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This story was submitted to the People’s War site by CSV/´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Nottingham on behalf of Harold Gregory with his permission. The Author fully understands the site’s terms and conditions.

I was stationed in Thirsk, North Yorkshire in August 1945 when the atom bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I was a member of an outfit that was due to go overseas to the Far East Theatre of War - although most of the outfit had already been in the France / Germany War.

Within a couple of days after the bombs dropped I, together with 2 or 3 hundred troops boarded the train at Thirsk Station bound for Chester where there was a Holding Camp for embarkation by boat from Liverpool to the Far East.

I was particularly looking forward to this journey because it passed through my hometown of Warrington. I even thought of skipping the train at Warrington if it had stopped at a signal however, my better judgement took over.

I must say at this point that I was always telling my pals how friendly the people of Lancashire were especially Warrington folk.

As the Troop Train approached Warrington Station it suddenly had to stop at a signal point. Whilst we were at a halt we were told the news that the Japanese had surrendered and the War was over. Of course, everyone was delirious with joy at this news. Whilst we were celebrating some local ladies had boarded the train and began to dish out ice creams to everyone — not forgetting the driver! Imagine my unconcealed pride at this kind of gesture in my hometown!

Eventually the train did get to Chester - although the network had closed down for an hour at the news of the Japanese surrender!

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