VE Day commemorated in Gloucestershire - a week of reflection
Anniversaries like this do not come around often
Gloucestershire has done its bit to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, a moment in history on May 8th 1945 when the Second World War came to an end.
War in the Pacific carried on until VJ Day, which will be commemorated on August 15th, another moment that does put into perspective how cherished this year will be for historial military anniversaries.
What makes VE Day this week very significant is the fact that many veterans who fought are sadly falling in number. We are unlikely to have another VE Day anniversary with many veterans alive, so to those who served and those who stayed on the home front, their memories through school textbooks, books, television and radio - it is important that we remember.
Britain celebrated peace 80 years ago this week and in Gloucestershire, this piece is a chance to reflect on how the county commemorated the occasion.
In Gloucester, a VE Day beacon was lit atop Robinswood Hill and in attendance was town crier Alan Myatt accompanied by the Mayor of Gloucester Cllr Lorraine Campbell, Sheriff Cllr Pam Tracey and city MP Alex McIntyre.
The beacon lighting was attended by an encouraging amount of young people, including the Scouts, an inspiring moment to see future generations remembering those who sacrificed themselves during the war. The mayor spoke of how the conflict was “not in a distant far away land but one that was very close to home.”
The mayor spoke of how on April 4th 1942 the Gloster Aircraft Company was attacked and a bomb was dropped on the Hucclecote Road to cut off supplies to the factory. Members of her family including young children were shielded by hiding in a hedge, as the bomb killed a nearby family instantly.
The town crier spoke of how “nobody was immune from the impacts of the terrible conflict. We reflect too on upon the words our late and glorious Queen Elizabeth II, never give up, never despair, and so we offer thanksgiving for the selflessness of those who gave up so much in order for future generations to enjoy blessings of freedom, democracy and peace.”
At Hardwicke Royal British Legion Club, a flag raising ceremony took place as well as a rendition of ‘I Vow to Thee. My Country’, a hymn that has been sung across the UK to mark the anniversary.
Mayor of Gloucester Cllr Lorraine Campbell was in attendance at the club with her mayoral term almost at an end. Alongside Sheriff of Gloucester Cllr Pam Tracey, Hardwicke & District RBL chairman David Gargett and RBL county chairman Garry Mills, the Mayor spoke of how priviledged it has been to light the Robinswood Hill beacon twice for VE Day and the 80th anniversary of D-Day last year.
Being patron of the RBL for the year, the mayor said: “we recognise all the sacrifice that has happened during World World Two. From our service men and women and from those at home, it was a conflict that impacted every man, woman and child in the nation. It is so important we are here today to remember.”
“VE Day is both a sad and happy time”
Speaking at the Hardwicke RBL club is Carol Batty, President of Hardwicke & District RBL branch and Judith Stinchcombe, RBL Gloucester City Chairman.
Judith remembers her grandfather by wearing his medals, a brave man who served during World War Two in Africa alongside Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, nicknamed as “Monty”.
“VE Day is both a sad and happy time, Judith said. We commemorate those that gave their lives for us so that we could have peace in our time. VE Day is important to pass on stories to our younger generations and to be thankful we are here today.”
Carol remembers her grandfather who served in the Royal Army Medical Corps on a hospital ship. The service provided medical services to all Army personnel and their families, in war and in peace.
“There is no way we can ever know what people went through such as the Blitz, Carol said. So many men, women and children went through an awful lot during the war, they suffered just as much as soldiers on the frontline.”
Street parties and dancing
In Cheltenham a street party on Tivoli Street took place to celebrate the moment in history.
A community event to gather people, socialise, celebrate, and foster a sense of belonging - Sheena Cox organised the event to bring people together after successful previous street parties to mark the Queen’s Diamond jubilee in 2012 and the coronation of King Charles III two years ago.
“This is probably going to be the last one in a while, so it was very important to do the street party and keep it in living memory, Sheena said. The next time we have a milestone we’ll have a lot less of those who fought and went through the war. It is important while we’re in living memory to remember the occasion.”
At Llanthony Secunda Priory, a 1940s-themed dance event took place as well as the SULA Lightship moored on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal waters also lit its own VE Day beacon (Video below by Jay Stephens Wood).
Attending the party, Martin Turner aged 81 and Margaret Maybery, aged 79 both remember what life was like post-war, especially a time when rationing was still happening in the country.
Martin recalls how he did not see his father until after the war ended in India, a lost part of his early childhood due to conflict. “I remember as youngsters that we had to buy sweets with coupons, which was always a treat. I look back and remember how much food was limited, so post-war life was memorable. It was a time to party but my father only found out I was born during his own battles.”
Margaret said: “I’m very grateful for what veterans and people did at home. My father was in the RAF but only for a short time. We did have an air raid shelter at the bottom of the garden and I will always remember the rationing. Thank goodness we have so many people who are willing to listen to the stories of VE Day because sadly generations are falling away.”
The best VE Day coverage of the week
Below is the best coverage of VE Day from the week via Gloucestershire publications, including other street parties in Minchinhampton and the story of Northleach resident Carol Hanley, who was a cabaret performer working in London at the end of the war.
A picture story to remember how Gloucestershire celebrated VE Day. Even the day before, there were already signs of jubilation with people dancing in the streets. At The Cross in Gloucester, youngsters sang and danced in anticipation of the imminent German surrender. Picture collection by Phil Norris, Gloucestershire Live
A one-hundred-and-two-year-old D-Day veteran was the guest of honour at a VE Day event in Cirencester. Alan 'Mac' McQuillin joined councillors, veterans, serving members of the forces and other dignitaries at the Cotswold District Council offices this week. Matty Airey, Wilts & Glos Standard
A picture from the Fred Rowbotham Photographic Collection shows how Stonehouse marked the anniversary. Matty Airey, Stroud News & Journal
Residents and staff at Brio Retirement Living’s Beechwood Park in Stow-on-the-Wold celebrated VE Day with a street party and games. Nathan Russell, Cotswold Journal
“They were dancing, singing, drinking, letting off fireworks”. That is how Carol Handley remembers VE Day 80 years ago. A very personal story written by Alexandra Bassingham and Maddie Simpson, BBC Gloucestershire
Residents in Minchinhampton came together for a street party on Well Hill. 100 residents in the town enjoyed food, drink, music and dancing. Homes were also celebrated with bunting, union flags and Minchinhampton, Nailsworth and Tetbury town crier Tony Evans, paid tribute to the wartime generation. Pictures by Vernon Harwood in the Stroud News & Journal
Berkeley Castle held a two-day celebration event as visitors enjoyed a range of 1940s-themed activities and entertainment. Matty Airey, Gloucestershire Gazette