World War 2 didn't officially end until the surrender was signed on September 2, 1945, but Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley declared the war's end on August 15. Bega District News' edition of August 16 reported the announcement.
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On the Wednesday there was a celebration at the Bega Showground.
THERE had been a big attendance on the ground during the afternoon, when the children had sports and were regaled with refreshments.
Both the night and day functions were excellently conducted by a committee of ladies and gentlemen.
Up town in the forenoon and again in the late afternoon there was much harmless revelry, but at night someone set fire to the frame work used for salvage in front of the courthouse.
On Thursday morning the King's Theatre, which holds about 800 persons, was crowded for the united religious service of thanksgiving, conducted by Rev R Upjohn (Church of England), HF Peak (Presbyterian), LG Little (Methodist), and the captain of the Salvation Army.
An eloquent and touching address was given by Rev Upjohn in which he traversed the various vicissitudes of the war from the start up to Victory Day.
The singing was to band accompaniment, with the words shown on the screen, and it all went excellently.
A minute's silence was observed for the fallen.
Earlier in the morning the band went to the hospital, and the music was much appreciated by patients and staff.
Members of the board attended, also Mrs E Wood, president of the auxiliary, and Mrs Irwin.
The chairman of the board and other members had a few words on the greatness of the day, and Mrs Wood and Mrs Whalan were especially thanked for donations of cakes, etc.
Mrs Wood had put all the previous day in cooking, and Mrs Whalan had done so on the previous night.
Mr Dick O'Neill, a grateful ex-patient, donated one pound for the celebration at the hospital.
On Thursday evening old and new Diggers in Bega staged a show of their own.
With a piano on the lorry, and accordions, tin whistles etc, they paraded the town and went to the show pavilion, where dancing and revelry continued to a late hour.
The parade through then town caused much amusement, and the march up Gipps St, tested some of the walkers.
There was much mirthful celebration in town during both days, but there was no disorder.
Tathra residents celebrated on Thursday with a bonfire.
Merimbula celebrated in real royal style.
Over 20 pounds were collected for children's sports and refreshments on Wednesday, and every child received a money prize.
At night there was a great bonfire, over 30foot in height, into which an effigy of Tojo, after being kicked around, was soaked in sump oil and was thrown on the flames.
All hands for miles around gathered around the fire, and with Eli Beveridge on the concertina, they sang themselves hoarse.
