Logan commemorates VP Day for end of war

The City of Logan will mark 80 years since World War II ended in the Pacific region this week.

To commemorate Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day, Mayes Cottage will host a sit-down afternoon tea on Saturday, 16 August.

After initially being sent to support the British in Europe and North Africa, Australia’s war effort changed focus from 1943 to 1945 to Borneo, Malaya, Papua, New Guinea, New Britain and the Solomon Islands.

Approximately 800 people from what is now the City of Logan served their country, including many staff who worked at the Kingston Butter Factory.

The war officially ended on 15 August, 1945, when Japan surrendered to the allies.

However, at Mayes Cottage, VP Day was tinged with sadness as Jessie Mayes’ husband, Thomas Beattie, had been killed during the war.

Logan’s commemoration day will feature stories about the end of the war and songs from the era performed by singer Dr Karen Lonsdale.

A new sculpture trail titled ‘Furry Friends’, by Logan artist Colleen Lavender, will also be unveiled in the cottage’s grounds.

The afternoon tea will be held from 1 pm to 3:30 pm on Saturday, 16 August, at Mayes Cottage in Kingston.

Bookings are essential by Wednesday, 13 August, as tickets are limited.

Go to loganarts.com.au/event/victory-in-the-pacific-80th-anniversary to register.

PHOTO AT TOP: Logan Libraries local history volunteer Anne Collins has spent months making poppies for the City of Logan commemoration event to represent those who served from the local region.