大象传媒

People had gathered in the prominent parts of London very early this morning but at three o鈥檆lock when I arrived at Trafalgar Square it was absolutely filled with a seething mass of people. My friends and I joined the throng and eventually ended in a queue for tea at the Strand Corner House. Crowds and crowds of people required tea but waited orderly in the queue until it was their turn. After tea we again joined the throng far thicker than before. People in Red, White and Blue hats, scarves, rosettes, even flags draped round themselves, waving Union Jacks of all descriptions. I had a Union Jack scarf. We made our way to Buckingham Palace - not so many people gathered here but after a while when the news was given over the microphone, also a recording of Mr. Winston Churchill鈥檚 speech, declaring the Peace more people arrived until the whole of the front of the Palace was covered by an excited crowd shouting 鈥淲e want the King鈥� and now and again a terrific 鈥淗urrah鈥� 赂. As these shouts were not shouted together it gave a feebler noise from different quarters, so a young energetic Canadian jumped onto one of the figures by the Victoria Statue and 鈥榦rganised鈥� the shouting, cheers etc. Soon we were rewarded -the King in Naval uniform, the Queen in powered blue two-piece, Princess Elizabeth in A.T.S. uniform and Margaret Rose in a little blue outfit, came onto the balcony with its draping of Red Velvet material. They acknowledged our cheers, waves etc. and after they went in we made our way with scarcely any difficulty to the Barracks where we noticed the Guards鈥� Band ready to commence upon a march through the streets. We lined the route and in a short while they, proceeded by three Policemen on horseback, started out through the gates. Three more Policemen on horseback brought up the rear. We then,with several more people, joined arms across the road and walked behind them singing the songs they were playing. This was very popular and by the time we reached Westminster where the Band stopped on one of the grass island in the road, there were crowds upon crowds following in their wake. At this stage we decided to go in the Abbey and found that a service was about to commence in which we were very pleased to join. The service only lasted half-an-hour but the Abbey was packed to overflowing. When we emerged from the Abbey the Band had disappeared and the microphones were relaying the wireless programme before the King鈥檚 speech. Crowds were still gathered there, but they were quiet and all listening, waiting for that speech, from their King. We decided to hear the speech from Trafalgar Square where they also had microphones. So proceeded along Whitehall. More people singing,waving flags, and so happy. A few surrounded the Cenotaph (one paused to wonder whether it was interest or perhaps for a fallen one of this or the last war). Quite a crowd 玫 were looking up Downing Street in the hope of seeing Mr. Churchill. As one approached Trafalgar Square again the crowds thickened into a seething mass. In the actual Square all was quiet people were listening to the microphone but outside the Square a great deal of singing and laughter could be heard. We listened to our King鈥檚 speech and then made for the Strand Station. Here again everything was under control my friends queued and soon were on the train home, but in my case it was back to the office for night shift.

I shall never in my life forget this day, this great day of our Victory for which we had toiled and sweated, waited and hoped for so long. The very orderly manner in which everybody behaved and yet enjoyed themselves to the full, made one so proud to be British. The bombed houses with their flags fluttering in the breeze, the children鈥檚 street parties. There is scarcely a house without a flag flying from its windows, or a shop without a decorated window. Yes, Britain celebrated its well-earned peace to the full. This day will live long in our memories.

Tonight all over the capital for the very first time since that dark day of September 3rd 1939, lights are shining; prominent places floodlit; bomb fires in the streets; fireworks; flares from the planes, etc. gives such grand splendour to our poor war-scarred, though still proud, city of London.

Thus, we have celebrated our Victory over the Germans and we hope, so sincerely, it will not be long before another Victory is celebrated - the utter defeat of the Japanese.

Searchlights crossed and recrossed the sky and then suddenly stopped at a certain point, therefore, giving a cover of searchlights right cross the sky like a dome. The effect was beautiful.

Written during the evening of VE day, in War Room No. 5 under the National Geographic Museum by Florrie Chapman

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