Collected Podcast Episode 20: VP Day

When the war in the Pacific ended on August 15, 1945, Australians went wild with joy. That day – VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day – was celebrated across the country with street parties and parades. But the day was also marked with sorrow for the tens of thousands of Australians killed or injured. Louise Maher explores the story of a young woman’s simple knitted vest that symbolised the relief of the nation and hope for the future.

Interviewed:

Eleni Holloway, Assistant Curator

Dr Karl James, Head of Military History

Collection items:

The Mystery Sweater Girl: Miss Lois Anne Martin
Read about this highly significant national icon currently on display in the Second World War gallery.

Chifley speech: 

Joseph Benedict Chifley as the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia announces the end of the Second World War in the Pacific with the surrender of Japan, August 1945

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Alexander Lochhead oral history: 

Alexander Joseph Lochhead, as a Lieutenant, 39th Battalion, interviewed by Harry Martin for the Keith Murdoch Sound Archive of Australia in the War of 1939-45.

 

  • 31:27
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Elizabeth Lucas oral history:

 

(V345005) Elizabeth Field Lucas née Ratten as a major, Australian Women's Army Service, interviewed by Harry Martin for The Keith Murdoch Sound Archive of Australia in the War of 1939-1945

 

  • 57:48
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Sir Adrian Curlewis oral history:

Elizabeth Field Lucas née Ratten as a major, Australian Women's Army Service, interviewed by Harry Martin for The Keith Murdoch Sound Archive of Australia in the War of 1939-1945

  • 57:48
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S00018 - VP (Victory in the Pacific) thanksgiving service held at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT, on 16 August 1945.
[34 minutes duration] Digitised, but not available online.

Audio

Audio excerpts from Movietone Special: Peace: Australia Celebrates courtesy Cinesound Movietone Productions

Original Music: Andy Heaney, Vice Like Grip

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