VJ DAY: A Look at the Forgotten War

This presentation aims to shed light on a frequently overlooked aspect of Britain's wartime experience: the South-East Asian theatre. My goal is to broaden our understanding of the Second World War by highlighting the crucial and often forgotten contributions of Allied forces beyond Europe.

The presentation will be structured around the film "Backdoor to Tokyo" (approx. 18:00) ‘This edition of March of Time diverts its attention from the conflict in Europe to concentrate on the threat posed by the Japanese.’ I will use this to set the scene for the Pacific conflict. I will cut between the film and my own presentation to highlight the vital role played by overlooked forces, such as the Chinese and the Gurkhas, in campaigns like the Burma War.

I will conclude with the film "VJ Day in Central London" (approx. 2:00) ‘United in their excitement for the day celebrating Allied victory over Japan in 1945’. This visually captures the immense relief and shared celebration of the Allied victory over Japan in 1945. This final piece of footage will serve to unify the stories and reinforce the central theme of a collective, global victory.

My objective is to offer a more complete picture of the war and to honour the sacrifices made in a theatre of conflict that is often left out of mainstream narrative.

Ollie Mills (Presenter)

VENUES

5.30-6.30pm, Tue 16th Sep - Grays Library, Thameside Complex, Orsett Road, Grays RM17 6DX

1.30-2.30pm, Sun 28th Sep - Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre, Magazine No 5, Centurion Road, Purfleet-on-Thames RM19 1ZZ