May 8 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, where the bulk of NZ’s Forces fought and suffered the most casualties. The 2nd NZ Division was at Trieste in northern Italy where German Forces had surrendered on 2 May. Various units, mainly Air Force and Navy, continued operating against Japanese Armed Forces in the Pacific Theatre of Operations where fierce fighting would go on until 15 August when Japan surrendered.
News of the surrender of the German Armed Forces was known early in the morning of 7 May (NZ time) but official celebrations were delayed until 9 May by Prime Minister Walter Nash to coincide with the British proclamation by Winston Churchill. May 9 & 10 were proclaimed public holidays in New Zealand.
Spontaneous informal celebrations began in the Hutt soon after news of victory was received as this notice in the morning paper of 8 May testifies.
EVENING POST, VOLUME CXXXIX, ISSUE 107, 8 MAY 1945
Formal speeches, parades, sports events and dances were held throughout the Lower Hutt Valley on the official celebration days.
EVENING POST, VOLUME CXXXIX, ISSUE 109, 10 MAY 1945
HUTT NEWS, VOLUME 18, ISSUE 43, 16 MAY 1945
EVENING POST, VOLUME CXXXIX, ISSUE 109, 10 MAY 1945
EVENING POST, VOLUME CXXXIX, ISSUE 112, 14 MAY 1945
However, the celebrations did not go by without criticism, expressed in these local newspaper items.
HUTT NEWS, VOLUME 18, ISSUE 44, 23 MAY 1945
HUTT NEWS, VOLUME 18, ISSUE 43, 16 MAY 1945
Marking VE Day continued in the Valley, especially when local organisations met again.
HUTT NEWS, VOLUME 19, ISSUE 3, 20 JUNE 1945