VJ Day on film: Sunderland on this day in 1945

They climbed lampposts and partied into the morning
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Possibly the most important day in world history - and this is how it was marked in Sunderland.

On this day in 1945, Wearsiders turned out on to the streets to hear the news: War is over.

Unbelievable scenes of relief and joy

The scenes in Sunderland on VJ Day were amazing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
V for victory signs from the people of Sunderland on VJ Day.V for victory signs from the people of Sunderland on VJ Day.
V for victory signs from the people of Sunderland on VJ Day.

The Mayor (Coun. John Young) addressed the people of Sunderland from the balcony of the Town Hall at 11 oclock on August 15, 1945.

The news that all of Sunderland was waiting to hear. War was over.The news that all of Sunderland was waiting to hear. War was over.
The news that all of Sunderland was waiting to hear. War was over.

The celebrations were still going on at 1am the next morning when cheering Wearsiders were still in the same spot, giving the V for victory sign.

Every vantage point was grabbed

They climbed lampposts, held street parties, games, chatted.

Even lampposts were used to get a good vantage point for the historic day.Even lampposts were used to get a good vantage point for the historic day.
Even lampposts were used to get a good vantage point for the historic day.

They had come through years of air raids, shelters, wreckage, homelessness and evacuations.

All of these photos were taken by Sunderland Echo photographers.

If your relatives shared memories of their war years, tell us about them. Email [email protected]

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.