Sent by:Lily Sones
Sent from:India
"He passed the flag without saluting so the British escort officer yanked him back by the collar, and after he saluted"
By VJ Day my mother and her three siblings were all in different theatres of war. My mother and her sister were in India. Her brothers were in the Navy and RAF.
She has left us extensive written memories and letters written on board the troupe ship in August 1944, a trip on leave to see Everest and in this letter, witnessing a Japanese surrender.
All described in remarkable detail. She also had letters from her brother in the RAF on Malta.
Transcript:
[Page 4 of handwritten letter]
Navy, Ordenance behind Ordenance & so on, then these twenty Japs came out into the centre of the field in twos one British & one Jap.
Then the ceremony began the first Generals name was called & he, with his escort marched forward to a table covered with a Union Jack. when General Evans stood behind with his A.D.C. The first General salutued kissed his sword & handed it to Gen Evans then saluted again walked across the field to the flying Union Jack. Saluted, took his hat off & bowed & saluted & left. the escort also stood behind in Salute, this happened in each case except for kissing the sword, only the first Gen did that, no three caused amusement he passed the flag with out saluting so the British escort Officer yanked him back by the collar (their orders were to see everything was done to order) & after he saluted took the mans hat of & gave it to him then gave him a push for him to bow, this of course was watched with great interest, Well every thing was over in half an hour & at 11AM we returned to duty. Our Grand view was from the roof of the house right behind the sword table, so look out
Tagged:Asia , VJ Day
Contributed by:Janet Masters
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