IT WAS the news everyone had been waiting for – the war with Germany was finally over.
The Oxford Mail summed it up with the headline, Germany surrenders, and reported: “The war in Europe is over. Doenitz, the Germans’ new Fuehrer, has ordered unconditional surrender of all German fighting troops.”
That was how the paper in its edition on Monday, May 7 1945 announced the end of the Second World War.
After six years of conflict, it was the signal for the country’s biggest party to begin.
Families could finally forget fighting, blackouts, gas masks, air-raid shelters, sirens and other hardships.
Tuesday, May 8 marked VE (Victory in Europe) Day and it was time for everyone to celebrate.
Today, we reach the 75th anniversary of that historic occasion when homes and buildings were decked with flags and bunting, street parties were organised, bonfires were lit, drink flowed and dancing broke out in the street.
The picture above shows families celebrating in Blackfriars Road, St Ebbe’s, Oxford. Almost the whole street turned out to cheer and wave.
One resident recalled: “People were exuberant. We gathered in the street in the morning, later there were street parties and then everyone congregated at Carfax.”
Everyone was encouraged to dress in red, white and blue
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article