The History Podcast: The Second Map Honors Britain’s Forgotten WWII Asian Front for VJ Day 80th Anniversary
On the 80th anniversary of VJ Day—Victory over Japan Day—the BBC has unveiled a compelling new three-part series from The History Podcast titled The Second Map. This series delves into Britain’s often-forgotten role in the fight against Japan on the Asian front during World War II, spotlighting a chapter of the conflict that is far less known than the battles in Europe.
Produced by the award-winning creator of Three Million and Partition Voices, the podcast traces events beginning in December 1941 through to the war’s end in 1945, told through the eyes of those who lived it and their descendants. It is not just a war chronicle; it is also a testament to endurance, strategy, and the far-reaching consequences of global conflict.
VJ Day 80 Years On – Remembering the End of WWII in Asia
VJ Day, marked annually on 15 August in the UK, commemorates the Allied victory over Japan in 1945. It signified the formal end of World War II, following the surrender of Japan after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union’s declaration of war against Japan.
For Britain, VJ Day was both a moment of relief and remembrance. While VE Day in May 1945 had celebrated the end of the war in Europe, thousands of British and Commonwealth troops were still fighting in harsh conditions in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Many were prisoners of war, enduring brutal captivity. The surrender of Japan brought their ordeal to an end.
The History Podcast: The Second Map – A New Audio Chronicle
A Story Beginning in December 1941
The series opens in early December 1941, when a 14-year-old boy in London hears the news of Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. This event drew the United States into the war and set off a chain of military actions across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
Just hours after Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces launched air strikes and invasions against British colonies, including Malaya, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The teenager, who had been following the war in Europe with a map pinned to his wall, decided to start a second map dedicated to tracking the war against Japan.
Over the next three and a half years, he marked every defeat and later every victory—some of which directly involved members of his own family. Now 98 years old, he recounts these wartime experiences in vivid detail for the podcast.
From Defeats to Victories
Britain’s early encounters with Japanese forces were marked by heavy losses. The fall of Singapore in February 1942, described by Winston Churchill as the “worst disaster” in British military history, dealt a severe blow to imperial morale. Japanese troops advanced rapidly through Malaya, Burma, and other territories, pushing British and Commonwealth forces into retreat.
The tide began to turn in 1944 with crucial victories at Imphal and Kohima in northeastern India. Often called the “Stalingrad of the East,” the Battle of Kohima was fought in close quarters, including the now-famous “tennis court” area that became a focal point of the siege. These victories halted Japanese advances into India and marked the beginning of a counter-offensive that would eventually reclaim Burma.
Britain’s “Forgotten Army” in the Asian Front
The podcast shines a light on the so-called “forgotten army”—the British Fourteenth Army—composed of soldiers from across the Commonwealth, including Britain, India, Africa, and other territories. At its peak, it was the largest British-led force ever assembled, with nearly one million troops.
These soldiers fought in some of the most inhospitable conditions of the war: dense jungles, extreme heat, monsoon rains, and widespread disease. Malaria, dysentery, and exhaustion were constant threats. Despite their hardships, they played a decisive role in liberating territories occupied by Japan.
Voices from the Frontline – Testimonies in the Podcast
British soldiers describe the shock of early defeats and the relentless nature of jungle warfare.
Indian troops share experiences of loyalty, resilience, and the cultural complexity of fighting under British command.
Japanese veterans offer their perspectives on the campaigns and the challenges they faced.
Former prisoners of war and civilian internees recall the daily struggle for survival under harsh captivity.
Descendants in Britain uncover family histories filled with courage, loss, and endurance.
These firsthand accounts, combined with archival research, paint a fuller picture of the war in Asia—one that goes far beyond the better-known images of Pearl Harbor or the mushroom clouds over Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Key Campaigns Featured in the Series
The Fall of Singapore (1942)
Singapore, once considered an impregnable fortress, fell to Japanese forces in just seven days. The surrender resulted in the capture of more than 80,000 British, Indian, and Australian troops.
Burma Campaign (1942–1945)
The Burma Campaign was one of the longest and most grueling of the war. It saw the Allies shift from defensive operations to aggressive offensives, reclaiming territory inch by inch.
The Battles of Imphal and Kohima (1944)
Often referred to collectively, these battles turned the tide in the Burma front. At Kohima, the fight for control of a hill station and its small tennis court became legendary.
Why This Story Matters Today
The war in Asia reshaped Britain’s relationship with its colonies and influenced post-war decolonization. Recognizing the contributions of the “forgotten army” ensures that their sacrifices are not lost in the shadow of European battlefields.
By linking personal stories with broader historical events, The Second Map bridges the gap between academic history and lived experience, making the past accessible to modern audiences.
How to Listen to The Second Map
The History Podcast: The Second Map will be available on BBC Sounds starting Friday, 15 August 2025. Listeners worldwide can also access it via the BBC World Service. Each episode blends narrative storytelling with historical analysis, making it suitable for both history enthusiasts and those new to the subject.
Conclusion
Eighty years after the end of World War II, The Second Map serves as a reminder that the story of victory in Asia is as vital to remember as the triumphs in Europe. Through meticulous research, personal testimonies, and expert narration, the podcast ensures that the voices of those who fought, endured, and survived are heard by new generations.
