V J Day. The anniversary of the end of WW2, (for some), in the Far East. Thoughts for all who died, whatever their nationality.
And thoughts, also, for those peoples who suffered and died, in a war fought in Their world, by powers from Far Away. THEY are never remembered. :(
In the UK, we tend to forget 'The Forgotten Army'...and those servicemen...from all parts of the British Empire, who served, were wounded or K.I.A...often, very far from home. Sailors and airmen, too. Once viewed, who can forget the footage of a sinking battleship...with those trying to escape...before the blast. Or, the courage of aircrew who fought as best they could, in second rate planes...'good enough for out there'! :(
Australia and New Zealand bore a heavy cost. The servicemen from British India...so incredibly important...are only recently being recognised for their vital contribution.
In the USA...You still remember, all too well. :(
In the UK, people do remember the horrors of the POWs...even if they forget about the rest. :(
Long ago, I read two books. One, showed hand drawn illustrations of the terrifying 'Jungle Sores' and 'extemporised treatments' that were the only options available to POWS. (A bloke carrying a tin can with a tube draining a wound???). Utterly horrifying...yet...showing the care and compassion that some gave in their best efforts to achieve to keep people alive...with nothing.
Another book included a memory of a captured Japanese hospital tent , full of very sick Jap soldiers one day... and Empty, the next...with the drainage trench filled in. THEY were 'Far From Home', too. :(
So, do not forget the Japs, either...most of them did not want to die, but, for them...that was the only thing they could do.
VJ Day. :(
A day to remember on many levels as you say. Also the West African regiment troops are finally being acknowledged too.
We shall remember them
We certainly shall.
Cheers - Phil. :(
Quote from: Heedless Horseman on 15 August 2020, 05:03:58 AM
So, do not forget the Japs, either...most of them did not want to die, but, for them...that was the only thing they could do.
VJ Day. :(
I'm afraid I really don't give a stuff about the Japanese.
Quote from: John Cook on 15 August 2020, 10:21:45 AM
I'm afraid I really don't give a stuff about the Japanese.
I fully agree with your sentiment. The Germans may have industrialized killing in WW2 but the Japanese certainly beat them for cruelty.
As recently as 2007 Prime Minister Shinzō Abe(2006 - 2007) advocated the position that Japan accepted the Tokyo tribunal and its judgments as a condition for ending the war, but that its verdicts have no relation to domestic law. According to this view, those convicted of war crimes are not criminals under Japanese law.
We should forgive and forget, but until the Japanese fully accept responsibility for the the many massacres of prisoners, wounded , nurses and civilians . The r*pe of Nanking .The barbaric experiments carried out. The so called "Comfort Women" and the horrific general treatment of prisoners of war. and then offers an unreserved international apology, The world should boycott everything Japanese.
Quote from: Heedless Horseman on 15 August 2020, 05:03:58 AM
So, do not forget the Japs, either...most of them did not want to die, but, for them...that was the only thing they could do.
VJ Day. :(
Your sentiment is very Noble Heedless Horseman, but the individual soldier is responsible for his actions and many of them behave abominably.
So today I will offer up my thoughts and prayers for the allied civilians and soldiers who died, but not for any of the Japanese dead.
Ho hum. Can we copy and paste this on another forum that I shall not name?