Victory in the Pacific

This photograph taken in Melbourne, Victoria, 15 August 1945 depicts how rejoicing broke out spontaneously when the surrender of Japan was announced: ‘the war was over’. Lois Anne Martin knitted the red, white and blue vest especially for VP Day and never wore it again. The vest is on display in the Memorial’s Second World War Gallery.

VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day, also referred to as VJ (Victory over Japan) Day, is celebrated on 15 August. This date commemorates Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender 14 August 1945. For Australians, it meant that the Second World War was finally over.

The following day, 15 August, is usually referred to as VP Day. In August 1945 Australian governments gazetted a public holiday as VP Day and most newspapers reported it as such. However, the governments of Britain, the United States and New Zealand preferred VJ Day. It is not true, as some have claimed, that the day was originally called VJ and that the name was surreptitiously changed later.

Contest Introduction

This contest commemorates the Amateurs who died during World War II and is designed to encourage friendly participation and help improve the operating skills of participants. It is held on the weekend closest to the 15th August, the date on which hostilities ceased in the southwest Pacific area.

Amateurs will endeavour to contact amateurs in VK call areas, ZL and P29 on all bands except WARC bands. Modes allowed are voice, CW and RTTY as per the era remembered.

Riverland Radio Club

The Riverland Radio Club shall again this year remember this special day by activating on the Saturday of the contest.

Rob VK5TRM, Ron VK5MRE and Adrian VK5AW will be operating portable from the Barmera RSL hall and will be using the Riverland Radio Club callsign, VK5BRL.

Here in this photo active for the contest last year is (from left) Rob VK5TRM, Ron VK5MRE, and Andy VK5LA.