August 15, 1945 was Victory in the Pacific Day, or VP Day, and it marked the end of fighting in the Pacific, even though victory was declared in Europe in May of the same year.

For many Australians VP Day meant the Second World War was finally over.

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The war had lasted for six years, 1939 to 1945, and during that time more than 39,000 Australians were killed.

Dubbo RSL Sub Branch president Tom Gray said it was very disappointing that the COVID-19 pandemic meant VP Day could not be marked with an official service.

"It was a very important period for the Second World War, Australia put a lot into it and a lot of lives were lost," he said.

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"We wanted to do a proper service, but we're just not allowed to."

Instead, a very small number of RSL sub branch members will attend the cenotaph in Victoria Park at 11am on Saturday to lay a wreath and remember those killed in battle.

Mr Gray said unlike other wars, World War II wasn't some far-off battle, with incidents also occurring on Australian shores.

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"We had the bombing of Darwin ... there was also bombing on the Queensland coast and the Japanese submarines in Sydney Harbour," he said.

Next week, Vietnam Veterans Day, previously known as Long Tan Day, will be held on Tuesday, August 18 with a small service at the cenotaph.

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