The end of a long and bloody world war finally occurred with the capitulation of Japan on 15 August 1945.

The Germans had surrendered earlier in the year on the 8th May, celebrated as VE day – Victory in Europe, but the continued threat from Japan meant that in Australia, VP or VJ day was the real celebration.

Image: Image: Shutterstock – Dr. Victor Wong

Produced By: Roderick Chambers, and Marryanne Gore

Featured In Story: Peter Lawler – Boorowa, Ben Chifley – Wartime Prime Minister, and

First aired on The Wire, Saturday 16 August 2025