West Bay Discovery Centre, West Bay, Bridport, DT6 4EN.

Celebrations of VJ Day in West Bay in August 1945

Published by Editor on

15 August 2020 is the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, marking both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War. The brutal conflict in the Pacific had dragged on for four months after the allied victory in Europe. The surrender of the Japanese Government finally came after the US dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki with devastating results. Throughout the world the end of the war was greeted by celebrations. People came out of the streets and held parties.

West Bay was seemingly no different – these photos capture some of the local celebrations.

Do you recognise of these children? (3rd from right is Mick Harvey)

Jo Hawker who kindly allowed us to use these photos says her granny made fancy dress for her from old curtains and blackout material. Arthur Watson remembers being present at the tea-party. If anyone has more information to share about VJ Day celebrations in Bridport and West Bay please share it with us !

After the party is looks as if the children were treated to a boat trip, without the safety precautions we have in place today!

If anyone has more information to share about VJ Day celebrations in Bridport and West Bay please share it with us !


0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Avatar placeholder

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.