Story: Second World War

VJ Day

News of Japan's surrender following the dropping of two atom bombs was received in New Zealand at 11 a.m. on 15 August 1945. Sirens sounded immediately, and before long streamers were unfurled, and there were bands playing and people dancing in the streets. This film records some of the celebrations in Wellington and Auckland on that day.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: Weekly Review 208. National Film Unit, 1945

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How to cite this page:

Ian McGibbon, 'Second World War - Final victory', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/34590/vj-day (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Ian McGibbon, published 20 Jun 2012, updated 1 May 2016