Letters to Sunday Telegraph relating experiences of Victory in the Pacific Day, 1995 Wallet 1 of 2, Page 20 - 39

Mrs J Robba
Phone.
Please find photo of myself, Sister,
and friend taken on V.P. day
 we were given the day off to
celebrate. We were working in
Elizabeth Street at the time, and
joined in with everyone in
George Street Sydney. We all lived
in Seven Hills then. Our Brother
Len was over Seas in the Army 2/8
Commandos.
Jean and Winifred. Heather.
Judy Hinks.

Penny Farthing and Horse
1892

Mrs Betty Pemberton (re Glading)
Dear Sirs
I lived in 117 York St City Sydney through
the war years as my farther was cartaker of
Loudwicis opposit Queen Victoria Building
the city was just like my play ground I new it
backwards & many a site my little sister & I saw
all the men coming home I would run to the
corner of George & Market sts to wave them home
The day peace was declared I thought it
was just for me as it was my 14th birthday
next day 16th August 1945. I got my sister home
from school & ran out on to the streets telling
anyone who would listen it was just the best
birthday present a girl could have I danced &
cryed & kissed any one who huged me
George st was just wounderfull I saw the
dancing man as that is what I called him
to my mum living in the city was very
mouving for me  I never missed a news real
with mum I can remeber Martin Place at
night with family & friends my sister on the
shoulders of dad my feet never touched the
ground the crowds wer so thike I could go
on & on things that have stayed with me
all these years will live in my memory

forever. this is a Photoe of my sister
& I at the time on top of where we
lived the next day 16th my birthday we
hav a old 16m film my dad took
but I have nothing to show you of the
day itself just my memories what a day it
was to have a birthday
Sincerly
Betty Pemberton
P.S. my birthday is 16.8.31. I think it was my very
Best 14th

25 JUL 1995
Dear Sir/Madam,
The enclosed photograph is, (from left to right), Marge
Ryder, Ivy Wallace, Carmel Finlayson, ...... Muller and Joyce Allen; and was
taken in Martin Place around 11am on the 15th August 1945. They were
all Mental Health Nurses and were working at Rydalmere Hospital. They
were on their 2nd of 6 shifts of night duty when they heard the news that the
war had ended. Night shift finished at 6.30am (0630) and after breakfast etc
they headed into town for the celebrations, arriving at 9am. As the enclosed
photo was being taken, a Senior Sister, who knew them, rebuked them for
being in town celebrating when they should have been back in the Nurse's
Home asleep, after the previous night's shift. After the day in town they all
went straight back to work.
Joyce Allen married Reg Walker in 1951 and Ivy Wallace retained her
maiden name by marrying a Wallace, of the others I do not have any details.
Joyce is my mother-in-law and Grandmother to 5 wonderfull grandchildren.
The enclosed photo is a copy of the original, no need to return it.
Yours sincerely
Paul Crotty.
[signature]

WINNING with TEAMWORK
Joan Bowden

The Editor
Dear Sir/Madam
Enclosing photo taken 
in Hunter St. Newcastle in 1945. I am
standing behind my brother Warren. We are
twins then aged 10 yrs old. The other two
girls sisters. Rita & Marjorie Pearce friends we
met that day.
Hope this may contribute to your
collection
Sincerely
Joan Bowden.
P.S. Would appreciate if photo could be returned.

Arthur Gregory. 39 Jamieson St. Emu PLAINS 2750
Yes. I remembered the day Peace was declared
My wife Catherine and our 6 mths old Daughter Carol and
I decided to travel to Penrith by train from Mt. Druitt.
We got just Passed St Marys about 200yds when the
train stopped He blew his whistle of couple of times
and left us flat The Passengers looked & listened and
the St Mary's church Bells started Ringing cars sounded
their Horns train whistled We heard that Peace was
declared. Well. Some Passengers walked back to
St Marys to join the fun. But Mum & I with a cranky
baby wanting her feed. Waited. After an hour & so the
driver of the train came back and decided to take his
train on the journey to Penrith. Yes. We got to Penrith and
you said it. No. Shops. Open. cafes. chemist the Lot We were
hungry, and Baby Carol it was a wonderfull for all but
was not too happy. We had a drink of Water at the Local Park
and called it a day and came back Home
This Photo is a 50th Wedding Anniversary Grant Carol
turned 50. yrs. this Feb. She's the one holding her nephew,
Russell. taken 6 mths before my wife's Passing. (Photo taken
at Dam.) I would like the Photo back Please.
A. C. Gregory.

