75th Anniversary VE Day

from BedsLife Magazine TOWN EDITION June 20

Book Review

RICHARD FULLER, YOUR LOCAL MP... BEDFORD CELEBRATES VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY! By David Fowler (Bedford Tour Guide)

The announcement of the Peace had been anticipated so that it was not a surprise when the news came at 6pm on Monday 7th May that there would be a 3pm broadcast on Tuesday by the Prime Minister, Mr Winston Churchill making the peace official. As Big Ben chimed, the huge crowds that had turned out in St Paul’s Square hushed to hear the nine minute long speech from Downing Street. Everyone stood to attention at the end when the National Anthem was played, followed by the ceremonial sounding of the Cease Fire by Scots Guards buglers.

VE party, Kirkham Close

VE party, Albert Street

Comic sports were played on the cricket ground and in the evening a Victory Ball was held in The Arcade, attended by about 4,500 people.

At 9pm King George VI gave a 12 minute speech from Buckingham Palace, which was relayed to a crowd of hundreds assembled in Russell Park.

VE party, Greyfirars

Celebrations had started on Monday evening with the public houses being full and a few bonfires, after all the Blackout was no longer! Public houses were also very busy on Tuesday at midday, the main streets bedecked with flags, bunting and coloured lights and street parties all over the Town in the afternoon, with more fireworks, bonfires, some with Hitler’s effigy and thousands dancing into the evening.

Every village and town in the County celebrated with church bells, thanksgiving services, flags and decorations, bonfires, fireworks, tea parties and dancing in the streets!

At 9pm King George VI gave a 12 minute speech from Buckingham Palace, which was relayed to a crowd of hundreds assembled in Russell Park. “ “

On Victory Day and on Wednesday, numerous straw stacks caught fire in various parts of the County. The Fire Service was called to at least six fires, believed to have been due to victory celebrations.

Evacuees were advised that arrangements were to be made for their early return home if possible.

As a seven year old, VE Day came as a surprise – I had been aware of the War of course, seen the barrage balloons, heard the bombers overhead, even listened to a V1 Doodlebug while sheltering under the stairs with my mother. But the fun of rushing around the area, being given fireworks to let off and building bonfires on the streets was irresistible!

VE day, Hitler effirgy