The 80th Anniversary of VJ Day

[Daisy]

I haven't been able to watch any of the tv coverage or the remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum today, but reading about it reminds me of how much so many gave to that cause, and feel sad that they become known as the "Forgotten Army".

My DS2's Godfather was a POW in the notorious Changi POW Camp. He never said much about the horrors he witnessed, but half-starved and desperate he said he learned to be a very good thief. He was in such poor health when he finally got home that his wife used all her rations to help to feed him and build up his strength. I can understand why surviving veterans are so emotional about their experiences.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y0lnzpqjgo

[Gemini]

We have just been watching some of the TV coverage just now Daisy.

Very moving.

[Oma]

Daisy
My Brother in laws Dad was in the camp, he was a broken man when he came home and for the rest of his life he suffered health problems and horrendous nightmares night after night.
He went from what I was told a very quiet placid man to a angry violent man if he had a drink ,
Not towards them or his wife but at life in general,smashing the house up etc, so sad

[Plantaholic]

I was able to watch the programme and the programme about how the prisoners were treated in Japan. What cruel treatment they suffered. My OH, who was 19 older than me was lucky to be posted to North Africa and saw little fighting. His group spent their time repairing radios and spent all their time under canvas. The children persuaded him to write about his time during and after the war.

[Daisy]

Oma, is beggars belief that humans can be so incredibly cruel to each other. I once worked with a man who was a POW in Japan. He hated every single Japanese person, and if we had any coming to the factory he was always given the day off, because he was so traumatised.

GS's Godfather was an incredibly strong person. The only thing he was bitter about was missing out on the early years of his only child growing up. He went on to run a very successful business and was always thoughtful and kind.

Plant, it must have been very interesting to read what your OH wrote about his war time experiences. Do you still have a copy?

[Plantaholic]

Daisy, Yes and the children have copies. OH wrote it for himself, didn’t expect anyone else would want to read it.

[Daisy]

Plant, J would be very happy to know that you were all interested to read about his experiences. That's very special. xx