Letters to Sunday Telegraph relating experiences of Victory in the Pacific Day, 1995 Wallet 2 of 2, Page 40 - 59

11.7.95

Dear Sir or Madam, 
In reply 
to your item in the Sunday 
Telegraph:- "Do you remember where you were 
when the war ended". 
Yes I remember the day 
war ended as if it were yesterday - sadly 
I have no photos.
As a member of the Army 
A.A.M.W.S A.I.F (Australian Army Medical 
Womens Service) I was on leave in the 
country, it was Sunday morning & I was 
dressing for church when the news came over 
the radio "the war was over". they also 
announced a march of the Services would 
be held in Sydney - I was on the next train 
to Sydney. 
We fell in for the march in Macquarie 
St - marched along Macquarie St then turned 
into & down Martin Place. What a sight, it 
brought tears to our eyes - the ticker tape -  
streamers - the people, I had never seen so 
manyy they kept running and grabbing us  
in their arms, kissing us & crying, it was 
just so wonderful, 50 years later I remember 
it like yesterday.

Sincerely, Beryl Avery

11.7.95

P.S 
Not for publication. I 
have a wonderful lot 
of memorabilia I would 
love you to see. 
I have a 
collection of original army 
colour patches I collected from 
the soldiers I nursed during 
the war at 113th AGH Concord. 
They are 6th - 7th - 9th Divy 
patches - the soldiers signed 
them with name and number o 
division. These are very special 
among other interesting items  
the soldiers gave me. If you 
would like to see them I will 
come to Sydney - just tell me 
the time and place.

Yours faithfully 
(Mrs) Beryl Avery

July 17 1995

Victory in the Pacific 50 Celebrations 
The Sunday Telegraph 
P.O Box 970 
Strawberry Hills 2013

Dear sir or madam, 
My story regarding the Victory Day 
celebration was posted earlier today, but I neglected to place  
my name of the top of the pages, three in number. However I 
have enclosed another copy with name, address and phone number 
on each page, my apologies for the mistake.  
Yours faithfully, 
(Mrs) [[Aflion?]]

Wednesday August 15 1945 7 am 
This day seems a little different from the others, the 
radio is on earlier today, the news of surrender by the 
Emperor o Japan is expected but not certain. Breakfast 
over, our dad leaves for the police station for work, we 
leave mum with the house work and go to mass. "Holy" Day 
today; the Assumption Our Lady's feast day, so we all have 
a holiday. 
We take up our usual places in church, all children in  
school uniforms, St Josephs, St Brigid's, Christian Brothers, 
Teachers, nuns, parents, and parishioners, church was always 
full in '45. Father Slattery was saying the latin mass, 
the alter boys names ive forgotten, a slight winter chill 
in the air but brilliant sunshine outside. The sun 
shining through the painted glass windows of our beautiful 
church, the voices of our school choir echoing through the 
quietess of the mass, Ave Maria, Panus Anjelicus whilst 
the whole church seemed to be walking back in line 
after taking communion. Our voices rose higher to sing our 
final hymn before our usual prayers for peace were recited, 
when we heard a lot of noise further up in town, then trams 
whistles blowing, car horns sounding, any noise that humans could 
make. Our mass continued with the lasting prayers and we 
spilled from the church, all still in our respecting class lines. 
We choir children were always last, by the time we got to the 
church yard, the news was what we all had been waiting for. 
Many parents were crying joy also with sadness. But there was 
an hour of joy on the faces of the older people which I maybe 

at fourteen that day didnt recognise but remember it well. 
My sister and myself and our friends crossed the road passed 
Scheuberts Corner Store which surprisingly was closed, too cold 
for our chocolate ice cream block anyway. Further up the street 
on Ryan's Hotel corner, crowds had already gathered, people 
were dancing around, hugging and kissing one another. the war 
over, life was to begin again. 'V for Victory' signs in all 
the shop windows and doorways. What a sight for us children 
to gase on, these adults who were usually so sedate and  
proper, suddenly acting up and having fun and in the street in 
the morning; we wanted to join in too. Continuing our way to 
home we were met by most of our mums who just looked 
at us and grabbed us and hugged us together like their lives 
were complete. These adults would no longer have the worry of 
those people, maybe bombing our weir which carried more water 
than Sydney Harbour, our town had been at great risk. Somehow 
the mums managed to give out some pocket money to us to join 
in the celebrations and buy some ribbons and keepsakes. 
In Dean Street we looked up monument hill and people had 
already started to climb up the steps to the top and maybe sit 
for awhile and look down on the town celebrating. Bus loads of 
soldiers coming into town from Bonegilla and Bandiana camps, 
such well mannered girls and boys and so young. The cafes were 
filling up with everyone having the specials of the time, 
banana splits waffles and ice cream and the "in" drink "TARAX" 
all big time to 14 an 12 year old girls.  
All the hotels were open, the phones at the post office,

