Queen leads VJ Day 70th anniversary

THE Queen is to steer occasions marking the 70 anniversary of VJ Day at present, the day when Japan surrendered and World War Two lastly ended.

The service at St Martin’s in the Field will remember an estimated 71,000 British and Commonwealth causalities of the war against Japan, including more than 12,000 prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity.

A former head of royal security has said the fears should be played down, adding that the royal family has “a very determined attitude”.

Security is expected to be tight in light of reported terror threats to events in London.

She and the Duke of Edinburgh have joined the Prime Minister and former prisoners of war at a remembrance service at St Martin’s in the Field church in London.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will continue the celebrations on Saturday afternoon by joining further veterans and their families for an event at Horse Guards Parade, which will involve the drumhead service and a wreath-laying ceremony. The fly-past will include a Swordfish, a Dakota and Hurricane, together with an RAF Typhoon, report the Telegraph.

Afterward, veterans, internees and members of the military will walk through central London toward Westminster Abbey in a special parade.

Japan formally surrendered to Allied forces on September 2, 1945, at a ceremony in Tokyo Bay aboard USS Missouri, after which the country was occupied by US troops. Sky News said an undercover journalist was told by jihadists that BJ commemorations were a target.

The Yard said yesterday: ” The Met has been working closely with the events’ organisers, the Ministry of Defence, the Royal British Legion, and other partners to ensure the policing operation is proportionate and appropriate for the commemorations”.

The Metropolitan Police has encouraged people to attend or take part in events as planned.

“Their comrades that fought in Europe came home in May 1945 and they came back to a huge welcome and celebration”.

The service will embrace veterans, their households, and present members of the Armed Forces.

The monarch entered the church with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, who was proudly wearing his medals from his service in World War II.

“I think it’s also particularly important perhaps, this anniversary, where so numerous participants are now such a great age”.