V.E. (Victory in Europe) Day.

On the 7th of May in 1945, Grand Admiral Donitz and General Jodl signed the unconditional surrender of all German forces on land, air and sea, thus bringing to an end the war that had devastated Europe since September 1939.

The next day, May the 8th, was declared a national holiday and all across the British Isles street parties were held to celebrate V.E. (Victory in Europe) Day.

Garlands were hung from lamp posts and tables were hastily erected in the streets of towns and villages across the country, Stainforth included, as families joined in the celebrations to mark the end of the conflict.

Everyone brought what they could afford to the street parties, and the revelries continued throughout the day, only pausing for the radio broadcast of the King's speech at 9pm.

Val Weir - Remembers the V.E. Day street party held on the backs behind Stanley Gardens
Street Party

 

 

 

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