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This story was submitted to the People's War site by Lin Freeman of Radio Derby CSV on behalf of Mr Raymond John Whitehurst and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

Memories of VE day
We were having our lessons as usual, when the teacher was called out of the classroom. On her return, we were then ushered out of the classroom and into the corridor. We were then, swiftly, marched down and assembled in the School Hall. We all knew the reason why we had to assemble with the rest of the school so quickly. For the past few days we had heard all sorts of rumours, about the War finally coming to an end.

We then stood there in anticipation, as Mr Fletcher, the headmaster, told us that Winston Churchill would be making a speech over the radio, and that we must all be quiet and listen. The news then boomed out from ‘Winnie’ that the Germans had surrendered and that tomorrow would be a holiday.

In another week I would be eleven and it was my final year at St. James Church School for Junior Boys in Dairyhouse Rd. I had just passed my Scholarship for Derby Central School and I would be going there after the summer break. I was also eager to start at the Senior School. This speech, however, overshadowed all this. Even at that age, I, like most of my School friends, knew exactly what this announcement meant……
Peace at last and no more talk of War. Blackouts could be taken down and the outside lights would come on again at night, and being a youngster to think that sweets will soon be off ration? These were the sorts of things we had not previously seen before nor could we remember.
Three of my elder brothers would be coming home at last. Two were in the Navy and the third was in the Army. All three were abroad and I had not seen them for some time.
However tomorrow was a holiday and in the eyes of a ten year old, that was more important.

Next morning, along with my brother Reg. who was three years older than me, we set out to go to the Market Place. He had heard that there would be thousands of people assembling down there to celebrate. In those days you walked everywhere and we were soon joined by other friends.
Each one of us was carrying metal dustbin lids, or buckets, which we beat with sticks to make as much noise as possible.
We paraded down St Peters’ St and into the Cornmarket among the hundreds of people who were going the same direction. Everyone was friendly and having a good time.
Nearly every house and shop on route was festooned with either a flag or decorations. When we entered the Market Place, the crowds were solid. I had never, before, seen so many people gathered in one place. Being young lads we kept together, for as well as being excited we were also a bit scared.
People were dancing, singing, shouting and drinking. The noise was overwhelming, particularly for us young lads. Being small did have its advantages, for we were given sweets, chocolate and money by many of the adults, particularly the Americans. The Americans also gave us cigarettes, which we stuffed into our pockets to take home for Dad.

As the crowds became thicker some soldiers decided it would be better for us if we stood on top of the Bus Shelter. They immediately lifted us up onto the roof of the old Allenton/Shelton Lock Bus Shelter (Buses 60 and 66) which was situated at the corner of the Market place, adjacent to the old Assembly Rooms.
We weren’t the only youngsters to be perched up there as all other Bus Shelter Roofs were also fully occupied. From there we had a magnificent view of everything that was happening, well almost everything. We stayed up there for most of the day until it became dusk. By then everyone was partying but for us it was time to go home.

It was the first occasion that I had been amongst so many people and the memories of it, even today, stand out so vividly. Looking back, even as a young lad, I really enjoyed that experience and I often wonder what did all those people eventually make of their lives? The only sad tinge about V.E. Day was that it was also the anniversary of my Mother’s death. She had died four years earlier. I know she would have enjoyed this day as well.

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