VP Day

Good afternoon I didn’t get around to writing this earlier.

This will be the last post about Newcastle during the second world war.

The 15 August 1945 was a day of celebration here in Newie as this was VP Day, VP stands for Victory in Pacific this was the day Japan surrendered. Yes, in May Germany had surrendered which of course people were excited about but as Japan was the direct threat to Australia.

The darkest days of the war for most Novocastrians when the Japanese attacked Newcastle. So, when Prime Minister Ben Chifley broadcasted the wonderful news, the city erupted in a joyous and uninhibited celebration. Of course, for most this meant that their loved one would be able to come home.

As soon as the news broke hundreds of sirens, whistles and horns on ships and trains as well as the factories sound, starting a wild chorus that lasted all on and off all day. People poured into the streets, dancing and celebrating with wild spontaneity.

Those in the suburbs poured into the city as well to join in the celebrations and await the afternoon’s formal parade and speeches.

It was almost impossible for people to hear the Prime Minister’s speech due to the noise, everyone knew her was talking and what he was talking about, after his speech a radio station put on dance music and in flash the city streets were filled with people dancing.

On that day no one thought about what would happen after the war,or gave much thought to how the war ended as in with the dropping of atomic bombs in Japan. All that mattered then was that the war was over