Victory in Europe Day

How Aberdeen marked the end of WW2

As the end of WW2 approached in 1945, many UK cities prepared to observe and celebrate what would become known as VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day. Aberdeen did likewise, formulating plans to publicly observe the termination of the war with Germany. On the 75th Anniversary of this day, we look at the plans considered in detail by the Town Council and recorded in their Council minutes of 2^nd April 1945 and 11^th May 1945.

Signals

Signalling would play an important role in these observations, both nationally and for Aberdeen. Suggestions included ringing church bells, sounding the “all clear” siren for 5 minutes and using similar apparatus from vessels in the Harbour to create celebratory noise. Additionally, bonfires were considered on Brimmond Hill, the Broad Hill and the high ground of Kincorth (or Tullos). The council hoped full lighting would be resumed and, if practical, shopkeepers would light up their shop windows in some way.

Unfortunately, due to Aberdeen’s proximity to the coast, a number of these celebrations of light, sound and  music were not to be implemented. Full lighting was not resumed immediately and flood-lighting of prominent buildings was not possible as dim-out and black-out restrictions were to be maintained in coastal areas. Although bonfires were allowed generally (so long as salvage material wasn’t used) Aberdeen also had to limit this aspect of their celebrations, with only a singular bonfire to be lit on Brimmond Hill on the evening of VE Day.

Decorating the City

Along with sound and lights, Aberdeen’s Town Council minutes suggest that music and decorations were also organised to adorn the city in celebration. Flags would fly on public buildings and other premises such as banks and shops, brightening the city’s skyline. The City flag and the flags of the four United Nations would be attached to Town House and the flags of other Allied Nations displayed along the façade toward Union Street.

It was agreed that tramcars would have bunting from the bow collectors and control ropes, whilst at Hazlehead and the beach, bands would play on VE Day and the day after. Theatres, music halls and cinemas could keep their premises open until their usual hour, while it was envisioned that those licensed for public dancing might remain open later than normal. It was advised that Licensing Authorities should give sympathetic consideration to businesses applying for special permission to extend their hours on VE Day.

This is the cover of a diary from Henriette Smart, depicting a colourfully embroidered Dutch Solider, Highland Piper, and images of tanks, warships and fighter planes. The list of the Allied Nations would reflect the flags chosen to decorate the city with on and following VE Day.







Services and Announcements

As the Head of the City, it was agreed that the Lord Provost (Sir Thomas Mitchell) would make an announcement to any crowd that assembled opposite the Town House or in Castle Street. It would be a ‘short appropriate address’. Additionally, special meetings of the town council on the day after “cease fire” would look to pass appropriate resolutions and organise telegrams for those closely and prominently associated with the victory.

Public church services were organised throughout the city for the day after VE day and the following Sunday was observed as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. A service was held in the West Church of St Nicholas, including the Town Council and various public representatives. A Victory Parade would follow along Union Street with the Lord Provost taking salute on the steps of the Music Hall. Another service was held there at 7.30pm, to be conducted by clergy representative of each denomination of the city. The council minutes suggest various contingents would continue to the West Church again before dispersal.

Entertainment for children was considered specifically, with notions of commemorating medals and a Victory Sports Meeting. From these council minutes, it is unclear whether these particular ideas went ahead, but it is likely that immediately after the “cease fire” signal there was an address by the headmaster to mark the occasion for the younger members of the city. This extract, from Fraserborough Central School log book states: "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".

Kimberley Smith, Archivist