2 days ago
Call to 'illuminate' VJ Day as Glasgow landmarks light up
For Serena Gear, granddaughter of a Glasgow soldier who survived the horrors of this brutal war in the Far East, it will be a particularly poignant moment.
Illuminate VJ80 is her campaign, and it will be part of the nationwide tribute for Victory over Japan Day on August 15.
While VE (Victory in Europe) Day marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel – the 'Forgotten Army' - were still engaged in fighting in the Far East. VJ Day marks the surrender of Japan, which ended the Second World War on August 15, 1945.
Around 100 locations across the UK, including Glasgow Science Centre and the Squinty Bridge, are lighting up in white, purple and red to represent peace, land and sacrifice.
Serena's grandfather James McLean was a piper with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 2nd Battalion.
Piper James McLean (Image: Courtesy of Serena Gear)
Born in Glasgow in 1915, he signed up for military service in 1934. In August 1939, he was deployed to Malaya and Singapore, where he faced untold horrors as a prisoner of war.
James was one of two pipers who marched the famous regiment over the Johor–Singapore Causeway, before it was blown up by the retreating British forces in January 1942, to stall the Japanese advancement into Singapore.
Piper James McLean, front right, with friends in the army (Image: Courtesy of Serena Gear)
This act of extraordinary bravery is captured in a painting, which hangs in Stirling Castle Museum.
The painting commemorates the historic march (Image: Courtesy of Serena Gear)
James was captured two weeks later and forced to work on the Burma Railway, known as the Death Railway, for almost two years, where conditions were horrific.
In June 1944, he was transported to the Japanese coal mines on one of the overcrowded, squalid ships known as 'hell ships' where prisoners were often subjected to beatings. His ship, along with a further nine in the convoy, was attacked by US Forces, and almost 1000 people died.
When he finally arrived in the 'nightmare POW camp' at Fukuoka 17B on February 11, 1945, he was put to work in the Mitsui coal mines, enduring harsh winter conditions and brutal torture.
James survived it all, and he finally returned home on January 4, 1946.
James with his baby daughter (Image: Courtesy of Serena Gear)
Serena believes her grandfather and his colleague, Piper Charles Stuart, showed 'extraordinary bravery' and she is campaigning for the two men to be recognised officially.
'Many who should have been honoured were overlooked in the chaos of war,' she explains. 'Even a posthumous 'mention in despatches' for both my grandfather and Piper Stuart would mean the world.'
Serena has also launched #VJPipers, a global call for pipers to post a photo or video in tribute.
'People across Scotland can also take part, whether by playing a tune, sharing a photo, or simply standing in remembrance,' she says.
A musical tribute from the British Army is now on YouTube, featuring Forbidden Colours by Ryuichi Sakamoto (from the movie Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence), performed by musicians from the Household Division and narrated by Australian broadcaster and journalist Colin Tyrus.
'The tribute is extraordinary,' says Serena. 'But this is about more than remembrance - it's about education. The Pacific War is barely spoken about or taught. Most people associate it only with Pearl Harbor, unaware that Malaya was attacked at the exact same time, and that Scottish regiments bore the brunt of the fighting.
'I am frustrated with the lack of service, attention and commemoration given to VJ Day, compared to VE Day and D-Day. Eighty years on, they are still the 'forgotten army'.'
She adds: 'The campaign was brutal, and the suffering immense. I want children to learn about what these men endured, so that it never happens again. Especially now, with so much friction across the world, it's vital that we remember the cost of war.'
People can also participate in #IlluminateVJ80 by simply lighting a candle and posting a photo online.
Serena set up the Scotland FEPOW Trust to honour the memories of Scotland's Far East prisoners of war from World War II and to share their stories.
'I hope this trust will continue to be a legacy not just to my grandfather but to all Scottish sons, brothers and fathers who fought in the war and those who never came home,' she says.
'I am also working on trying to get a memorial in Scotland for those who fought in the Pacific, as no memorial exists.'
On Friday, Serena says she will be proud to see so many landmarks lit up across the country.
'The support has been overwhelming,' she says. 'I truly hope this moment of remembrance brings long-overdue recognition to those who gave so much.'
