Summary: "Peace." Crowds in the streets of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane celebrate the ending of war on August 15, 1945.
Description:Crowds of civilians and a few servicemen block the main thoroughfares (Martin Place and Pitt Street) of Sydney where celebrations continue into the night, with dancing in the streets and fireworks overhead. Next day sees a victory parade by men and women serving in the Australian and British forces in the Pacific area. One section of the parade is led by Major General H. Gordon Bennett who was "able to escape from the enemy" after the Japanese attack on Malaya. Celebrations in Melbourne and Brisbane are covered in less detail although a view of a smiling Chinese man and a street performance by a Chinese dragon serve to remind the viewer that the defeat of Japan also marks the end of the Sino-Japanese war. Formal peace celebration is held in Canberra at the Australian War Memorial with a memorial service attended by the Duchess of Gloucester and the Prime Minister Chifley.
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:MGH 666
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM
Film: IWM (MGH 666)
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1945-08-1945-08
Production Country:Australia
Production Details:Cinesound Movietone Productions
RAAF Welfare (in conjunction with) (Production sponsor)
Cinesound Review (Production company)
Movietone News (Production company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics:Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Technical Details:Footage: 645 ft; Running time: 7 mins
