I am aware of at least one frequent poster whose father didn’t come back. My own father did, his war service ranged across seas from Northern Russia to New South Wales. As ex-Navy he always seemed embarrassed by his Burma Star, as if he felt he was not worthy to wear the same medal given to those who endured so much on and over the land. I do worry that those who served “out East” always come a distant second as far a commemoration. I too will be standing in silent remembrance.
On a lighter note:
A Lancaster flypast of the RAFM, Hendon (or London if they insist) is scheduled for Saturday 15 August at 11:30am.
Anyone know if currently extant (flying) squadrons plan to commemorate VJ day in the air?
I did a bit of digging when bored and
AFAIK the active squadrons (not all flying squadrons obviously) with relevant service are:
RAF Squadrons
5, 8, 11, 17, 22, 24, 27,28, 45, 47, 54, 60, 84, 99, 100, 202, 230, and 605
RN Air Squadrons
814, 815, 820, 824, 845, and 847
The future Lightning squadron 809 and the no longer to be reformed 849 both had relevant service. It is particularly poignant that 849 RNAS have not reformed given how many of the Palembang nine were members.
AAC (as RAF) Squadrons
656, 668, 669, 670, 671, 672, 673, 681 and 684
An aside to our US and other relevant fellow members, I am aware that the date of VJ day is 2 September in the US and 3 September in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Philippines, and Taiwan.