VE Day

Mollie Day remembers

Hertford was an exhilarating stimulating time as the V E Day was announced. The overnight sensational, overwhelming preparations by all families acting together even with all the shortages and rations. Many streets pavements were decorated painted in ‘red, white and blue’. Many flags were also strewn across the roads and many flowers in garlands were also part of decorations on the pavements. I particularly remember Villiers and Townshend Streets. I had friends who lived in those roads.

It was a very exciting time. I was 12 years old. I lived in Foxholes Avenue and many flags, streamers and banners were displayed on the trees and in the road. At the top of the road was a field where late in the evening we danced round a bonfire. Before that, tables and chairs were brought out; us children were asked to sit down and had a lavish tea together. We were given ice cream, which we had not eaten since the war started. We were very excited, thinking of welcoming our boys back and peace at last. I think our street party was the day after V E Day.

I say this because my dad had served as a Grenadier Guard during World War 1 and  my parents, my cousin Ken and I went to London for the celebrations on V E Day up there. We went by Green Line coach from Hertford to Oxford Circus and then walked to a place where the victory parade would come along. It was a great experience. We saw the King and the Queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. In addition, we were lucky enough to see Winston Churchill standing up in an open car giving his famous victory sign.

We left London, highly elated. It proved to be a very memorable and exciting time. After 6 years of war we were excited at the prospect of peace and harmony again. Also, the eventual return of my brother, after him serving his country in the Essex Yeomanry. We were very much looking forward to much happier times. We were not disappointed.

Teddie Johnson Remembers

 I have been giving some thought about VE Day. And I send some of my memories of that time.  The news was announced on our radio: the Church bells, (which had stopped during the war in order to be used in case of invasion when they would be sounded as a warning, fortunately this did not happen) rang out.

It was a feeling of great relief that after so long it was finally over. There would be no more blackouts, no more having to do fire watching nights, and, of course, no more fear of bombs. Where I lived it was a very quiet area, but I did hear of street parties in various parts of the town, and I know they had one at Hornsmill.

 Afterwards, we all went to the cinema, as there was no TV in those days, and saw the newsreels of the celebrations in London, people dancing in the street and climbing up lampposts, and we even saw the Royal Family and Mr. Churchill coming out onto the balcony at Buckingham Palace.  

O Lord our God, as we remember Victory in Europe day, teach us the ways of peace. As we treasure memories, teach us to hope. As we give thanks for the sacrifices of the past, help us to make your future in this world, until your kingdom comes

A Prayer of commitment

Lord God our Father,
we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind, in the cause of peace,
for the relief of want and suffering,
and for the praise of your name.
Guide us by your Spirit;
give us wisdom;
give us courage;
give us hope;
and keep us faithful now and always.
Amen.