Victory in Pacific
50th Celebrations
Sun. Telegraph
P.0. Box 970
Strawberry Hills 2013
16.7.95

Dear Sirs,
re your recent article in Sun
Telegraph - July 9th 1995 - Were you one of the hundreds or
thousands who Celebrated V. in Pacific.
Yes I sure was! at that time and
day AUGUST 15.45 I was stationed in Sydney with the
British Pacific Fleet serving with the W.R.N.S. Our
Fleet mail office being in York St Sydney. We had
started our day bagging and sorting mail for the ships
and depots, being on 4 Watches we were fortunate to have
the night watch which allowed us to leave early for lunch,
and half day off. Having heard on the grape vine via our
Wren Courier who had just come back from the American
Forces at Grace Blds also in York St. - "That the war was was over"
none of us could believe this - until we were told officially-
Still in stunned shock 2 off duty Wrens & I walked down York
St and everything seemed normal - gradually it was as
though the word was passing around, somehow we were in
Martin Pl and the yelling & yahoo started- everyone's look
was changing to smiles and we were just grabbed and

2

kissed by passerby's naturally the Service boys around
were not going to miss out on this. Paper and streamers
started to fall down from office windows & stores, with
the street photographers making a bundle - We then
continued along Elizabeth St and part of the streets
were quiet to mark Foys, where by now flag and ice
cream vendors were doing a roaring trade. Returning
back along Pitt St and somehow being asked if we would
care for a drink by storekeeper of a Mens Clothing Store.
Remember getting on the balcony facing the City
Tattersall's Club and calling across the street to others on
buildings. Singing our hearts out to all in sundry, by then
we were starting to believe it. "THE WAR WAS OVER".  By this
time we relized we had not eaten all day so got on the
tram and headed back to our Wrennary at Astra Hotel
Bondi. To start all over laughing crying, dancing, talking
Celebrating in each other cabin (room) and telling the stories
of the day until exhaustion took over. Next day we all
wanted to know when we could go home, think we
would have gone en- mass then, but the majority

3

had to wait on our allotted transport which was'nt
until the following year, some of us embarked on
the Hell Troop Ship "Stirling Castle" to shocking
conditions but were to anxious to return home to
loved ones. which is an other story.
Sincerely yours
(Mrs) K. Coleman
(nee Rice)
Ex. W.R.N.S 42- 46.

-5-
WANGI - WANGI
SATURDAY, 29th - SUNDAY, 30th JULY

SATURDAY, 29th JULY
A Dinner - Dance at Wangi - Wangi R.S.L. Club commencing 1900
SUNDAY, 3Oth JULY
AUSTRALIA REMEMBERS MARCH
MARCH FORM - UP - 10.45
STEP - OFF - 11.00
SERVICE - 11.15 - 12.00
FLY - PAST - 12.00
LUNCH - 12.45
FORESHORE ACTIVITIES    13.00 - 17.00
PARACHUTE JUMPING - ROYAL MARINES BAND - NAVY DIVING TEAM
MODEL AIRCRAFT - MODEL SHIPS - N.S.W. FIRE BRIGADE BAND
MARCHING GIRLS - ARMY LANDING BARGE - M.S.B. TENT - VARIOUS STALLS
TRANSPORT:
TRAINS WILL LEAVE CENTRAL STATION SYDNEY AT:     SUNDAY, 3Oth JULY
07.17  ARRIVES MORRISETT - 09.04
08.17  ARRIVES MORRISETT - 10.06
A BUS WILL BE AT MORRISET TO MEET EACH TRAIN AND CONVEY PASSENGERS
TO WANGI - WANGI
TRAINS WILL LEAVE MORRISET STATION AT:
17.08   ARRIVES STRATHFIELD  18.56
18.16   ARRIVES STRATHFIELD   19.56
19.18.   ARRIVES STRATHFIELD   20.56
ACCOMMODATION
WANGI POINT TOURIST PARK:
3 STANDARD CABINS - Sleeps 6
$35.00 Double - $4.00 Extra Person
5 EN - SUITE CABINS - Sleep 5-6
$50.00 Double - $4.00 Extra Person
30 POWERED VAN SITES
Tel: 049 751 889
MYUNA BAY SPORTS and RECREATION CENTRE: CABINS AVAILABLE
Tel: 049 733 301

THE BRITISH PACIFIC FLEET
Placing on record the names of the ships of the Royal
Navy, the Royal Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian
Navies, with those ships of other Allied Nations which
operated as units of the British Pacific Fleet in the war
against Japan.
 

