China Fleet Country Club and the China Fleet Trust reflect on the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), acknowledging the end of the Second World War and the Club’s enduring connection to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
Gordon Hannah, CEO, China Fleet Trust said
“As we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, we pause to reflect on a pivotal moment in world history—and a deeply personal chapter in the story of the China Fleet Club. From 1941 to 1945, during the darkest days of the Second World War, the original Club in Hong Kong was occupied by the Imperial Japanese Navy and used as their Naval Headquarters. Its liberation in 1945, alongside the broader liberation of Hong Kong, signalled not only the end of conflict in the Pacific but the beginning of a new era of peace and rebuilding.”
“Today, the China Fleet Trust continues to honour that legacy—supporting Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families with the same spirit of resilience and service that defined those who came before us. As we remember the sacrifices made and the lives lost, we also recommit ourselves to the values of remembrance, support, and unity that remain at the heart of our charitable endeavour.”
Founded in Hong Kong as a Royal Naval Canteen, the China Fleet Club served as a vital sanctuary for sailors on the China Station. Its wartime occupation and eventual liberation are a significant part of its history. In 1991, the Club’s legacy was re-established in Saltash, Cornwall, with the opening of the China Fleet Country Club—a modern facility dedicated to the wellbeing of Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families.
Today, the Club continues to serve as a vital resource for both serving and veteran members of the Royal Navy family, offering leisure, wellness, and family-focused support in a tranquil countryside setting. The China Fleet Trust remains committed to its founding principles, ensuring the Club remains accessible, affordable, and relevant to the Royal Navy community.
For more information, please visit: www.china-fleet.co.uk
