Victory in the Pacific – 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War

Victory in the Pacific – 70^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War

During August, the Australian War Memorial is involved in a number of activities to commemorate the 70^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War – Victory in the Pacific (VP Day).

Three months after Hitler’s death and the collapse of Nazi Germany in May 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allies and the Second World War finally came to an end. Almost 40,000 Australians had died and some 30,000 had suffered as prisoners of war. During 1945, Australian forces were more heavily committed overseas than at any other time during the conflict.

VP Day, also referred to as VJ (Victory over Japan) Day, and is commemorated on 15 August. This date commemorates Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender 14 August 1945.

The following commemorative activities will be taking place at the Memorial:  

Thursday 13 August, 4.45 pm – Last Post Ceremony, 75th anniversary of Canberra Air 

Disaster

Last Post Ceremony will feature the story of General Sir Cyril Brudenell Bingham White, Chief of General Staff who was killed in the 1940 disaster.

In attendance: Dr Brendan Nelson and families of those killed in the crash, including the White family (available for interview).

Saturday 15 August, 9 am – Installation Ha-go light tank

Media must register for this event media@awm.gov.au

Saturday 15 August, 10.15 am – Victory in the Pacific: War and Art symposium

Session 1: The Creative response to the Second World War in Australia   

• Dr Brendan Nelson and keynote speaker, Scott Bevan

Session 2: Australia and the Pacific in the Second World War

• Dr Peter Dean, Senior Fellow Strategic and Defence Studies Centre ANU and Professor Catherine Speck (University of Adelaide)
• Dr Karl James, Senior Historian, Australian War Memorial
• Dr Lachlan Grant, Historian Australian War Memorial (all available for interview).

Saturday 15 August, 12 noon – Victory in the Pacific Day, Wreathlaying Ceremony

Commemoration of the 70^th anniversary of the Second World War – Victory in the Pacific (VP Day).

In attendance: Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett and Dr Brendan Nelson (available for interview). 

Saturday 15 August, 4.45 pm – Last Post Ceremony, 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Pacific (and end of the SWW)

Last Post Ceremony will feature the story of Flight Lieutenant William Ellis Newton whose name is on the Roll of Honour.

In attendance: Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin and Dr Brendan Nelson (available for interview).

To request an interview with a Memorial historian please contact us via media@awm.gov.au

For more information on VP Day, please visit www.awm.gov.au/media.