Crockham Hill Jul/Aug 2025 Newsletter - Flipbook - Page 38
British and Commonwealth casualties in Southeast Asia were significantly
higher than those in Europe, especially considering the number taken as
prisoners of war. Yet, Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, to be celebrated on 15
August, seems hardly to be noted by the British, certainly relative to their
celebration of VE Day. The Americans treat it with far greater celebration.
Why so?
From the British viewpoint, the war in Europe was the primary focus. They
had suffered heavily during the Blitz and, with the threat of invasion still
fresh, the war on the continent was the more pressing concern. Southeast
Asia was viewed as a lesser theatre of operations (though saving India and
the Empire was undoubtedly a consummation devoutly to be wished).
For the Americans, by contrast, the Pacific war was possibly more
significant than the war in Europe. Outraged by the attack on Pearl
Harbour, the subsequent battles in the Philippines, Guadalcanal and Iwo
Jima had resulted in heavy casualties. They were content to support
Britain9s fight for the Empire as a useful distraction of Japanese forces away
from the Pacific. Its supply chain to the army of Chiang Kai-shek fighting
the Japanese in China was seen as a bulwark against the rise of Mao-Tse
tung9s communist party once the war was won. Without Britain9s
collaboration in these struggles American support for the North African
and Italian campaigns ahead of D-Day might have been compromised.
Initially, the victory on VJ day marked a new era of freedom and
independence for the people of Southeast Asia. It should be celebrated for
that and for the thousands of British and Commonwealth families who
made the great sacrifices to achieve it.
Puzzle for June - Answer
How old could Alice be?
When Alice9s age is divided by six, there is a remainder of 3. When divided
by 7, the remainder is 4.
What is the youngest age that Alice could be?
The first number that can be divided by 6 with a remainder of 3 and by 7
with a remainder of 4, is 39, which is the youngest Alice could be.
The first correct answer drawn at random was from Liz Jowett.
Congratulations Liz!
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