, the thousands that died, serving our country, preserving our freedoms.”

In Japan, Emperor Akihito expressed “deep remorse” for his country’s wartime actions.

Wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, with events happening in Birmingham, Newcastle and Portsmouth too, while in New York City, people recreated the famous kissing photo from the day in 1945.