Home Front - Victory

At last, in May 1945, Germany surrendered to the Allies in Europe and Victory in Europe day was marked at school with two days of holiday.  The following entries, from various school log books show the different ways VE Day - and later, VJ Day following Japan's surrender in August 1945 - was recorded by different schools.

At Middlefield School: 

"May 8 & 9.  Two days holiday granted to whole county on account of Germany's surrender to the Allied Powers."

At Inverey School, the headteacher writes on the 8th of May 1945: 

“Two days holiday was granted to celebrate the cessation of hostilities in Europe.  The children made their own bonfire and lit it at night."











In August 1945, the headteacher of Rhynie School records the following.

"17th August.  It has been officially announced that the War has finished, the Japanese having accepted the Allied terms.  Wednesday and Thursday were set apart by the Government as national holidays and the school was closed.  On Wednesday a small committee was appointed to make arrangements for the entertainment of the children of the Parish on Thursday.  A religious service was held in the Parish Church at 2.30 and thereafter the children marched to the Gordon Arms Hall where they were entertained to tea and games.  During a fair spell sports were also held in the Pleasure Park and money prizes given.  The proceedings were brought to a close by the lighting of a bonfire in the evening by a representative of the three services.
The school opened today after V.J. and V.J.+1 day."

At Fraserburgh Central School: 

"8th May.  Mr Churchill, Prime Minister, broadcast last night at 9pm, the unconditional surrender of the Germans had been signed & would take effect as from one minute after midnight (Monday).  Tuesday & Wednesday were accordingly declared public holidays.  The school was closed on 8th & 9th May, 1945"