Page 88 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

Braybrook’s Golden Era

By April 1945, the military forces of Nazi Germany were in full retreat. The surrender of the German
forces was formally accepted on 8 May. This was designated ‘Victory in Europe’ or ‘VE Day’.

Celebrations in Australia were subdued because the war against the Japanese was still going on.
Large celebrations were not appropriate while Australian troops were still fighting, and many others
were still prisoners of war in Japanese camps. One reader of the Argus complained about the lack of
VE Day celebrations in Melbourne:

‘Thank goodness we had the wireless to cheer us on Wednesday recording the joyousness in England.
Here it was more like a solemn funeral than a great victory achieved.’

Japanese soldiers and civilians were preparing for a last-ditch defence of their mainland. America
dropped two newly developed atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6 and 9
August 1945, with colossal destruction and loss of life. The use of these weapons brought the end of
the war in the Pacific. The Emperor of Japan announced his country's surrender on 15 August.

In Australia, Thursday 16 August was celebrated as ‘Victory in the Pacific’ or ‘VP Day’. Authorities
were concerned that celebrations not get out of hand, and pubs were closed on the holiday, as they
had been on VE Day. However, joy still managed to break out. Crowds gathered in the streets, and
strangers danced together. Melbourne’s Chinese community called it ‘VC Day’ for ‘Victory in China’
and set off fireworks. Australian sailors joined in helping them parade a ceremonial dragon.

http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/explore-history/australia-wwii/home-wii/victory-celebrations

Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day: Melbourne – August 1945

Hillier summarizes the post-war years in FDFL,

“The war was over and that saw renewed interest in the league and more players available; hence,
three clubs were readmitted, having been in recess due to the war. Essendon Districts and Footscray
and Yarraville Socials were elevated to A Grade. The league was back to a ten team A Grade, twelve
team B Grade and twelve team C Grade. Growth continued in 1947 with Maidstone, St. Albans,
Maribyrnong and Williamstown United joining, and ICI reforming. Sunshine Harvesters Social and
Newport CYMS both dropped out.

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider