Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, however, Victoria celebrates the monarch’s birthday on the second Monday in June.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
It has done so since the accession of her uncle, Edward VIII, in 1936.
Oddly, in 1946, this holiday on the second Monday in June was celebrated as Victory Day in Victoria.
This is despite June 10, 1946, not being the anniversary of victory in any war in which Australia fought.
Coo-ee: Sudden death at Pranjip
For example, victory in Europe in World War II occurred on May 8, 1945, and victory over Japan occurred on August 15, 1945.
Perhaps it was the first proclaimed holiday after most demobilised soldiers had returned to Australia.
So-called Victory Day in 1946 was described by local newspapers as the greatest gala day in Benalla’s history.
The buildings in the main streets were all decorated - displays of bunting formed arches over Bridge St.
Coo-ee: Mark Twain in Australia
A procession of more than 40 floats started in Salisbury St and proceeded down Bridge St.
They were led by Caulfield City Band playing march tunes.
The prize for the best commercial float was taken out by the PMG float depicting a giant blue telephone.
The prize for the best float by an organisation went to Benalla West State School for a float depicting Victory and Peace.
Runners up were floats from Manchester Unity and the CWA Pattie Tallis won a prize for best decorated bicycle while "Toota" Eddy, Eddie Griffiths and Keith Firth took the prize for the most humorous float.
Benalla’s Fire Brigade’s float, "Wheel of Progress", depicted firefighting methods from 1870 to 1945.
Thousands lined the streets and cheered as five hundred returned servicemen and women marched by, kept in step by the Scouts Drum and Bugle Band.
Behind them came the Scouts’ float with its tent, camp fire and log seats among the gum trees. Two cubs kept the fire going.
The floats kept coming.
The procession marched to the showgrounds where all ex-service personnel were presented with a certificate of appreciation for their service to Country and Empire.
Next to be presented were sadder certificates to the next of kin of all Benalla soldiers who had fallen during that war.
Next, the shire president introduced Major General Ramsay, a divisional artillery commander.
The general kept his remarks short.
He praised Australian teamwork and unity.
He encouraged all returned servicemen to join the RSL.
Later in the day, events took a less sombre turn.
Coo-ee: More Benalla characters
All returned service personnel repaired for a formal dinner in the Drill Hall.
However, before that, crowds watched a spectacular bunched finish of the first Melbourne – Benalla road race at the intersection of Carrier and Bridge Sts.
It was the first long distance road race in Victoria since 1939.
D.R. Smith of Coburg finished first at 3 pm with a time of five hours, 34 minutes and 46 seconds.
Riders relaxed and refreshed at the Tennis Pavilion before sitting down to dinner served at the Cosy Cafe for riders, officials and invited guests.
If you would like to send a letter to the editor on this, or any subject, click this link
Editor