大象传媒

15th August 1945
Darling,
No shortage of news today dear. Indeed there is so much to say I don't know where to begin. After I wrote to you last night I listened to the 10 o'clock news, nothing fresh, and then took my aunt home. When I got back it was almost 11 o'clock and Mother was still sitting up. She wanted to stay up to hear the midnight news but she looked so tired I persuaded her to go to bed although I was sorry afterwards. I was lying half asleep in bed when suddenly the works' buzzers started blowing, fireworks lit the sky and people were singing and shouting. Just at first I didn't realise what it was, then when I was fully awake I jumped out of bed like a flash, grabbed my dressing gown and flew downstairs followed by Mother, to switch on the wireless. A thanksgiving service was being broadcast and we knew that we were at last at peace. I went to the front door and was amazed to see every window blazing and all the people in the street laughing and all talking at once. Some were crying. I'll admit I was one. After listening to every news broadcast I would miss the most important one.
Most of the people went off the Town Hall where there was a service but I went back to my room to give thanks to God for this long awaited news. Sleep was impossible, even if one had wanted to sleep, for the people were rejoicing indeed and the pibrocks could be heard distinctly as the pipers paraded Abbey Road.
This morning I was up early and went to church. Then I joined all the women shoppers trying to get their food supplies for the two days holiday. Everyone was smiling and talking to people whether they knew them or not. For once the Northerners have unbent and are not afraid to show their emotion. At ten o'clock we went to the Town Hall where we stood for two hours in the pouring rain and easterly wind to join in a thanksgiving service during which was sounded the 'All clear' for the last time we hope. It was a tense two minutes with not a sound but the wailing siren and as its notes died away a mighty cheer went up from the crowds, as if now they could believe the war was over. This was followed by music by the massed bands of the town and the various choirs. I wish you could have heard the people singing 'There'll always be an England' and 'Land of Hope and Glory'. I've never heard it sung with so much feeling. To complete the picture of course the pipers were there in the Campbell tartan.
We've now finished dinner and it's still raining which is a pity really as it will mean postponing the childrens' sports in the park. There has also been planned dancing in the Square from 8pm until 2am which will have to be put off if the weather doesn't improve. I hope to go to church again this evening for the special service.
My dear I just can't say how thankful and grateful I am for this day, for the knowledge that we have come through almost six years of bitter war and two of the men I love have been spared. I know of course that for many the war is not yet over and also my sympathy is with those whose men will never return and those who are prisoners but I can't help feeling very happy and at peace with myself. I expect you feel the same and understand.
I had your letter of the 6th today but am not going to attempt to reply except to say 'Thank you'.
This may mean that we'll be together sooner than we had dared to hope. What do you think dear?
God bless you
Mona.

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