07/08/2026
On this day in 1945, the United States dropped the second atomic bomb used in warfare on the Japanese city of Nagasaki, just three days after the bombing of Hiroshima.
The bomb, known as "Fat Man", detonated over the city shortly after 11:00 am. Nagasaki was an important industrial and shipbuilding centre, home to factories supporting Japan's war effort. However, the devastating effects of the explosion reached far beyond military targets.
Approximately 74,000–80,000 people lost their lives by the end of 1945, with many dying instantly and thousands more succumbing in the weeks and months that followed from severe burns, injuries, and radiation sickness. The vast majority of those killed were civilians.
On 15 August 1945, Japan announced its surrender, bringing the Second World War to an end. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain among the most significant and debated events in modern history, reminding us of the devastating human cost of war.
Today, we remember all those who lost their lives and reflect on the importance of peace, reconciliation, and ensuring future generations understand the consequences of conflict.
Lest We Forget.
