[Misc] VJ Day

[Thunder Bolt]

Another excellent production by the BBC. My Uncle would have been very proud.

I agree.
I didn’t realise 87% of the 14th Army were Indian, 10% British & 3% other nationalities such as Aussies, Kiwis etc.
Some fascinating testimonies heard today including a lady who was only 9 when she was imprisoned in Changi jail in Singapore, and how the women worked hard to make ‘life as normal as possible’ for the children, despite being half starved.

 

[The Clamp]

I rewatched The World At War recently, specifically to brush up on the Pacific theatre. Shocking how cruel the Japs were and one can see why a lot of veterans, especially POW’s never forgave or trusted the Japanese again.

 

[jakarta]

Incidentally can recommend Quartered Safe Out Here by George MacDonald Fraser (of Flashman books fame) which are his memoirs of being an infantryman with the 17th Division of the 14th Army. Was loaned it a couple of years ago and it captures what the jungle fighting was like. Gave it back to loanee, tonight has reminded me to buy my own copy.