VE is Here

 Imagine it is 8th May 1945: we will have been waiting for this day, known only as VE until now. So, until the Prime Minister Winston Churchill, announced it to the world, we wouldn't know which actual day it would be.

So, with all the signatures appended to all the right documents, the day could finally be celebrated. It would be Tuesday.

We kept in our minds the extra time required to complete the documents off Jersey. So, Wednesday, Liberation Day in the Channel Islands.  At last!

That is why these two days are especially significant to remember.

VE AND LIBERATION DAYS HERALDED

The weekly Herts Advertiser on the Friday carried a picture of a throng of happy people gathered in the Market Square on VE Tuesday.

IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY

COURTESY THE HERTS ADVERTISER

A short report recorded "Large crowds assembled by the lakeside at Verulamium, where the broadcast of the King's speech was relayed, and was listened to with rapt attention.  The National Anthem was sung, and a concert, compered by the Deputy Mayor, Mr R G Thompson, followed."

THANKSGIVING PARTY IN SANDFIELD ROAD

COURTESY THE HERTS ADVERTISER

At what is believed to be the first party in the city dedicated to the returning heroes, many of whom were present, was organised by the residents of Sandfield Road who had prepared for the special event for several weeks.

HOW MUCH DID WE RAISE?

COURTESY THE HERTS ADVERTISER

In all the war years the residents and organisations of St Albans had contributed their own personal funds and property for what was collectively termed "The War Effort".  And as soon as it could be arranged a special outdoor event was held outside the Town Hall, at which various totals were announced, including how many aircraft and ships these were equivalent to.  It must be remembered the highly successful National Savings Schemes, including those specifically for children through their schools.

CLEARING THE MESS

COURTESY THE HERTS ADVERTISER

Amongst the detritus of war locally was this 4,000 pounder which arrived on Roe Green Farm without exploding and had remained in situ since a raid in 1940.  The incredibly brave Bomb Disposal Unit made the object safe before it was removed for eventual detonation ... somewhere!

MEANWHILE, IN OTHER NEWS

The Herts Advertiser was first with the news that the City Railway Station, then located on the city-side of the tracks, would be re-built and enlarged on the Stanhope Road side; and that the bridge itself would become a dual-carriageway structure leading to Hatfield Road.

It would, of course, take three decades for the new station to materialise, and we are still waiting for the bridge and its dual carriageway!  Both demonstrated that the post-war world and its ordinary and super projects to look forward to would only come with our patience, and for others we would have to, as they say, manage our expectations.

Enjoy your VE+80