Torridge-Side’s Joy And Thankfulness

Two Memorable Days

Tuesday, 8 May, will go down in history as VE Day marking the victory of the Allied cause against Germany and her policy of aggression.

An eagerly waiting world received intimation of this longed for news on the previous night.

At 3pm on Tuesday our great Prime Minister, Mr Churchill, broadcast an official message concerning Germany’s acceptance of unconditional surrender.

Monday had been a very expectant day and there were a number of rumours that ‘it has happened’ but the position was finally clarified in a broadcast in the evening.

Following the week of wholesale surrender of huge German Forces, it was obvious that the end of the war in Europe was becoming a matter of days and then hours and the flags began to appear and Torridgeside, like the rest of the world, began to set in motion its arrangements to mark this great milestone of our time – on the road towards world peace. In the midst of our joy at the liberation of Europe, we did not forget that there is still a cruel and fanatical enemy to overcome in the East – Japan.

Below, and elsewhere in this issue, there are given accounts of some of the happenings in this district on VE Day and the day following, both days being observed as holidays. It will be understood that owing to war-time difficulties it has not been possible to give detailed accounts of all events. It is hoped to give further accounts and pictures in our next issue.

It was certainly market day with a difference on Tuesday! Shopping was done much earlier than usual and the stalls in the Pannier Market, quite a number of which were unoccupied, had ceased trade to all intents and purposes by dinner time. Most of the country folk returned to their own parishes to share in the VE observances there.

The flags started to go up in real earnest on Monday evening, and especially when news came through on the wireless that VE day was to be on the morrow. It almost seem that street vied with street in friendly competition to see which could put forward the greatest show. Some of the small streets of the town were particularly well done. The official streamers of bunting were draped across the Bridge and along the Quay.

Shopping occupied the first few hours on Tuesday but soon summer frocks and sports coats were making their appearance and the band of the 5th (Bideford) Batt. Home Guard began to liven proceedings with music.

The Bridge end of the Quay was well thronged at three pm to listen to the broadcast of the Prime Minister’s speech. The Mayor and Mayoress (Ald and Mrs H W Fulford), the deputy Mayor (Ald F E Whiting) and Mrs Whiting and the Town Clerk (Mr F C Backway) appeared at the balcony of the Town Hall and at the conclusion of Mr Churchill’s speech and the sound of ‘Cease Fire’ the Mayor addressed the gathering.

The Town Clerk then called ‘This is a historic occasion. You are entitled to let-off steam. Take your time from me for three cheers’ to which the crown readily responded.

Peals on the bell of the Parish Church rang our merrily.

On the afternoon tide BARC oarsmen took a turn up and down the river.

In the evening special thanksgiving services were held at Bideford Parish Church, conducted by the Rector (Prev. W N Manning) and the Rev T R Gibby; a united Free Church service at Bridge Street Methodist Church, in which Revs R Pyke, Preb W M Manning, Rev Robt H Parsons, and Rev W J Farr took part, and other clergy and ministers attended in support, also the united choir of Free Churches; and at the Church of the Sacred Heart, conducted by Father C Scanlan; and at other places of worship.

At the Free Church service a collection (331) was taken for the starving children of Europe.

At the above mentioned and at the numerous other services held throughout the district, congregations filled the Churches to capacity. A very reverent feeling of thankfulness for the victory of our cause prevailed.

Later in the evening there was music on the Quay and the King’s speech was relayed through amplifiers.

The fun became fast and furious as the night advanced with many signs of jollification, including singing in the streets, occasional dancing, impromptu flood lighting, the discharge of fireworks (with an especially brilliant display from Chudleigh Fort) and other illuminated effects. Many hundreds of people were happily parading the streets until a late hour.

The full Gazette article is dated 15 May 1945