Category Archives: World War II

In the news: Remembrance Day/Veterans Day–11 November 2021

Thursday 11 November 2021 — Remembrance Day Once again, we gather to remember that eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, when the guns fell silent and the great war ended. It is time to  honour  and … Continue reading

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In the news: Remembrance Day/Veterans Day–11 November 2020

Wednesday 11 November 2020 — Remembrance Day Once again, we gather to remember that eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, when the guns fell silent and the great war ended. It is time to honour and … Continue reading

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This week in the War, 27 Aug–2 Sept 1945: Japan signs the instrument of surrender

This week in the war, on 2 September 1945, Japanese foreign minister, Mamoru Shigemitsu, signed the instrument of surrender on board the battleship USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay. General Douglas MacArthur signed on behalf of the Allies. Representatives of … Continue reading

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This week in the War, 20–26 August 1945: Ho Chi Minh stays in charge

This week in the war, 20 August 1945: As agreed at the Potsdam Conference, the Chinese forces of Chiang Kai-shek crossed into northern Vietnam (Indochina) to accept the surrender of the Japanese. The Chinese left local control in the hands … Continue reading

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This week in the War, 13–19 August 1945: Hirohito broadcasts to the nation

This week in the war, on 15 August 1945, Emperor Hirohito broadcast on the radio to the Japanese nation. His broadcast announced Japan’s acceptance of unconditional surrender to the Allies. It was the first time that the Japanese People had … Continue reading

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This week in the War, 6–12 August 1945: Hiroshima and Nagasaki

This week in the war, on 6 August and on 9 August 1945, atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The necessity of using the atomic bomb is still debated today.

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This week in the War, 30 July–5 August 1945: King George and President Truman meet at Plymouth

This week in the war, off the coast of Plymouth, England, President Harry S. Truman, en route home from the Potsdam Conference aboard the USS Augusta, met with King George VI, who was on board the British battlecruiser HMS Renown. The atomic bomb … Continue reading

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This week in the War, 23–29 July 1945: Clement Attlee becomes prime minister of Great Britain

In the July general election, the British Labour Party had won its first majority in British history and, this week in the war, on 26 July 1945, Clement Attlee became the first Labour prime minister of Great Britain. The Labour Party’s … Continue reading

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This week in the War, 16–22 July 1945: Opening of the Potsdam conference

The Potsdam conference opened this week in the war, on 17 July 1945. Three countries participated: The Soviet Union—represented by Joseph Stalin, the United States—represented by Harry S. Truman (who had become president following the death of President Roosevelt), and … Continue reading

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This week in the War, 9–15 July 1945: Preparing to invade Japan

This week in the war, on 15 July 1945, the first contingent of American troops that had been serving in Europe boarded their ship in Naples, Italy, and set sail for Japan. The invasion of the Japanese homeland had been set for … Continue reading

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