World War II in the Pacific came to an end in August 1945 after atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan formally surrendered at a ceremony aboard USS Missouri on September 3. An Armidale man was there for those momentous events, and his first-hand descriptions, written at the time are shared with you this week.
Before the age of photocopiers, scanners and all our modern technology, the most popular way for a letter to be circulated among family, friends and the community was for the letter to be taken to the local newspaper and published. Armidale’s newspapers happily participated, and many published letters are now studied by historians.
Joe Strahle, who was serving on HMAS Shropshire, was in Tokyo Bay when the surrender was signed. He described the events in a letter to his parents, D.C. Strahle, who lived in Barney Street at that time.
“Last Sunday was a memorable occasion for the Aussies here, as we were present for the big event. No doubt you were listening to the wireless when the signing ceremony was broadcast. It was strange for us to be listening, as we were only a few hundred yards from the Missouri.
“When the signing was completed, American bombers and fighters of all shapes and sizes filled the sky. It seemed as though a cloud was passing between us and the sun. I have never seen so many aeroplanes in the air at one time. The bay was filled with warships belonging to the Allied navies and I never believed there were so many ships in the Pacific. Yet they represented only about one-fifth of the fleets.
“There is a real contrast between the weather here and in Manilla [in the Philippines], but if I had my choice I would prefer the Jap climate. A day or so ago I saw that much-talked of volcano Fuji Yama. It was a beautiful sight. We are about 18 miles away, but had a really good view.
“Prisoners of war have been streaming out of Japan, and some of them are in a very poor state. I think the Americans will repay the Japs for what they have done. The things they did to American nurses were terrible. A batch of prisoners of war, bound south in an escort carrier, just passed us. Some of the boys who served on HMAS Perth were on board. The carrier contained all British prisoners of war, and as she departed from Tokyo Bay she steamed in and around all the British and Australian ships. Everyone was on the upper decks cheering as she passed. Imagine how they felt to be given such a reception after being bullied and tortured by the Nips. I am sure the tears would have been rolling down their cheeks.
“Last Monday evening we were entertained by our concert party, and it was such a success that it was put on again last night for the benefit of the small ships. The old ship looked like Luna Park with all the lights on. There are no black out restrictions now, and the upper decks are a blaze of lights. It is still hard to believe the war is really over at last.”
Lest we forget.
