The Fusilier Museum to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day
The Fusilier Museum, Bury will commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) with a programme of special virtual events and the launch of a new film – The Forgotten Army, Lancashire Fusiliers in Burma.
The 75th anniversary of VJ Day takes place this Saturday, 15th August. The museum, in partnership with Bury Council still plan to mark the momentous occasion with special performances from the official band of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and 1940’s singers The Veterans Sweetheart and The Northern Soprano’s. There will also be poetry readings from local army cadets and the Mayor of Bury Cllr Tim Pickstone as well as a viewing of the museum’s new film – The Forgotten Army which will be projected onto the side of the building. The museum will then turn red and blue in honour of all the Lancashire Fusiliers who fought so bravely in Burma before finally ending with a short, military ceremony with the lowering of regimental standards and the last post.
All events will be streamed live and will be available to watch on the museum’s Facebook Page. The general public are NOT able to attend on the day due to the current restrictions in place. Viewers will also have the opportunity to donate online to the museum which remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/fusilier-museum-support-fund
The Forgotten Army, Lancashire Fusiliers in Burma will go live on the museums website on the 15th August also. The film is a lasting tribute to all those who took part in the Burma campaign and includes photographs and footage of the Lancashire Fusiliers in Burma.
Victory over Japan (VJ Day) saw the end to all hostilities in the Second World War. The Lancashire Fusiliers were selected by Wingate to form part of the Chindits and they fought with various other units as part of the Burma campaign. The Chindits became known as The Forgotten Army and they became the largest of all the allied special forces of the Second World War.
Colonel Brian Gorski, Chairman of The Fusilier Museum said, “The Lancashire Fusiliers played a fundamental role in the Burma campaign so it is extremely important that we pay tribute to all those who contributed and ensured its success. They overcame such tough conditions in combat, fighting in intense heat and monsoon rains whilst carrying half their body weight in kit so hopefully our new film manages to encapsulate their experiences throughout. We hope the film is enjoyed by all and we look forward to commemorating VJ day with an exciting programme of music and poetry as well as a visual tribute by turning the building red and blue in their honour.”
The Fusilier Museum in Bury, Lancashire, is home to the collections of XX The Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Documenting over 300 years of history and heritage through permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Museum tells the rich and fascinating stories of the people who have served and continue to service in the Regiments.