were very busy. In the park in the centre of town, the brass  
band played all the top songs of the time, we'll meet again 
Lily Marline and everyone was sining and dancing, the park 
was suddenly turned into an outdoor dance hall, soldiers 
and their girl friends, mums and dads, old people and other 
old people, all very romantic and wonderful when you are 
fourteen and twelve. 
As twilight fell over the town all lights were switched on,  
the monuments were impressive and the main street was  
abaze of coloured lights, people must have been saving them 
all through the four years. Under the clock seemed to  
be the meeting place that night for the adults to continue 
the party, and party they did, to the small hours, who 
could blame them, and during the festivities they all 
silenced for awhile and gave thanks. What a day. 
What a party. What a war!

[[**Lidcombe 17.7.95 NSW 2141**]] 

To/ Victory in the Pacific 
50th Celebrations 
The Sunday Telegraph 
P.O Box 970 
Strawberry Hills 2013

Mrs A.J Irwin

16.7.95

V.P Day 15.8.45

I had not long begun my first job 
as a clerk to Mr Alan Belcher at Norman 
Belcher & Co - Auctioneers & Real Estate 
Agents Pyrie St Geelong Vic. When the 
news came through I was "persuaded" 
to take the auctioneers bell and 
ring it in front of the premises - this 
I did with much enthusiasm. 
No day off for us, but "rules" were 
relaxed. The pay by the way was 
18/6 ($1.85) a week - hours 9 -6. 
Great times! So much to look forward to! 
At 67 I think much the same!!

Moizelle Simpson (nee Fritsch)

P.S Regretfully no snaps 
of that occasion.

17.7.95

In reference to your Sunday Telegraph 
"Where were you" Aug 15th 1945 
I can remember that day 50 years ago. I was 
8 years old. I had Scarlett fever I was in 
Prince Henry Hospital Little Bay (La Peruse) 
The announcement came thru the wards the 
Nursing Staff went crazy, Dancing, Singing, 
Hugging each other and shouting "The Wars Over" 
over & over again. Being so young I didn't  
really know what it all meant only it was 
to do with soldiers. 
The Wards Maid told us in the Childrens Ward 
what it was all about and why everyone was 
rejoicing and crying. She was the only one that 
was left. Everyone had disappeared. 
All day we waited for meals, baths, beds 
to be changed. We didn't see anyone till 
our Parents arrived. they also were excited 
but had to help look after us. 
The news was a day long talking point 
for days. Everyone was still excited but 
after awhile it all settled down and 
order was restored in the Childrens War 
Prince Henry Hosptial 1945. 
Yours sincerely 
Mrs B Gallagher

How I remember August 15th 1945 
On the 14th Aug my husband & I 
moved into 3 room Terrace Cottage 
in Buchland St Alexandria. 
On 15th August we went staffing up 
Botany Rd. On the way there were 
hoards of people coming up Botany Rd 
& Mitchell Rd. Singing, laughing, crying, 
The last to stop for hours, that's when 
we knew it was all over. 
My husband was on disability leave 
prior to discharge. 
Our first son was born on 18th Oct 
We have 3 sons 3 daughters 
14 grandchildren 5 great grandsons 
Have just celebrated 50 years  
of marriage. 
With regards 
Mrs Thelma Ellicombe 

14/7/95

Victory in the Pacific 50th Celebrations. 
The Sunday Telegraph 
G.P.O Box 970 
Strawberry Hills. 2013

