FORGOTTEN HEROES OF VJ DAY

They faced death, disease and starvation to claim victory in a war half a world away

- BY LUCY THORNTON

TODAY we pay tribute to the forgotten heroes of the Second World War... the millions of British and Commonwealth troops who faced unimaginable hardship to help defeat Japan 80 years ago.

As the world marks VJ Day, we focus on 33 survivors who faced gunfire, disease, kamikaze attacks and starvation in a conflict that has never received the same recognition as that fought in Europe.

Many of the veterans have never told their story before. Some were scarred for life, mentally and physically. All returned home with a deep and abiding hatred of war.

Joseph Hammond, 100, said from his home in Ghana: “Why should such a thing happen?

“Man killing man. Humanity, destroying humanity. Never allow your country to go that way.”

The 33 came forward after registering with the Royal British Legion to be part of commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan.

Londoner Yavar Abbas, 105, the joint oldest at a service of remembrance being held today, said: “War is the real crime. If there is no war, there'll be no war crimes.”

The King and Queen and Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be attending the Royal British Legion event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.