VJ Day 70th anniversary: Amazing then-and-now photos of World War II
HAUNTING photos that combine contemporary images with eyewitness photos have revealed key moments of history and the present day, 70 years after WWII ended.
ANZAC Centenary
Don't miss out on the headlines from ANZAC Centenary. Followed categories will be added to My News.
“FELLOW citizens, the war is over.’’ With those words 70 years ago, prime minister Ben Chifley told Australia World War II had ended.
After the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese Emperor Hirohito went on radio for the first time in history, and made a broadcast to his people.
He talked of the “incalculable’’ power of the “new and most cruel bomb’’ that had been used against his nation and said: “We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come, by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable’’.
Leaders around the world made similar announcements. In the US and in Britain they dubbed it VJ day — victory over Japan.
Peace was hard earned as these composite photos show by seamlessly combining contempoary images with eyewitness photographs taken during the war.
The Diggers fought in campaigns against Germany and Italy in Europe, the Mediterranean and
North Africa, as well as against Japan in South-East Asia and the Pacific.
The Australian mainland came under direct attack for the first time, as Japan launched air raids against towns in north-west Australia and midget submarines attacked Sydney Harbour.
The threat of invasion receded only after as the Allies won a series of decisive battles across the Pacific theatre: in the Coral Sea, at Midway and on the Kokoda Trail.
Meanwhile, the liberation of Europe began with the world’s largest seaborne invasion.
Australia’s contribution to the Normandy landings came mostly in the air, from 2500 Australian pilots and aircrew. Some 500 Australians served on ships and fought on the beaches.
It was the beginning of the end for the Nazi regime as Australians fought with other nations to ensure a different future from the world domination envisaged by Hitler.
When word came through of the end of war in Europe in May 1945, many Australians kept a tight lid on their feelings, knowing that the war was not yet over.
The news on August 15, 1945, was greeted with euphoria across the sunburnt country.
Six cruel years of conflict was finished.
Those who fought brought a peace that has enriched the lives of succeeding generations.
Australia made a contribution far above what might have been expected for a nation its size.
A country of just seven million people put more than one million men and women in uniform.
Nearly 40,000 died and another 30,000 taken prisoner.
The war heightened Australian political suspicion of the intentions of those in power in London and brought Australia closer to Washington.
Post-war migration, from Britain and war-ravaged Europe, laid the foundations for modern, multicultural Australia.
Those who fought for Australia in WWII were members of a very special generation; their sacrifices are remembered and respected today.
Originally published as VJ Day 70th anniversary: Amazing then-and-now photos of World War II
What’s open on Anzac Day?
The public holiday has brought in changed trading times, with many businesses shutting up shop to honour the Anzacs.
How to use your free Virtual Candle
Australians will commemorate Anzac Day from home on Saturday. This is a step-by-step guide to using your free Virtual Candle and other content to Light Up The Dawn.