FROM THE C.-in-C.
I am sure that everyone who has served in the Far East will
welcome this illustrated record of the British Pacific Fleet's
part in the defeat of Japan.

I hope that "Thank You Australia" will find its way into our
homes all over the world, and will not only help to illustrate
to our families and friends the conditions under which we
fought, but will also give them some small idea of the
overwhelming hospitality which we received from the people
of Australia.

To all who served in the British Pacific Fleet, and to all of
you in Australia who did so much to help us in our difficult
task, I tender my heartfelt thanks and wish you the very
best of good luck in the future.
Bruce Fraser
Commander-in-Chief, British Pacific Fleet

Aase Maersk, Achilles, Activity,
Adamant, Advantage, Aire,
Aimwell, Alacrity, Amethyst,
Anson, Aorangi, Apollo, Arbiter,
Artifex, Argonaut, Arndale,
Aroha, Ariadne, Arbutus,
Assistance, Atheling, Atlas,
Avon, A.F.D.'S: 17, 18, 20.
 
Bacchus, Barle, Ballarat,
Bathurst, Barbain, Barfleur,
Barthorpe, Belfast, Bendigo,
Bermuda, Berryhead, Beachy
Head, Begum, Berwick,
Bishopdale, Black Swan, Black
Prince, Bonaventure,
Bosphorous, Broome, Brown
Ranger, B.Y.M.'S: 2064, 2153,
Burnie.
 
Cairns, Cap des Palmes,
Castlemaine, Carella, Cedardale,
Cessnock, Ceylon, Cheerly,
Chaser, Challenge, City of
Dieppe, City of Paris, Clan
Chatton, Colossus, Corinda,
Crane.
 
Darvel, Darst Creek,
Devonshire, Denbighshire,
Deersound, Derg, Destiny,
Dingledale, Duke of York,
Dullisk Cove.
 
Eaglesdale, Edna, Empire
Battleaxe, Empire Clyde, Empire
Charmian, Empire Crest, Empire
Josephine, Empire Lagan,
Empire Mace, Empire Sam,
Empire Silver, Empire
Spearhead, Enchantress, Erne,
Euryalus.
 
Fencer, Fernmoor, Findhorn,
Flamborough Head, Fort
Alabama, Fort Constantine, Fort
Edmonton, Fort Langley, Fort
Kilmar, Fort Providence, Fort
Wrangel, Formidable, Fremantle.
 
Gambia, Gawler, Geraldton,
Gerusalemme, Glenartney,
Glenearn, Glenstrae, Glory,
Golden Meadow, Goulburn,
Green Ranger, Grenville,
Guardian, Gudrun Maersk,
Gurna.
 
Hart, Helford, Hernelin, Heron,
Herus, Hind, Howe, H.D.M.L.'s:
1440, 1449, 1474, 1475, 1483,
1489, 1493.
 
Idomeneus, Iere, Illustrious,
Implacable, Indefatigable,
Indomitable, Integrity, Ipswich.
 
Jaarstroom.
 
Kalgoorlie, Kelantin,
Kempenfelt, Kheti, King George
V, King Salvor, Kistna, Kola.
 
Lamors, Lancashire, Lariat,
Launceston, Leonian, Lewes,
Lismore, Loma Novia, Lothian.
 
Marudu, Maryborough,
Manxman, Maunganui,
Maidstone, Mildura, Montclare,
Mull of Galloway, M.F.V.'S
31, 98, 156, 164, 166, 167, 181,
197, 243, 244, 245, 280, 411,
424, 723, 749, 751, 753, 785,
792, 794, 796, 906, 1017, 1040,
1044, 1046, 1069, 1071, 1089,
1092, 1102, 1103, 1127, 1155,
1156, 2046.
 
Napier, Nepal, Newcastle,
Newfoundland, Nizam, Norman.
 
Odzani, Olna, Ontario,
Oxfordshire.
 
