1995 50th Anniversary of Peace in the Pacific

The Japanese surrender on 15 August was announced simultaneously by British Prime Minister Attlee and US President Truman. When news of the surrender was broadcast work stopped, crowds surged into the city, laughing, and singing, forming dancing lines and embracing strangers ‘in a social eruption that may never again be witnessed’. On February 1946 a set of stamps was issued celebrating the cessation of hostilities. They were the first stamps to carry a distinctive design for each value. The design of the 1946 stamps were used for the basis of this 1995 issue, commemorating the 50th anniversary of peace in the Pacific.

The 45c red design features a seven-pointed star representing the six states and federal territories with rays of lights radiating around it. This is interwoven with a surrounding wreath of laurel.

On the 45c green design are the figures of a woman and child representing motherhood and an artisan with a cog wheel representing industry. The Angel of Peace and the Soutehrn Cross appear from above.

The $1.50 blue design stamp features the Australia flag and the Dove of Peace.

The original designs were the work of G. Lissenden and F.D Manley. They originally carried a denomination of 2 ½d, 3 1/2d and 5 1/2d. They have been redrawn by Lyell Dolan.

Technical Details

Original stamp design: G. Lissenden and F.D Manley

Original engraving: F.D Manley

Redrawn: Lyell Dolan

Printing process: Intaglio

Issue date: 10 August 1995