Calling Blighty: The Forgotten Army

In December 1941, Japan declared war on the United States and the United Kingdom. It marked the beginning of almost four years of hardship and courage for British, Indian, Gurkha, and African soldiers sent thousands of miles away from home to defend India. 

Between 1944 and 1946, the British War Office arranged for a series of films to be taken from Burma and India of soldiers sending well-wishes back home. The series, ‘Calling Blighty’, was shown in cinemas across the country to grateful families and are a special snapshot into who these soldiers were. What they cared about. Who they were thinking of. 

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on 15th August 2025, the Royal Armouries will be screening a compilation of "Calling Blighty", featuring soldiers from Yorkshire and the greater Manchester area. Come and listen to the voices of men who fought in a heroic, but often forgotten, campaign of the Second World War. 

This is part of the Royal Armouries commemorations and compliments our Objects in Focus case in our War Gallery. This display includes weapons used in the Burma and Pacific campaigns, and showcases the experiences of soldiers from the theatre of war.