HOW can victory be an “offence” to Richard Avery in the context of Victory over Japan (Postbag, August 30)?

If Mr Avery’s view was taken to a logical conclusion then other “offensive” event titles such as the Wars of the Roses might be retitled, the “Wars of Lancastrian and Yorkist Dynasties”, and not perhaps seemingly to refer to some local spat in a garden centre which could be deemed offensive to those who prune!

An armistice is the formal agreement to end fighting, it does not reflect who won or lost a war and as we now know it was one of the catalysts that fired up the ascent of the Third Reich. However the Japanese did surrender - so they lost. Thus correctly it is called VJ Day. It is distinctive from VE Day as it happened on a different day and it’s use also makes a deserved distinction that the Forgotten Army of the Far East had huge hurdles to overcome to gain their victory, being the theatre of operations last in the queue for materiel and resource support available at that time.

The Forgotten Army however after a string of defeats was retrained by Slim to a very high standard and defeated their opponent on the battlefield by superior strategy, tactics, logistical support, air superiority and the combat effectiveness of the Indian, British and Nigerian troops in conditions that were frankly at times untenable. By its part in the victory over Japan, the Indian troops had acquitted themselves so well that the foundation and success of modern India owes much to their sacrifice and commitment at this time.

The title of VJ Day never has been one of triumphalism or superiority by those who fought against an odious and foul opponent who had extreme contempt for his adversary and the local indigenous populations they invaded and ravaged. There was no “jingoistic fervour” from these men of the XIV Army - that was and still is more a media invention. Those who fought were far too humble to trumpet their prowess on the field of battle, to gloat over the surrender of the Japanese. They were merely content at having done a good job and were keen to get back to their civilian lives but never forgetting those who gave their tomorrow. This ‘victorious and superior’ attitude which Mr Avery seems to take offence at is simply not borne out by the facts. The Japanese 33rd Army Chief of Staff’s letter to Monty’s brother, Brian, in command of the 6/7th Rajputs at this time, stated: “During the encampment of our Army under your command we were able to enjoy a far more wholesome and profitable existence than the one we expect, far exceeding our maximum wishes. I wish to thank you on behalf of the entire Army for your unbiased and sympathetic treatment which made this possible.” Signed by Major General Rekichiro Sawamoto.

My father fought in this theatre, in the 6/7th Rajputs as part of the 17th Indian Infantry “Black Cat” Division who spearheaded Slim’s counter stroke at Meiktila in 1945, severely reducing the effectiveness of the Japanese 33rd Army in Burma as they fought them down to the outskirts of Rangoon. The Battalion lost 5 Officers, 4 Viceroy Commissioned Officers and 88 Other ranks killed in action. 20 more subsequently died of their wounds. I hope on November 11 Mr Avery will remember those who gave their Tomorrow and thoroughly deserved their title VJ Day. Long may it remain so, lest we forget.

Charles Ottowell

Wilton