Victory in Japan Day Celebrations
75 Years Anniversary - 15 August 2020
Following the celebrations for VE Day on 8 May, the town of Croydon began to relax into a kind of peacetime. Although there was no longer a danger from the skies, the war continued in other parts of the world. It was to be a while yet before those serving in the East; particularly India, Malaya and Java would be welcomed home. On the 7th August Hiroshima was destroyed by the first atomic bomb. Two days later Nagasaki was destroyed by the second. The following day, 10 August Japan surrendered unconditionally.
The world war was now at an end and once again Croydon celebrated marking 15 August and the day after a national holiday.
It was particularly fitting for the former was the anniversary of the first German air raid on Croydon.
Find out more about the raid on Croydon Airport and those who lost their lives in this event here.
Join us for a second chance to explore our resources relating to WW2 in Croydon. We have added three additional films made as part of the Home Front Project which include memories from Croydonians about Evacuation, Digging for Victory and Living through the Blitz.
Follow us on our social media channels to enjoy highlights from our collections.
Home Front Films
Enjoy our new blockbusters including the celebrations of VE Day, created with film from other London Boroughs accompanied by a soundtrack recorded by Croydon residents alongside those from Merton, Camden, Kingston, Hounslow and Ealing.
Topics include Evacuation, Digging for Victory and Living through the Blitz
Home Front Croydon
Experience our Film - “Home Front Croydon”, using footage shot in Croydon in 1943 alongside memories from some of our residents.
Croydon Remembers
View our exhibition of objects to celebrate the 75th Anniversaries of Victory in Europe and Japan Days. This includes items from our archives, handling collection and works by Croydon artists who were influenced by their WW2 experiences.
Ask the Archivist
Ask the Archivist! Send us in your questions to Lindsay Ould, Borough Archivist and we will be happy to try to answer them by email or use our social media accounts to get in touch
archives@croydon.gov.uk
Home Front Project
Find out about our exciting project led by Digital Drama and
funded by National Heritage Lottery Fund to capture memories from Second World War and create new soundtracks for some of our historic film.