Cameron and royals attend VJ commemoration

Veterans, politicians and royalty have gathered to remember the bravery, dedication and sacrifices of those who fought for their country during the Second World War.

Prime Minister David Cameron, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall joined representatives of the three military Services and veterans of the conflict to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day).

The servicemen, many wearing their campaign medals, came together in Whitehall to reunite with long-lost comrades and acknowledge the thousands who did not make it back.

The afternoon service at the Cenotaph is intended to remember the efforts of hundreds of thousands of veterans operating in the harshest of conditions, and pay tribute to nearly 30,000 British losses suffered during the Far East campaign, some 12,500 of whom died while prisoners of war.

Members of the public also lined the north side of the Cenotaph to pay their respects.

The half hour service was organised by the Ministry of Defence with the Burma Star Association.