On this day in Yorkshire 1945

Prime Minister Announces that Japan has Surrendered

Japan has today surrendered. The last of our enemies is laid low.

Let us recall that on December 7, 1941, Japan. whose onslaught China had already resisted for over four years, fell upon the U.S.A. and upon ourselves who were so oppressed in our death struggles with Germany and Italy.

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taking full advantage of surprise and treachery, the Japanese forces quickly overran the territories of ourselves and our Allies in the Far East and at one time it appeared as though these invaders would reach the mainland of Australia and advance into India.

But the tide turned.

With ever increasing speed the mighty forces of the United States and the British Commonwealth and Empire and other allies were brought to bear.

Their resistance has now everywhere been broken.

At this time we should pay tribute to the men from this country, from the Dominions, from India and the Colonies, to our fleets, armies and air forces that have fought so well in the campaign against Japan.

Our gratitude goes out to all our splendid Allies; above all the United States, without whose prodigious efforts this war in the East would still have many years to run.

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We also think especially at this time of the prisoners in Japanese hands, of our friends in the Dominions, Australia and New Zealand, in India and Burma, and in those colonial territories upon whom the brunt of the Japanese attack fell.

We rejoice that these territories will soon be purged of the Japanese invader.

Here at home you have earned rest from the unceasing efforts you have all borne without complaint through so many dark years.

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