Honouring History : St Andrews Pipe Band Commemorates VJ Day 80

This August, St Andrews Pipe Band proudly took part in two events marking the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day—the day that signalled the end of the Second World War. We paid tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served in the Far East.

To mark this milestone, our band learned a tune: The Battle of Kohima. This piece commemorates one of the most pivotal battles in the Burma Campaign. The Battle of Kohima, fought in northeast India, was instrumental in halting the Japanese advance and ultimately contributed to the Allied victory in the Far East.

Performing this tune was a tribute to the memory of those who fought and fell in one of the most brutal confrontations of the war.

On the evening of August 15th, we gathered in Netley Abbey/ Southampton for a short parade and service at the War Memorial of St Edward’s Church.

Among the attendees was a gentleman believed to be the last living VJ veteran in Hampshire—a real reminder of the living history we were privileged to stand beside.

The following morning, we led the VJ Day Veterans’ Parade through Southampton city centre to the Cenotaph, honouring the 20,000 veterans repatriated after Japan’s surrender in 1945.

After the commemorative service and wreath-laying ceremony we led the Veterans through East Park into Palmerston Park for a Picnic in the Park.

As we honoured the Allied victory, we also remembered the immense human cost on all sides—including the suffering endured in Japan.

VJ Day marks peace, but it came at a heavy price.

Thank you to all who joined us in reflection and remembrance.