British Gurkhas, veterans, and dignitaries pay tribute to WWII sacrifices
KATHMANDU, AUGUST 17
The 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day was observed in Nepal on Friday with solemn ceremonies at the British Embassy in Kathmandu and British Gurkhas Nepal camps, joining commemorations held in the UK and across the world.
VJ Day marks August 15, 1945, when Japan announced its surrender to Allied forces, ending six years of the Second World War. The day is especially significant for the British Gurkhas, who played a decisive role in the Burma Campaign - one of the fiercest and most challenging theaters of the war. Nine Victoria Crosses were awarded to Gurkha regiments for their bravery during the campaign, seven of them to Nepali soldiers.
At the Kathmandu service, Rob Fenn, Ambassador to the UK, Nepali Army Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Nirmal Kumar Thapa, Colonel Dan Rex MVO, Commander of British Gurkhas Nepal, Director of Gurkha Welfare Trust (Nepal), and Major (Retired) Balkrishna Rana, Chairman of the Regimental Association Nepal, laid wreaths at the Gurkha monument. A two-minute silence was observed in solidarity with the national silence held in the UK.
In Pokhara, British Gurkhas hosted a parade bringing together veterans, serving personnel, families, and supporters. The event included a moment of silence, wreath-laying, and tributes from the Gurkha Memorial Museum and veteran communities, honoring those who fought and fell in World War II.
As part of global commemorations, bagpipers from Armed Forces units worldwide - including Lance Corporal Jit Bahadur Gurung of British Gurkhas Nepal - played When the Battle's Over. The performance was broadcast live on BBC, Sky News, and other international outlets.