Pachecho, Parrett, Pheasant,
Pioneer, Pirie, Plym, Priam,
Prince de Liege, Prince Robert,
 
Princess Maria Pia, Prome.
 
Quadrant, Quality,
Queenborough, Quiberon,
Quickmatch, Quilliam.
 
Rapidol, Reaper, Redpole,
Resource, Robert Maersk,
Rockglen, Rockcliffe, Rockwing,
Ruler, Rockmount, Royal
Netherlands Submarines: 0.19,
0.21, 0.23, 0.24.
 
St. Margaret's, Salvestor,
Salvictor, San Adolfo, San
Amado, San Ambrosio, San
Andres, Scorcher, Scotsman, Sea
Nymph, Sea Scout, Selene,
Serbol, Seven Sisters, Sidon,
Slesvig, Sleuth, Slinger, Solent,
Southern Prince, Spark, Speaker,
Spearhead, Spirit, Sprightly,
Springdale, Spur, Stagpool,
Stawell, Sturdy, Strahan, Sibyl,
Striker, Stubborn, Stygian,
Suffolk, Supreme, Swiftsure.
 
Taciturn, Tamworth, Tantalus,
Tapir, Taurus, Teazer,
Telemachus, Tenacious,
Termagant, Terpsichore,
 
Terrapin, Thorough, Thule,
Thyras, Tiptoe, Tujerhaa
Tjitjalengka, Toowoomba,
Totem, Tradewind, Trenchant,
Tromp, Troubridge, Tramp,
Tudor, Tumult, Turpin, Tuscan,
Tyne, Tyrian, Tugs (Tanac):,
113, 114, 117, 135, 153, 155,
156, 172, 173, Tugs (Tusa): 224,
226, 227, 230.
 
Uganda, Ulysses, Ulster,
Undaunted, Undine, Unicorn,
Urania, Urchin, Ursa, Usk.
 
Vacport, Vasna, Venerable,
Vengeance, Victorious, Vindex,
Virtue, Voracious, Vox.
 
Wager, Wagga, Wakeful, Wave
Governor, Wave Emperor, Wave
King, Wave Monarch, Wave
Regent, Weazel, Wessex, Whelp,
Whimbrel, Whirlwind, Whyalla,
Wide-mouth Bay, Wizard,
Woodcock,  Woolongong,
Wrangler.
 
XE I (Executioner), XE II
(Xerces), XE III (Sigya), XE IV
(Exciser), XE V (Perseus), XE
VI (Excalibur II).
 
Zwaardvisch
 
Depot Ships of the Royal
Australian Navy placed at the
disposal of the British Pacific
Fleet on the Australian Station:-
Kuttabul, Penguin, Rushcutter,
Maitland, Cerberus, Lonsdale,
Moreton, Magnetic, Kuranda,
Basilisk, Ladava, Madang,
Melville, Leeuwin, Torrens
Huon
 
Royal Naval Shore
establishments:- Golden Hind I,
Woolloomooloo (Sydney):
Furneaux, Nabreekie (Monab
VII), Nabsford (Brisbane);
Beaconsfield (Melbourne); Pepys
(Manus); Tamar, Nabcatcher
(Monab VIII), (Hong Kong);
Nabberley (Monab II)
(Bankstown) Nabswick (Monab 
V), (Jervis Bay); Nabstock
(Monab VI), (Maryborough);
Nabbington (Monab I) (Nowra);
Nabaron (Monab IV) (Ponam);
Nabthorpe (Monab III)
(Schofields).
 
Royal Marine Establishments:-
Port Stephens, Moore Park.

PR0062E
Australian
War Memorial

18-7-95
Victory in the Pacific Celebrations,
I was working as a Trunk Line
Telephoniste in the Trunk Exchange on
to top floor of the G.P.O. building when
the news came through. I was due to
finish work at 9.30pm but the whole
exchange lit up with callers wanting to
phone friends & relatives & I worked till
12.30 pm.
All the time we could hear the celebrations
going on in Martin Place & even when I
eventually left work Martin Place was still
jam packed with people celebrating. It
was so packed with people that you had
to edge your way through.
The Trunk Exchange at that time

2/

had about 15 interstate switchboard
positions & about 60 NSW positions plus
2 Time positions & 10 Information
positions. The time at that stage was
given by the newer trainees reading the
time. (no recording) In addition
there was a four position pricing desk
& an eight position suspense (estimated
delays) desk all housed in this huge
room the size of a large dance hall.
When you first walked in the noise
was deafening but you grew accustomed
to it.
It didn't occur to me at the time
but I have since realized that it was
possibly one of the most dangerous
places in Sydney to work during wartime.
It was a communications centre plus
being on the top floor of the GP0 building
in the centre of Sydney.

