The village of Castledawson, Co. Londonderry welcome the news of the end of the Second World War in the Pacific on 15th August 1945. The V.J. Day or Victory over Japan Day celebrations as reported in the press were "large scale and enthusiastic".
Almost every house in the village flew either the Union Flag or the American Stars and Stripes. While there were some celebrations on V.J. Day itself, the following day saw further events take place including the burning of a 9′ high bonfire at ‘The Gravel’. Mrs. Brackenbury of Moyola Park set alight the ceremonial pyre.
A drumming party gathered on Main Street and there was added entertainment when a pair of local ladies and an Officer of the Royal Navy took up drumming duties. Bright lights burned in the streets to illuminate the village of Castledawson well into the night as locals danced and played games. At 2300hrs, Ballynougher Pipe Band paraded through the village and around the bonfire site. Meanwhile, a Victory Dance was underway in the village War Memorial Hall.
As the celebrations wound down, the mood became more commemorative as in other parts of Northern Ireland. Thanksgiving services took place in local churches on Sunday 19th August 1945. In Christ Church Church of Ireland, reverend H.A.E. Egan led worship with music from the church choir under the direction of Miss A. Evan. At the local Presbyterian Church, Reverend C. Johnstone, a Padre of the British Sailors’ Society led worship alongside the choir under the direction of Mr. A. Heuston with Miss Marie Heuston accompanying on the organ. That evening, a religious meeting took place in the War Memorial Hall led by Mr. William McFarland and Mr. J. Lindsay of Randalstown, Co. Antrim.