Extra Morning Alert - Victory! Japs Quit & Accept All Terms
Date15 August 1945
Object number00055128
NameLeaflet
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 330 × 205 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Hon John Morrell Berry
DescriptionA typed sheet with the handwritten 'Extra Morning Alert - Victory! Japs Quit & Accept All Terms' and a cartoon figure jumping up in air.
On the reverse side is the title 'Japs Surrender' and a typed release outlining the statement of President Truman confirming the surrender of the Japanese, the military plans in the region moving forward and plans for the official signing of the surrender documents. This was the on board newsletter for the US aircraft carrier BON HOMME RICHARD.
HistoryThe news of Japan's surrender at the end of WWII was celebrated on aircraft carrier USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CV-31) in this newsletter. Among those on board was Marine Morrell Joseph Berry who added it to his personal photographic record of the war contained in his Marine Album. After fighting in the battles of Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester and the Philippines and Guam, Berry joined the aircraft carrier which participated in the invasion of Okinawa, and the final naval attacks and conventional bombing of Japan in 1945.
According to this souvenir edition of the "The men of the BON HOMME RICHARD heard the news calmly, while at their General Quarter stations. The first flash bulletin came over the RBO, and was reported several times, interspersed with martial music. Confirmation from Captain Rule was not long in coming. Speaking from the bridge, he gave the men President Truman's brief announcement."SignificanceA ship's newsheet celebrating the surrender of Japan at the end of WWII is an essential artefact that complements and concludes the story of US Marine Morrell Joseph Berry's wartime experience fighting throughout the south-west Pacific as recorded in his Marine photo album.
