In 2015 on the 70th anniversary of VE day, we asked our members to tell us their own recollections of 8th May, 1945.

Here are just some of their own memories which gives a unique insight into how people were reacting to this historic event:

Michael was aged 6 and remembers ‘going with Mum into Coventry.  Surrounded by the blitzed buildings there were fireworks and everyone was so excited.  It was marvellous’.

George was aged 9 in Barnsley and remembers ‘all the flags up and down the street.  All the street had a great party’.

Jack was aged 15 in Sheffield and remembers neighbours burning railway sleepers to make bonfires.  Everybody was in raptures’.

Fred had been abroad nearly 4 yrs and had served in Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily.  He was in Milan, Italy as a Pay Staff Sgt ‘dealing with the different currencies brought in from soldiers who were coming home from the Central Mediterranean Forces'.

Ray was aged 8 in an orphanage and remembers ‘a big party and a victory V sign in lights on the side of a big house.  I don’t think we really fully realised what it was all for but it was talked about in school assembly’.

Colin was aged 14 living in a small Derbyshire village and remembers 'they had a fancy dress show to celebrate'.

Freda was aged 12 and remembers ‘going to the Forum Picture Palace with Mum and Dad where there was dancing, singing and cheering outside until the early hours.  It was full of merriment.’  ‘We heard war had ended from the radio and in the newspapers.   There were street parties a few days afterwards and permission had to be given to block the roads with dustbins and planks across.  All the women did their best to provide the food for the party due to the rationing.’