Prince remembers sacrifices of 'forgotten war'

Prime Minister David Cameron, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall joined representatives of the three military services and veterans of the conflict to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day).

The elderly servicemen, many wearing campaign medals, came together in Whitehall to reunite with long-lost comrades and acknowledge the thousands who did not make it back.

The afternoon service at the Cenotaph remembered the efforts of hundreds of thousands of veterans operating in the harshest of conditions, and paid tribute to nearly 30,000 British losses suffered during the Far East campaign, some 12,500 of whom died as prisoners of war.

Men and women from all over the British Empire and Commonwealth made a vital contribution to the Allied victory over Japan.

Members of the public lined barriers either side of the Cenotaph to pay their respects.

The half-hour service was organised by the Ministry of Defence with the Burma Star Association.

It began with prayers, followed by the Last Post, then veterans and dignitaries bowed their heads for a minute's silence.

A series of wreaths were laid at the base of the Cenotaph by Prince Charles, Mr Cameron, representatives of the Armed Forces and veterans from Second World War Associations.

The wreath-laying was followed by selected readings, hymns, prayers and a blessing.

After the National Anthem, veterans and Standards of the Second World War Associations marched past the Cenotaph to warm applause from the crowds.

Among the many veterans attending was RAF serviceman Ray Shaw, 87, from Preston, Lancashire, who served with 42 Squadron in Burma.

He said: "The event today is a good thing, it's given us the chance to meet our comrades, there's only a few left now, and see our own generation again."

Following the service, veterans and their families attended a reception hosted by the Burma Star Association, attended by Charles, Camilla and Mr Cameron.