THEY regarded themselves as a “Forgotten Army,” bogged down in a bitter and deadly Far East conflict with a fanatical enemy for months after the Second World War ended in Europe.

Yet those who were part of that devastating war were fondly remembered today in Carlisle.

The event - along with many others held across the country - marked the 75th anniversary of Victory Over Japan (VJ) Day.

It was the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and then Nagasaki that finally pushed the Japanese into surrender. Historians regard it as the point when the Second World War was truly over.

At Carlisle Castle today, veterans from more recent military campaigns gathered to celebrate the courage of those who fought in the Far East – both before the formal end of the war in Europe on May 8, 1945 (VE Day) and up VJ Day, more than three months later on August 15 of the same year.

Three Battalions of the Border Regiment, the local infantry regiment which took recruits from across Cumbria – were involved in the war against the Japanese: the 4th Battalion (trained in special operations); the 9th Battalion; and the 51st Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, known as the ‘Cumberland Gunners.’

“We’re here to honour the people who didn’t come back more than anything,” said David Evans, 65, formerly of the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment.

The event – which included military displays, an exhibition about the war in the Far East, and live music dating from the 1940s - was organised by Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life at Carlisle Castle, which was once a depot for the Border Regiment.

The Museum’s manager Jules Wooding said: “Our initial plans have had to change, due to restrictions, however, marking the 75th anniversary of VJ Day is very important.

“Soldiers serving in the Far East felt they were forgotten.

“Whilst people at home celebrated the end of war in Europe, three battalions of the Border Regiment were part of the campaign to retake Burma.

“Alongside the Cumberland Gunners, they fought a brutal and costly war against a fanatical enemy. In collaboration with English Heritage, the Museum has worked within the current limitations to commemorate this day, remember those that were part of the Forgotten Army, and pay our respects.

“We must not forget them.”

* For a more detailed report see Monday's News & Star.