大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War website by Plymouth Library Services on behalf of Vivienne Riley. The author fully understands the terms and conditions of the website.

The news of 8 May 1945 confirming the end of fighting in Europe mattered very little to me, although I hoped that my father's discharge from the army would be accelerated and rejoiced to know that all bombing here would cease.

It was obvious that rationing would have to continue until Japan was beaten and no-one had any inkling of the horror to come from the nuclear war in preparation. Otherwise, my life would proceed in a familiar pattern.

For over two and a half years I had been away from work because of illness, and I was still at home when Japan surrendered. My total weekly sick pay was nine shillings (45p in today's currency), of which my special milk ration cost five shillings (25p), leaving me with very little.

My mother had her youngest child, a boy, less than a year before, and by May 1945, when my mother herself was very ill, my younger brother had become the centre of my life.

Apart from a hope of lasting peace, my particular world was unchanged by VE Day; not even a street party! Still, not having one was probably good for my figure!

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