On 15th August, 1945, the Second World War finally ended when Imperial Japan surrendered.

It is estimated that between 70 and 85 million people died in the Second World War through conflict, war-related disease, and famine. In spite of this, there has not been a moment of prolonged world peace since the conflict.

This year is the 75th anniversary of the end of the war, and we take time to reflect about those who fought, died, were captured as prisoners or war, or survived and lived with trauma for the rest of their lives.

The Justinus Ensemble recorded Brian Fieldhouse’s arrangement of ‘Abide with Me’ of the virtual VE-Day remembrance ceremony in Hay on Wye, Wales. This recording was made in the Netherlands during the lockdown, in compliance with the government guidance on safety during the pandemic.