大象传媒

This account provided by Gloria Sutcliffe of Beverley, E. Yorks, was recorded by Denis Price of the 大象传媒 People's War Team, the 大象传媒 Open Centre, Hull.

When V.E. Day arrived in May 1945 I was just 15 and the celebrations to mark that momentous event are as clear for me today as they were sixty years ago. Everyone, my family, schoolfriends, neighbours, everyone was simply ecstatic. I remember our neighbours' who lost two sons in the war, quiet relief and joy shining through their tears as they hugged each other.
Celebration was the order of the day for just about everyone and my elder sister, on leave from the ATS persuaded Mother to allow me to accompany her to join the celebrations in Albert Square in Manchester city. Because of the crowds that would be there , my Mum was naturally reluctant but eventually, with strict instructions to stay together she agreed. As we turned at the road end to wave to Mum, I caught the distant sound of cheering and music. We joined a queue at the bus stop, the restrictions of five years of war had taught us to queue for everything, something we have never really lost!
Eventually Muriel and I managed to board the third bus but as we boarded it the female guard warned us all, 'Going as far as we can me luv's and then it's everyone for themselves!' The noise inside the bus was incredible, chatter, loud laughter coupled with outbursts of song as we trundled along. The air of excitement enveloped me and I felt goosepimples up and down my neck.
The main anxieties and trauma of the war had not badly affected my young life, although the terrifying noise of the air-raids experienced during the endless nights we spent in the cellar had left their mark. But this was something else altogether! I'd never experienced such excitement and I dare say I never will again.
The bus lurched through the traffic eventually stopping as the driver switched the engine off and the guard shouted, 'That's it! Everybody bail out and good luck!' We were still about half a mile away from Albert Square but no one complained but cheered as we spilled over on to the road. So tightly did Muriel hold my hand that it became numb but I didn't object as we pushed and shoved through the crowds. There were more people than I had ever seen in my whole life but I did not feel scared as we fought our way into the exciting new experience of noise and great crowds.
Eventually we reached Albert Square, and clinging to me like glue, Muriel dragged me along until we reached the base of one of the towering stone statues which were dotted around the Square commemorating historical figures. Ther were several people already sitting on the plinth of the statue but as we gazed at them, two sailors pointed down at Muriel in her ATS uniform and shouted, 'Hey folks! Make way for one of the brave ATS and her side-kick down there!' They then scrambled down beside us.
Before we could move or protest we were hauled unceremoniously, hands under our bums, up on to the space vacated by the sailors on the plinth of the statue! I still recall wondering what Mum would have said if she had seen us then! Although someone told me the name of our statue, after sixty years I have now forgotten!
Once up aloft, with my hand once more firmly held in my sister's, I was able to have a good view and I could not believe my eyes! There were simply thousands of people stretching before me until they disappeared out of Albert Square. How we had ever managed to make our way through the great mass of people was beyond my comprehension. Closing my eyes now I can still see that sight and am amazed again how we managed to struggle through that great sea of people.
The view was amazing! Flags of all different colours and sizes, service hats of every description held aloft on sticks and umbrellas with numerous ones suddenly being thrown high into the air over their owners' heads. And the singing! It came from every direction, rising to great crescendos in places, starting or overlapping in others. 'RUN RABBIT/WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER/IT'S A LONG WAY TO TIPPERARY' and countless other war-time favourites filled the air all around. With 'RULE BRITANNIA' rising from the group closest to us, the whole scene was simply and unbelievably magic to me then. I remember it as though it were only yesterday and even as a teenager, it was the overwhelming camaraderie which was the most astonishing to witness. Although the war had broken down barriers throughout society, we were still a reticent people by and large. But on that day in May 1945 no such word existed for the thousands of folk swaying, cheering and dancing in Albert Square in the city of Manchester! Everyone greeted, embraced and danced with those next to them, although in reality most would never have met before their arrival in the crowd. It was as if one gigantic family from all over the world were gathered to celebrate a universal family event.
Hours later when Muriel and I managed to find our way out of the Square, we were amazed to spy a taxi parked in a narrow side street with the driver sat on the bonnet munching a massive sandwich! To our ever greater surprise he agreed to drive us the four miles back to our home in Fallowfield. The journey took over two hours and as there were no mobiles in those days, we were both concerned for the anxiety Mother would be experiencing.
When we did eventually clamber out of the taxi in front of our house the driver absolutely refused to accept any fare other than a kiss from both of us! I can still see my Mother's astonished face
as she stood at the front door to welcome us back!
Later, after a much needed rest and nourishment we found enough energy to try and convey to Mum something of the heart-stirring scene we had been part of. No matter how old I grow or how much my 'mature memory' may fade, I will never forget the magical experience of that V.E. Day sixty years ago in my home city.

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