3/

The room itself was sandbagged
all around the walls to a height of about
10 ft but the ceiling was about 30 ft
high covered by a glass dome.
We worked shift work, one week day
work & one afternoon shift which included
Sunday & earned about £2 a week
on average. I paid £1 a week board,
five shillings for fares & had 15 shillings
a week left for clothing & outings.
During wartime there were different
priorities on trunk calls. I remember it
was not unusual to have a four hour
delay on immediate priority calls which
were always scrambled for security.
The photo is of myself & another trunk
telephoniste in Martin Place after work
in 1945. My friend is holding the newspapers.
I am the one on the left.
Yours Sincerely,
phone
Mrs Jean Spiers

PH.
WHEN THE WAR ENDED IN 1945 WE
WERE AT BALIKPAPIN IN BORNEO.
OUR FIRST OFFICIAL NEWS CAME IN THE
ARMY NEWSPAPER (TABLE TOPS)
I HAVE ONE OF THE ORIGINAL PAPERS
& ENCLOSE A COPY OF THE FRONT PAGE
HOPING YOU MAY BE ABLE TO USE IT.
(PLEASE RETURN THIS COPY TO ME)
THE ONLY WAY WE COULD CELEBRATE
WAS FIRE ALL OUR SPARE AMMO INTO
THE AIR. IT WAS PRETTY NOISY FOR
A WHILE LIKE ANOTHER BATTLE
GOING ON
C.G. Wright 

ORIGINAL COPY
{55}
17/7/95
Victory in the Pacific 50th Celebrations
The Sunday Telegraph
P.O. Box 920
Strawberry Hills
2013.

Dear Sir
When the war in the Pacific ended on 15/8/45
I was serving with the RAAF at No 9 Stores
Depot in Darwin. The depot was across the
North - South road from the main RAAF aerodrome
six miles from Darwin.
I do not rember how the end of the war was
announced, it could have been by the P.A system,
word of mouth or by a special parade.
But that night there was a monster barbeque
on Darwin Beach. Thousands turned up and it was
a very gorgeous night, it was a bit rowdy at times
and some service men were firing off their rifles. The
celebrations went well into the night. The next
morning, on parade, we were all disarmed. 

{ORIGINAL COPY}             {56}
2/

The only other exciting event was the arrival
of the "Oranje", in Darwin harbour, bringing home
Australian P.O.W.S. Thousands turned up to welcome
the P.O.W's,  it was a great sight.
Enclosed is a photograph of some of my mates
from Hut 96 No 9 stores Dept. I have not seen
any of them since. I have another mate from hut 96
his name is Jack Pryor of Launceston, Tasmania. We
exchange Christmas cards yeach each year.
My service number was 162460 Rank L.A.C.
Please return photograph, my name and address is
on the back.
Yours faithfully
Ross P. Smith 

10/7/95
The Editor,
Victory in the Pacific
50th Celebration
The Sunday Telegraph.
P.O. BOX 970
Strawberry Hills
2013
Dear Sir/Madam
In response to your invitation to ex-Servicemen to provide
details as to how they spent V.P. Day, I enclose the following impressions
written by me on the actual day, August 15th and, now, part of
my book; "You Taught My father."
UNIT: 112 MOBILE FIGHTER CONTROL UNIT, RAAF.
LOCATION: BOUGAINVILLE, SOLOMON ISLANDS.
Yours Sincerely
Bob Stockton

8
PR00625
Australian
War Memorial

18.7.95
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have attached a photo copy
of myself. I was born in October 1943.
I am sitting on the bonnet of my grandma's
car at a picnic.

* Note the news-paper I am holding
- SUNDAY TELEGRAPH  What else?

* I am not sure about the expression
on my face. Maybe I wasn't convinced.
(Maybe the bonnet of the car was
too hot!)

Hope you are able to use this picture.
It is from a small "Brownie" box camera.
I have the original print.
Best wishes,
yours sincerely
Mrs Marilyn Mercer
(nee Hudson)