Dancing in the streets of Hobart
People partied into the wee hours to mark victory in the Pacific, writes Reg Watson
FINALLY it was over. On August 14, 1945, Japan surrendered. The war in the Pacific was finished after Germany had surrendered three months before. News arrived with the announcement at 9am on August 15 from British prime minister Clement Attlee. It was conveyed on public speakers erected in Elizabeth St, Hobart, outside the Post Office. Attlee was followed by Australian prime minister Ben Chifley. It was true. The war had finished. Our boys could come home. August 15 became known as Victory in the Pacific Day.
Hobart, it was said, woke with a yawn. When the news was heard people were jolted out of their sleep. They made their way to the city centre. “It is over” was the message of joy. Great cheers were given, cars tooted their horns, air raid klaxons blared and ship sirens blasted.
The pent-up emotions of six years overflowed. The tempo was terrific. A spirit of goodwill and fellowship prevailed. Staid men and women joined in the fun. Hats soared, teenagers, shamelessly it is said, turned hand springs and spun Catherine wheels while strangers embraced. Lorries were commandeered and transformed into mobile singing platforms. By midday the crowds had increased. Office workers did not return to work. Trams were taken over and rocked from side to side. As the sun went down, the beer flowed. When the police threatened to close a hotel, soldiers and sailors stopped them. A swaying pack danced hour after hour with many entering the City Hall for singing. When midnight came, the crowd was as boisterous as ever. Thousands were still gathered outside the Town Hall in the small hours.
After they filtered away, they left behind littered streets and overturned rubbish cans. It was raining with a heavy drizzle. Some took to park benches to sleep it off as flags and bunting fluttered.
What of our city leaders? Hobart Lord Mayor John Soundy had joined in with the singing. In the Town Hall, impromptu addresses were given to excited crowds. Administrative Officer Sir John Morris said: “This is the greatest moment of our lives and perhaps in our history. We now look to the future. The victory was a victory to the people.”
The Tasmanian Military Band accompanied singing and chain dances. Churches organised thanksgiving services. New Norfolk saw a spontaneous outburst of enthusiasm with “unrestrained frivolity and gaiety”. Children were led in patriotic songs and shops closed their doors. Churches opened theirs for services which were well attended, as were hotels.
In Huonville crowds gathered in the streets and a picnic sports carnival was held. Diggers and scouts took part in a parade as did Huonville Fire Brigade. The Cygnet Town Hall was crowded for the civic thanksgiving service and Warden Mr Burnaby led the singing. In Franklin a long line of decorated vehicles assembled at the recreation ground. There were sports and a fancy dress football match. By all accounts the next day it was back to work and reports of celebrations had gone from the pages of the newspapers. Our military personnel, nurses and POWs eventually returned and families who had suffered disaster adjusted the best way they could.