Post-Second World War: The Embers and Fires of the Far East (1945-46) with Chris Jupp
Join military historian Chris Jupp who uses anecdotes and first-hand accounts along with in-depth research to bring to life the events that unfolded eighty years ago in Southeast Asia following the celebrations of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. Chris will honour the contributions of 13 battalions of Gurkhas, who, as part of the Old Indian Army on its last and most unpleasant campaign, engaged in combat and peacekeeping operations for months after peace was officially declared in Europe.
During the talk discover the plans for the large-scale amphibious invasion of Japan in late 1945, which anticipated greater magnitude and potential casualties than there were from D-Day to the fall of Nazi Germany in 1945. This operation fell into obscurity with the sudden end to the war, caused by the dropping of the Atomic Bombs in August 1945, but that sudden end was the direct cause of the bloodshed and chaos which ensued in Southeast Asia during 1945-1946, the effects of which reverberated into the 1960s and continue to influence contemporary geopolitics.
There is the option to pre-book a Gurkha bhat (curry) lunch after the talk which will take place in our magnificent McDonald Gallery with mess silver and Brigade art.
The event
Delivered in the Gurkha Museum’s library, this lecture will be followed by a question-and-answer (Q&A) session. There are two ticketing options to experience this lecture:
1. Arrival drink, lecture, Q&A (£15pp).
2. Arrival drink, lecture, Q&A and bhat (£40pp). This option includes an authentic two-course Gurkha curry in the grand McDonald Gallery, surrounded by The Gurkha Museum’s impressive art and silver collection.
Please select your option when booking.
Timings are:
1030 hrs – Guest arrival and refreshments
1100 hrs – Lecture
1200 hrs – Q&A, pre-lunch drink
1230 hrs – Bhat lunch
