VJ Day 80th anniversary to be marked across the BBC including radio

The BBC will mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day with a range of programming including radio highlighting stories from the Far East during the Second World War.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said the coverage will honour “the courage and sacrifice of all who served” and ensure their stories are remembered through powerful testimonies.

On BBC Radio 2, The Jeremy Vine Show on Friday 15th August will feature voices of veterans and broadcaster Kavita Puri reflecting on the war in the Far East and the atomic bombings.

BBC Radio 4 will air a three-part series The History Podcast: The Second Map, uncovering Britain’s role against Japan with previously unheard testimonies. Archive on 4 will tell the story of Wilfred Burchett, who first reported from Hiroshima despite US censorship.

A two-part drama, Hersey’s Hiroshima, will depict the devastation of the atomic bombing, while Book at Bedtime will feature Tim McInnerny reading Kazuo Ishiguro’s An Artist of the Floating World.

Any Questions? will broadcast live from the REME Museum on 15th August to commemorate the day.

BBC Radio 5 Live will carry coverage from the National Memorial Arboretum, including the national two-minute silence. On Wednesday 13th August, Matt Chorley will broadcast from the Cabinet War Rooms with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and special guests.