The 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two was commemorated with a service at the war memorial in Swanage in Dorset and a two-minute silence to remember all those who died.
Victory in Europe was declared on 8th May 1945 but it was only when victory was declared the following August by the Allied Forces over Japan – known as VJ Day – that the war was over for everyone.
At Swanage war memorial marking the 80th anniversary since the end of World War Two
Remembrance service
Marking 80 years since VJ Day, a remembrance service was held at Swanage War Memorial on the Recreation Ground at 11.45 am on Friday 15th August 2025.
Led by the team rector for Swanage and Studland Ian Bird, there were also words from the Swanage town mayor Mike Bonfield and from the president of Swanage Royal British Legion John Corben.
Team rector for Swanage and Studland Ian Bird (left), with Swanage town mayor Mike Bonfield (right)
Swanage Royal British Legion John Corben reads from St John’s Gospel
Laying of wreaths in rememberance
“Cruelty beyond what most of us can imagine”
In his address the rector Ian Bird said:
“This day 80 years ago there was huge celebration and relief across this and other allied countries as hostilities ceased in the Far East as Japan unconditionally surrendered, following the devastation of the cities and civilian populations of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by atomic bombs.
“The Second World War was finally over. The long task of the repatriation of troops and prisoners of war commenced. The journey back to a post war normality had begun.
“As people returned to the UK who had experienced jungle fighting it became more apparent just how brutal the war had been for them. And those who had been prisoners of war had experienced extreme deprivation and cruelty beyond what most of us can imagine.
“Over one million people from the UK and Commonwealth countries served. We have to acknowledge that for those who fought in the Far East their role fighting for victory has not been recognised as fully as it should have been. Let us never forget their efforts and sacrifice on our behalf…”
Steve Churchill from Swanage Royal British Legion led in the Act of Remembrance followed by the Last post and the national two-minute silence at 12 noon.
Two wreaths of remembrance were laid at the war memorial.
The sun shone on the service
Flying the standard
Veterans meet at the war memorial
Tea party, music and bingo
From 1 pm on Saturday 16th August 2025 there is a celebratory event at the Swanage Royal British Legion in the High Street. Organiser Carolyn Hooper said:
“Everyone’s invited, just come down to the Swanage Legion from 1 pm to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. There will be a tea party, music from the Land Girls, and bingo for a bit of fun.
“While there’s not many veterans still around, there are families whose parents fought in the Far East and so we’re doing it for them, to remember the sacrifices and the bravery. But anyone who just wants to come along will be welcome!”
Those who arrived early came prepared for the heat!
Celebrations at the Swanage Royal British Legion
Watch the service
Further information
- More about Swanage Royal British Legion
