The 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day will be observed on August 15, 2025, with commemorative events organized by the St Helena Veterans Association (SHVA) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO). The activities are supported by various island agencies and partners to honor St Helena’s role during World War II.
VJ Day marks the surrender of Imperial Japan in 1945, ending World War II. The war had a significant impact on St Helena despite its remote location in the South Atlantic. Plans for a naval station on the island were not fully realized, but its strategic importance became clear during the conflict. In October 1941, the sinking of the RFA Darkdale near St Helena underscored the island’s vulnerability. St Helena also provided refuge for survivors from the British passenger steamship S.S. City of Cairo, reflecting how global wartime events reached even distant communities.
To recognize these contributions, SHVA has scheduled several events for August 15:
– At 11:00 am, Bishop Dale will lead a main service at the Cenotaph, including two minutes of silence and wreath laying attended by the Governor and heads of uniformed services.
– Also at 11:00 am, members of FCDO from the Governor’s Office and Dive St Helena will conduct a memorial dive to the deck of the Darkdale, lighting the wreck in commemoration.
– From sunset until 11:00 pm, High Knoll Fort will be illuminated to mark the occasion.
According to organizers, “The legacy of St Helena’s wartime contribution reminds us that even the most remote places can be profoundly connected to world events. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan, the events planned to take place on Friday 15 August 2025 will serve as a poignant reminder of the wartime experiences and contributions of the people of St Helena alongside the wider Allied forces in the pursuit of peace.”
Photographs documenting these historical moments include images of “the wreck of RFA Darkdale” after it was attacked and pictures related to S.S City of Cairo.