Victory in Europe – 75th anniversary

Today is the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

This day marked the end of World War II in Europe. The German High Command authorised the signing of an unconditional surrender on all fronts on 7 May which took effect at midnight on 8 May 1945.

VE celebrations in the Allied countries of Europe were huge. It was an emotional day for millions of people. The joy that the fighting had stopped erupted into celebrations and street parties. VE Day, though, was also a time of great sadness, as people reflected on six long years of war and the lives lost in the conflict.

VE Day in Canberra

In Australia VE celebrations were more subdued because the war in the Pacific was still being fought.  The Canberra Times reported that there were no exuberant celebrations in Canberra instead people attended church services to give thanks for the victory. Thousands attended a national service of thanksgiving at the Australian War Memorial. You can read about this here.

The Official Cable

Two young women employed on handling incoming Government cables were the first in Australia to read the official report of Germany's surrender. The news was immediately conveyed to the Acting Prime Minister, Ben Chifley who sent it on to the Governor General, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. Later the news was given to the Prime Minister, John Curtin in hospital. You can read more about this here.

Ben Chifley’s announcement

Church bells rang out as Ben Chifley rose in Parliament to make the official announcement which was broadcasted to the nation. You can read an account of his full speech here and listen to part of the speech here. This is what he said about Australia’s contribution to the victory:

Above all, let us give thanks to Almighty God. Australian men and women, fighters and workers, can join with just pride in the parade of victory that has now commenced. Our place has been won with blood and with sacrifice. Our name is known in the shifting sands of the Western Desert, in the mountains of Greece, in Crete, and in Syria. In every theatre of aerial warfare our name has been made known. On every sea Australia has had its ships and men. For let it be known to the world that everywhere that the enemy has been met Australians lie, whether in graves or beneath the restless sea.
— Ben Chifley

Acknowledgement:  The image above shows the bugler playing the "Last Post" at the VE thanksgiving service in Canberra (1945). It comes from the State Library of Victoria, details here.

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