79 years ago today, the Second World War ended
Today we commemorate Victory in The Pacific Day.
79 years ago, Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley broke the news to the Australian people that the Second World War was over.
‘Let us remember those whose lives were given that we may enjoy this glorious moment and may look forward to a peace which they have won for us,’ he said.
Many Australians took to the streets to celebrate, while others in lands far from home solemnly embraced the news.
Sergeant Thomas Arthur Guy Hungerford, 2/8 Cavalry Commando Squadron, was in Bougainville when Japan surrendered to the Allies and recalled his reaction.
‘Suddenly we were unemployed. We had to begin thinking about returning to civvy life, and I don’t think there were many who had a very clear idea of what that meant. I know I didn’t,’ he said.
Almost 1 million Australians served during the Second World War. More than 39,000 were killed and some 30,000 taken prisoner.
Today we pause to remember all who served our nation during the Second World War.
Lest we forget.
To learn more about the end of the Second World War, visit our Anzac Portal.
Image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial - A crowd of civilians and service personnel celebrate VP Day on the streets of Brisbane, 15 August 1945.