We are delighted to announce that Museum Development North has awarded a £20,000 competitive grant to fund a joint application from the Kohima Museum in York & the Bankfield Museum in Halifax with the title “VJ Day: 80th Anniversary & Beyond”.
Bankfield Museum houses the Museum of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. The 2nd Battalion Duke of Wellington’s Regiment were trained as Chindits & took part in long range penetration operations during the Battles of Imphal & Kohima.
The joint grant will fund a range of exciting activities in York & Halifax to mark VJ80. Highlights of these are:
- Kohima Museum summer exhibition: “Victoria Crosses of the Burma Campaign”. June 26-Sept 5.

2. Visit to Kohima Museum of group from Japan. August 14.
3. Kohima Museum VJ80 stand at York Army Museum. August 15.
4. 1940s Day Community Event at Bankfield Museum, with Kohima Museum VJ80 stand.

5. Reciprocal visits of community groups from York & Halifax to attend events at Bankfield & Kohima Museums.
6. Joint development of WW2 workshop & discussion group for schools, to be delivered in autumn 2025.
7. Planting at York St John University of a cherry tree provided by the Japanese Embassy, as a symbol of reconciliation & friendship between Britain & Japan. November 2025.

This VJ Day commemoration project is supported using public funding by UK Government through Arts Council England.