Today marks 80 years since Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), which brought Second World War hostilities to a close. Whilst the end of the conflict in Europe sparked celebrations across the UK on 8 May 1945, thousands of servicemen and women faced months’ more fierce fighting in the Asia-Pacific. For families like the Burrells of Essex, the war was far from over, their loved ones fighting on until 15 August.
James Richard Burrell, grandfather of our colleague Rachel, was among those still serving in an active warzone long after the guns in Europe fell silent. Born in Poplar in 1909, James had already built a life in Upminster with his wife Adelaide and young daughter when duty called in 1939. Aged 30, he joined the Royal Artillery as a Territorial Army reservist gunner, in what would become 134 (East Anglian) Field Regiment.
The men of 134 Regiment embodied the spirit of service among people from our region. Formed in Stratford in 1939 as the spectre of war drew near, the Royal Artillery drew regimental troops from East Anglian men who had answered the call to serve. By May 1942, James and his comrades were bound for India, leaving behind their familiar towns, fields and fens for the unknown challenges of the Burma campaign.
The conditions James and his comrades faced were unlike anything they could have imagined. The oppressive heat, monsoon rains, and dense jungle tested even the strongest resolve. James and his fellow artillerymen would stand in the heavy tropical downpours simply trying to cool off, literally half a world away from the gentle showers of home.
The threat of dehydration meant 134 Regiment artillerymen had to take daily salt tablets—a requirement that left James craving salt long after the war, much to his granddaughters’ concern. They often tried to hide his salt supply because he had high blood pressure in later life.
Not all of James’s war memories were grim, though. He kept a pet mongoose during his service, and his family remember his gentle humour about his “war wound”—apparently caused by a falling tin of bully beef in the mess kitchens rather than enemy action.
When the Japanese surrender was announced on 15 August 1945, James was 36 years old. He returned home that October, bearing the Burma Star (pictured second left below) alongside four other decorations including his War Medal and Defence Medal. Each was tangible recognition of service that had taken him from the streets fields of Essex to the jungles of Burma and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific theatre.
Like so many of his generation, James rarely spoke of his wartime experiences. There might have been a measure of shame, as his family still aren’t sure if he was ever amongst the heaviest fighting. They suspect that due to his age, he might instead have worked in a vital support role around camp logistics—certainly nothing to be ashamed about given the importance of such roles to a functional military.
During the two minutes’ silence observed by people across the UK from 12noon today, we remembered not just the sacrifice of the many who died in battle or in the harshest of conditions as Imperial Japan’s prisoners of war—but also personal stories like James’s.
This quiet gunner from Essex who left his young family to serve his country and defend freedom represents thousands of his fellow East Anglians who answered the call.
Rachel carries forward her grandfather’s legacy through her work with East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, connecting past service with an ongoing commitment to the current generation of UK reservists.
Speaking at the Cenotaph in London after the two-minute silence today, His Majesty King Charles III said: “War’s true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life, a tragedy all too vividly demonstrated by conflicts around the world today.”
In remembering James Burrell, we honour all who served—and ensure their stories live on.
