While people danced and held parties in UK streets to celebrate the end of fighting in Europe, members of the Allied forces were still locked in battle.

As battle fields across Europe fell silent and the sound of bombs, mortars and gun-fire faded from the spring air fighting continued in the Far East and the Pacific regions.

Multi-cultural army

It was here that British and Commonwealth soldiers, known as the Fourteenth Army, battled on from Hawaii to North-East India in some of the toughest conditions seen during the war.

The Fourteenth Army was the most multi-cultural fighting force in history. Within its ranks, more than 40 languages were spoken, and all the world’s major religions were represented.

Although Germany had surrendered on 7 May, it would be a further three months before Japan’s leaders did the same to officially end the Second World War.

The end was foreshadowed by two history defining moments. The first came at 8.15am on 6 August when the US aircraft Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb to be used as a weapon.  The bomb destroyed a five-square-mile area of the Japanese city of Hiroshima, causing the death of 120,000 people within the first four days of the blast.

Three days later at 11am, a second atomic bomb exploded over Nagasaki. This time the bomb caused 72,000 deaths.

These events led to Japan accepting the demand for unconditional surrender on 14 August. This ended the deadliest conflict in history; a war that caused the death of at least 70 million people around the world.

We commemorate Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August.

This year is the 80th Anniversary of that day. Across East Sussex we’ll be marking the occasion with events. We’ve listed a few below, but if you’re holding an event we’ve missed, we would love to hear from you. Please drop the details in the comments below!

VJ Day events around the county

Peacehaven

A VJ Day flag will be raised at 11am at the War Memorial, Peacehaven, and the Kohima Epitaph read. This will be followed by refreshments supplied at Community House, where there’ll be repeat showings of the film ‘The Next Morning’ until 1pm when there will be a 2-minute silence.

Afterwards, there will be a tree planting ceremony led by the Mayor of Peacehaven, Cllr Donovan, in Centenary Park. A time capsule, filled with a selection of the letters, will also be buried to commemorate the occasion.

Find out more on the Peacehaven VJ Day 80 – VE Day and VJ Day 80 webpage.

Heathfield

An oak tree is being planted in Heathfield to stand as a permanent reminder of the occasion. It’s being planted by Heathfield & District Bonfire Society in association with Heathfield & Waldron Parish Council

You can attend the planting of the tree at 7.30pm on VJ Day at Jubilee Park, Ghyll Road, Heathfield

Learn more about the event Von the Parish Council website.

Hailsham

Members of the public are invited to a special memorial service at the Hailsham War Memorial on the High Street. Attendees are asked to arrive by 10.30am, with the service beginning at 10.45am, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

The commemorative event will take place on VJ Day.

Find out more on the Hailsham Town Council website.

Wadhurst

Wadhurst History Society have a VJ Day Exhibition on 15 August that includes whistle-stop tours and short lively blitzes (talks) by military ‘experts’ about the strategic context and key events in the six years of the Second World War.

The exhibition will be held from 9am to 6.30 pm at Wadhurst History Centre in the Commemoration Hall. Entry will be by donation.

Find more details about the exhibition on the Wadhurst History Society website.

Uckfield

Join  Holy Trinity Cuckfield for a special afternoon and evening marking the VJ Day.

This free community event held in the Holy Trinity Church (and Old School) offers something for all ages, from free family activities (from 1 pm to 4pm), and a free community high tea at 4:30pm to 6:30pm to a Service of Thanksgiving starting at 6:30pm.

All are welcome to remember, reflect, and look forward with hope. Advanced booking is required.

There’s more about the event on the VJ Day – 80th Anniversary Commemoration Facebook page.

There’s also a beacon lighting in Uckfield starting at 8pm on VJ Day. It’s being lit in line with hundreds of beacons across the United Kingdom

Town Council hosts V-J Day 80th Anniversary Beacon Lighting website has more information, including the itinerary.

Crowborough

There will be a ceremony and wreath laying from 11.40am in the Garden of Remembrance incorporating the national 2-minute silence at 12noon .

See more about the event and the programme for the day on the town council’s website.

National memorial event

The Royal British Legion, in partnership with the government, is hosting a national commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum, with King Charles and Queen Camilla attending.

The event will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 11:30am,

Find out more about the event on the Royal British Legion website.