Objects in Focus - VE/VJ Day

The Second World War ended 80 years ago.

Germany surrendered on 8 May 1945, meaning the war in Europe was over. However, political leaders described it as ‘a victory only half won’, and while people danced in the streets, thousands of troops redeployed to the Pacific Theatre of conflict to fight on for another four months.

Atomic bombs were dropped in Japan on 6 and 9 August 1945. Shortly afterwards, Japan announced its intention to surrender, and VJ Day is officially marked on 15 August. This time, the celebrations really could begin. The Second World War, which had claimed millions of lives, separated families and destroyed economies as well as countless cities and homes, was over.

The weapons displayed in the Objects in Focus case were used by some of the troops who fought on in the Pacific after VE Day from Australia, Britain, India, Japan, and Nepal.

The display also includes memories from some of those serving at that time, including this quote:

“Sergeant”
“Sir?” 
“I’ve just had some very good news. The war in Europe is over and the Germans have surrendered”
A pause. “Very good sir.” Then to his men. “All right lads, a five-minute break.”
And that was how we celebrated VE Day, that and a half-pint can of beer each specially flown into us. We were still a long way from Tokyo.

Colonel HRC Pettigrew, British, 17th Indian Division.