Victory over Japan 81 years ago gives perspective to British forces in Cyprus today
A memorial service marking the Allies' victory over Japan and the end of the Second World War has been held in Cyprus.
Serving men and women joined veterans and families at Dhekelia Cemetery for the 81st anniversary of VJ Day.
A bugler from 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland played The Last Post and Reveille, while a piper from the battalion played a Scottish lament.
Remembering losses recent as well as past
Wreaths were placed at the Dhekelia Memorial by senior officers from the units attending and the Royal British Legion's Larnaca branch, which organised the service.
"Remembrance is a constant within our particular line of work, to remember those who have fallen on recent operations," said Lieutenant Colonel Alex Phillips, the Commanding Officer of 4 Scots.
"But it's really important to look back into our past. We can learn a lot from those that have gone before us."
The community lives on
Around 71,000 British and Commonwealth lives were lost during the fighting against the Japanese across Asia and the Pacific.
Lt Col Phillips was asked what he thought about during the moment of silence.
"Personally, I think about the challenge that is asked of us here conducting regional operations," he replied.
"There is ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and as the Regional Standby Battalion we stand ready to deploy on operations should defence require us to do so."
The UK maintains a large military presence in the Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus for defence and humanitarian operations in the wider region, including the Middle East and Africa.
The guests joined veterans at the Royal British Legion for food and drinks after the service.
"It's great that there's such an active veteran community in Cyprus," said the 4 Scots CO. "It shows our soldiers that there is life beyond service – and the community lives on."
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