The story behind the WM cover image is one of mystery, nostalgia, and celebration.
In August 1995, as Australia marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Melbourne’s Herald Sun published a striking photograph asking, “Were you the VP Day girl, or one of the girls flanking her as she celebrated the end of the war in the Pacific? If so, then then the Herald Sun would like to hear from you.”
It wasn’t long before the ‘mystery sweater girl’ was found. Bill Drew stepped forward, identifying the woman at the centre of the photograph as his late wife, Lois Anne Drew (née Martin). As proof, he presented the very hand-knitted vest Lois wore on Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day, 15 August 1945. To celebrate, the Herald Sun published the photo on the cover of their special VP edition in August 1995.
Three female work mates from the Kodak factory at Abbotsford, Melbourne celebrate the end of the Second World War. In the centre, Miss Lois Martin, wears a VP DAY sweater vest.
This vest was made by Lois Anne Martin in anticipation of the Allied victory over the Japanese.
Lois Martin grew up in Richmond, Victoria, and worked at the Kodak Factory in Abbotsford during the war. That joyful moment captured on VP Day showed Lois celebrating with her workmates, Betty Williams and Carmel O’Connor, all factory workers who had contributed to the war effort. Lois’s story reflects the experiences of many Australian women who took up essential work to support the nation during wartime.
This delightful image now graces the cover of WM's first issue, celebrating the end of that immense conflict and honouring the resilience and spirit of the nation.
Victory in the Pacific celebrations on 16 August 1945.