VJ Day marks the anniversary of 15 August 1945 when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces. The surrender was met with relief and celebration that after six long years the Second World War was finally over. While millions took part in parades and street parties, there was also great sadness - the human cost was enormous and many eagerly awaited the safe return of loved ones. Over 90,000 British troops were casualties in the war against Japan - 30,000 died and 37,500 were held as prisoners of war. For hundreds of thousands of service personnel from Britain and the Commonwealth, it would take many months to be reunited with loved ones, some of whom they hadn’t seen for more than five years. On Friday, 15 August, Medway will honour the 80th anniversary of Victory Over Japan Day, marking the end of the Second World War.
Flag raising
On Friday 15 August, the Mayor of Medway, Councillor Trevor Clarke, will lead a ceremonial flag-raising at Gun Wharf. This will be followed by a brief commemoration at the Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Members of the public are encouraged to participate in a national two-minute silence at midday on Friday, 15 August to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Medway Council have also produced a short film featuring the Peace Poem, written by a local artist in collaboration with the people of Medway, which will be shared here and on our social media channels at midday on Friday, 15 August.
Summer Proms @ Fort Amherst
20th July - 31st August 2025
Every Sunday from 20th July - 31st August Fort Amherst, thanks to funding from Medway Council, will have FREE live music in their Spur Battery Amphitheatre from 2pm - 4pm.
Bring a chair and a picnic or alternatively new for 2025 you can reserve one of our picnic benches and we can bring the picnic to you! Book here.
Picnic includes baguette, with a selection of cheeses, meats, pate and chutneys, along with our homemade scones, clotted cream and jam, finished off with strawberries and cream and a bottle of Prosecco.
Hoo & Chattenden Parish Council Beacon Lighting
Kingshill Recreation Ground, Hoo on Friday, 15 August
This is a beacon lighting only and all are welcome to join us as we remember VJ Day and all those involved. Please bring a chair if you need to sit and a torch to light your way. The Beacon will be lit at 8:45pm.
Please note, there will be no catering or toilets on site.
Rochester Cathedral
Evening prayer at Rochester Cathedral will include prayers for VJ Day, and there will be a wreath laying at the War Memorial outside Rochester Cathedral at 6pm.
Recognise: Remembering and honouring the African and Caribbean heroes of WW2
Saturday, 16 August, doors at 10am with the talk at 11am to 3.30pm. Free lunch is served from 12.30 to 2pm.
Medway African and Caribbean Association warmly invites you to join them in recognising and honouring the African and Caribbean contribution to WW2 as part of VJ Day celebrations at the Royal Engineers Museum with another fascinating interactive talk with David Lawrence.
Official website of Visit Medway, Medway Council