The alarm shrilled; I jumped out of bed and gazed out of my bedroom window 
anxiously. THE DAY HAD DAWNED clear and bright with blue skies for spring 
had come, and I was 16, and competing in the Combined High Schools tennis 
competition for my school, the Hornsby Domestic Science School, and the date 
was 15th August, 1945. 
Breakfast was hurried and my regulation navy serge tunic complete with black 
stockings were slipped over my home made tennis dress made form an old sheet 
for there was certainly no coupons for a tennis dress. Ran to Epping Station 
and caught the 8.00 train, which was filling with business people going off 
for a normal working day, and made my way down Anzac Parade Moore Park tennis 
courts where the competitions was being held. Hundreds of very excited high 
school girls greeted my arrival. 
My partner and I won the first round and we were in the second round at  
about 11.30 when a group of flush faced teachers ranga bell and announced 
"IT'S OVER! IT'S OVER! WE HAVE WON THE WAR!!!" 
Girls became excited, racquets went into the air, others burst into tears for 
they had brothers and fathers still at war. The competition, with much 
confusion just stopped. 
I had noticed a big build up in the traffic in Anzac Parde, lorries were going 
by laden with people singing and shouting. Trams were overflowing so we had no 
option but to walk the 1 1/2 miles to Central Stationand struggle to get on a train.
ON arriving home my mother was in her Best Dress and announced " We are going 
into the City!" I replied " Do you know the trouble I had to get home?" Never- 
the-less back we went. 
We got off the train, no one collected tickets, people in small shops were 
giving away cakes, drinks etc it was just one big party. It was just a mass of  
people. Martin Place, the Domain, Hyde park was throbbing. By night fall 
crocodiles wove in and out, big groups were "doing the Lamberth Walk." 
THE MOOD WAS ELECTRIC. 
We struggled home elated but to this day I still wonder how far I would have 
advanced in the tennis competition had the war not ceased on 15th August, 1945.

Patricia Tahmindjis 

[[**P.S apologies for all the corrections!**]]

[signature]

WHERE WAS I WHEN THE WAR ENDED.

I was in the Australian General Hospital at AITAPE in 
North New Guinea. 
To explain how I got there I will go back to July 1945  
and recount my recollection from the pages of the 2/6 
Infantry Batallion, "NOTHING OVER US" 
CPL E. C. RUCKLEY the medical orderly with C company, went 
in with Sgt. ORD and his men.  This is how he recalls what 
happened. 
On 13th July Lieutenant Johnson informed us that a 
fighting patrol was to attempt to dislodge the Japsfrom 
their position about 150 years along the Ulunkohoitu 
ridge. 
Someone must have been superstitious as 13 Platoon only 
had 13 men on the 13th of July so the attack was put off 
until the next day.  On the 14th July the position was 
bombed by 6 waves of Beaufort bombers.  The 7th wave was 
unable to unload its bombs as cloud obscured the target. 
Thisenabled the Japs to get backon the ridge.As we moved  
down the track we were joined by Dusty Clinas so now 
we had 14 men.We continued on through a native garden 
then most of us moved up the side of a ridge into a 
huge bomb crate. Then all hell broke loose.A  Bren Gunner 
below me was hit in the stomach before he could open 
up,  so I passed  his Bren up to the othersin the crater 
then went down towards him to see what could be done. 
I was then hit in the chest, which felt as thougha red 
hot needle had passed through it.I stopped for a moment  
took a few sharp breaths and as nothing seemed very 
wrong I continuedto work on the wounded.Then someone 
yelled, "Everybody out and we moved down the side of 

[[**RIDGE**]] into the treeswhere we attended to our wounded. 
We lost three killed(Cpl. R Seymour,Pte T S Martin, whose 
M.M. won earlier in the campaign was about to be announced 
and Pte Woods) and 5 wounded, including two native sentries 
We retired along the track while the Vickers Gunner 
provided covering fire.The R.M.O offered me a ride 
back to the Advanced Dressing Station on a stretcher 
but as I felt alright I moved back under my own steam 
A "cuppa" at Company headquarters was very welcome, then 
I ran into Keith Smith one of my mates from the Regimental 
Aid Post, who said, "I was just coming along to see where 
you were to be buried. They told meyou died while you 
were giving one of the boys Morphia." 
After a couple of day I had my first airplane ride, 
taking off from the from the downhill strip at YAMIL. 
I think the plane was a Tiger Month,single seater. The 
The pilot said,"Climb up, put your back against mine, and 
put you legs down the fuselage, Watch out for those wires 
there the controls". We landed rather bumpily at David 
Hays Hayfield, and then to The A.G.H at AITAPE 
This had been my last fighting patrol. 
After a week or so we heard news of the bombing of  
HIROSHIMA and the end of the war was in sight.

