VJ Day

Today, 15 August 2020, is the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day.). We commemorate 75 years since Japan surrendered and the Second World War ended.

While Victory in Europe occurred on 8 May 1945 there were many armed forces personnel still fighting against the Japanese in the Far East. Fighting here lasted for another 3 months. Tens of thousands of men from Britain and the Commonwealth were involved in this fight against the Japanese. Many died in the conflict and many were held prisoner.

Today we remember all those who served in the Far East in World War 2. We remember those who sacrificed their lives and those who were involved in the fighting or held prisoner of war, many of whom suffered both physically and mentally from the conflict.

I thought it appropriate that we remember some of our family members who were in the far east at this time. It is hard to access records of the Second World War and therefore my list of those who were involved in this aspect of the war may be incomplete. Those known to be involved are ;

George William James Titheridge born 1912 and died 1943

George was a Royal Engineer who died in Sankrai Prisoner of War Camp on the Thailand - Burma Border

Ben Springate Titheridge born 1920 and died 2008

Ben was a Royal Engineer who spent nearly 4 years as a Prisoner of War in a Hong Kong POW camp.

Alan Courtney Tytheridge born 1889 died 1959

Alan was a civilian living in Japan. He was imprisoned by the Japanese in Yokohama Camp. Alan’s story of life in a Prisoner of War Camp can be read at this link.



In a future blog I will tell the story of George and Ben.

If you can add to the list or add further information about the above individuals please email me: titheragegenealog@gmail.com