On 15 August 1945, Sydney celebrated the end of World War II as Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's unconditional surrender. This moment was filled with relief for Australians after six long years of conflict. Albert Ron Gee Kee, at 101 years old, remembers enlisting at 18 amidst fears of invasion following the bombing of Darwin. He chose naval service to avoid combat in New Guinea, where he found harsh conditions and worked as a coder for the Pacific communication efforts. The moment crystallized a national relief and gratitude for peace.
On 15 August 1945 half a million people poured on to the streets of Sydney to celebrate the end of six years of war.
After Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's unconditional surrender, Australia experienced feelings of relief and an immediate shift to celebration.
Albert Ron Gee Kee, now 101, recalls enlisting at 18 and the worries of invasion after the bombing of Darwin.
Gee Kee describes his naval service in Milne Bay, New Guinea, stating it was the worst place in the world due to the harsh conditions.
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