VJ Day in Marlborough 75 years ago

Presentation by John Orchard. Part of the Marlborough Historical Society Winter Series but postponed due to COVID, please note the rescheduled date, 10th October 2020 at 2 pm.

Japan’s surrender following the detonation of atomic bombs over the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ended the Second World War. More than 200,000 New Zealanders had served during six long years of war, and more than 11,500 had died.

News of the Japanese surrender arrived in New Zealand at 11 am on 15 August. As with VE Day in May, VJ Day events were regulated by officialdom. Once again the preparations had been considerable, and the celebrations generally ran smoothly.

Sirens sounded immediately, a national ceremony was held, and local celebrations followed. Once more there were parades, bands playing, thanksgiving services, bonfires, dances and community sports meetings, and again there was a two-day public holiday.