E.C (MICK)RUCKLEY M.M.J.P 
2ND. DIV. A.A.S.C 
53RD. INF. BN. (E MACHINE GUN COY.) 
7TH MACHINE GUN BN. A.I.F 
2/6 INF.BN (17TH BRDE 6th DIV.

12.7.95 
Phone [REDACTED]

Dear Sir, 
The siren began its resounding 
wail in the dead of the night not long 
after the air raid warden had carried out 
the rounds of the street in Bowen in 
North Queensland. His job was to make  
sure no light was visible from the 
darkened windows off all the houses. He 
banged on the street doors clothed in a  
military type tunic with a warden band  
on the upper arm a tin helmet and a 
shoulder slung carry bag which contained 
a gas mask. Every time the siren 
sounded from the Police Station everybody 
scampered out of the houses and into 
the backyard air raid shelter, which 
consisted of a deep trench with steps 
leading down into it and covered with  
sheets of corrugated iron covered with 
a layer of dirt. We stayed in the   

2/ 
air raid shelter until the siren gave 
the all clear. 
Born in 1936 in Townsville which 
had sustained 3 Japanese bombings 
during the war, my dad was in the  
air force stationed in Bowen which 
contained a large air force base of 
Catalina Flying Boats and the 
walrus amphibian aircraft. Attending 
Bowen public school as a smally boy 
I well remember the air raid drill 
while at school. When the siren  
sounded all the children filed out into 
the school playground, which was a  
maze of shallow trenches some 3 feet 
deep X 2 feet 6 ". Every child carried 
a sugar bag in the school bag which  
was tucked in one corner to form a 
hood which was slipped onto the head. 
Around everyones neck was a string 
threaded through a piece of solid 
rubber which we placed between our 
teeth in the trenches. Everyone crouched 
into the trenches biting on the rubber

3/ 
and covered with the hooded sugar 
bag until the all clear for the 
air raid siren sounded. 
Towards the latter part of the war 
my father was transferred by the air 
force to the air force base at 
Rathmines on Lake Macquarrie, I 
well remember the long journey from 
North Queensland by the steam train 
carrying the troops, which was well 
over a week in duration. As a 
small family we lived at Blacksmith's 
Beach on Lake Macquarrie in an old 
but very small miners cottage. We 
were covered in boils as kids, as 
with food rationing we were lucky to 
get any fresh food or vegetables, the 
diet I remember was porridge and  
Saverloys. 
At the end of the war I well 
remember the large bonfire, we (eg 
all the people of Blacksmith's had 
outside the local community hall, 
which was recently still standing. 

4/

The top of the large pole on the 
bonfire contained an effigy of 
Emperor Hirohito and everybody 
rejoiced with dancing and singing 
around the bonfire.

Yours faithfully, 
Vernon New 
Age 58

11.7.95

Dear Sir/madam,

My letter is not quite what you 
are asking for but writing it might 
help me. 
I do remember where I was when 
the war ended. I was in my first year 
of high school and we all went home. I remember 
the people cheering and the children jumping off 
the running boards of the trams. Everybody 
seemed so excited and happy and it's something 
I shall never forget but the memory that still 
is with me today is the overwhelming sense of 
sadness because my father wouldn't be coming 
back. He had left Australia in the advance 
party on the 14th December 1942. 
I know I was glad that it ended 
a few days before my brother's 18th birthday 
because he wanted to join the Air Force. but 
my personal sorrow brings tears to my eyes 
fifty years later because that was the day 
when I really had to accept the inevitable.

Thankyou 
Yours sincerely 
(Mrs) Anne Drayton 

Victory in the Pacific, 50th Celebrations. 
The Sunday Telegraph 
Dear Sir/Madam, 
I would like to tell you of my recollections of 
the Victory in the Pacific on the 15th August 
1945. 
I was in the in the Schimel Ward, The Mater 
Misercordiae Hospital, North Sydney, recovering
from meningitis nearly 14.
I was in a bed on the side verandah, and as
the day progressed, the trams stopped and
people were singing and dancing in the street
I was pushed in the bed to the windows, those who
could walk did. the main road outside of the
hospital was full of people and the lights were
put on in the town of Crows Nest and everywhere
The signing was lovely and everyone was
just so happy.
The patients all got a lot better that day.
The nursing staff and doctors and the sister in
charge of our ward, Sister Mary Vincent, 
were all lovely.
Thank you for giving me this chance to tell
other of that Happy Day.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Rita Wise, formerly Rita Macklyn.