Archive · 2 Sep 2025
Japan Surrenders, World War II Ends; Great Fire of London
On September 2, 1945, Japan officially surrendered to the Allies, ending World War II.
This happened aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
The war had been going on for years and caused massive destruction.
Also on this day, a fire started in London in 1666.
It began in a baker's shop and quickly spread through the city's wooden buildings.
The fire destroyed a large part of London, including many homes and important buildings, but only a few people died.
Japan surrendered to the Allies on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri.
The surrender marked the end of World War II.
The Great Fire of London also began on September 2, 1666.
The fire started in a baker's house on Pudding Lane.
The fire destroyed a significant portion of London.
- Who
- Japan and the Allied forces, King Charles II's baker.
- What
- Japan's formal surrender ending World War II and the start of the Great Fire of London.
- When
- September 2, 1945, and September 2, 1666
- Where
- Tokyo Bay (Japan) and Pudding Lane, London.
- Why
- Japan's defeat and Allied pressure led to surrender. The fire was caused by a baker's oven.
- Date of Japan's Surrender
- September 2, 1945
- Location of Surrender
- USS Missouri, Tokyo Bay
- Signatories for Japan
- Mamoru Shigemitsu, Yoshijiro Umezu
- Start of Great Fire of London
- September 2, 1666
- Location of Fire's Origin
- Pudding Lane, London
- Buildings Destroyed (Fire)
- Around 13,000 homes, 90 churches, and many public buildings