'Effigies of Hitler and Mussolini were strung up from the lampposts': Portsmouth residents share their memories for the 75th anniversary of VE Day

A CHURCH in Portsmouth has recorded resident’s memories of VE Day in the run up to its 75th anniversary, showing how the city celebrated the downfall of Hitler.
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Churchgoers from St James Church, Milton, have recalled how Portsmouth celebrated as the war in Europe ended on May 8, 1945.

Residents remember the outpouring of emotion and jubilant parties, as well as portrayals of Hitler and Mussolini appearing across the city.

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David Warren-Holland, 82, said: ‘I can’t remember the announcement, but there was a street party on Shelford Road.

A street party on VE Day in 1945 in Shelford Road, Milton. Credit: David Warren-HollandA street party on VE Day in 1945 in Shelford Road, Milton. Credit: David Warren-Holland
A street party on VE Day in 1945 in Shelford Road, Milton. Credit: David Warren-Holland

‘Everyone contributed, bringing things to eat we wouldn’t normally have.

‘We had rides on the horse and cart, owned by Mr Chisholm, the grocer, and effigies of Hitler and Mussolini were strung up from the lampposts.’

Other streets created bonfires to burn pictures of the Nazi leader, according to Ted Over.

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The 85-year-old said: ‘On Vernon Road there was an area with some garages and empty space and on VE Day we lit a bonfire there with an image of Hitler on top.’

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill addresses the crowds from the balcony of the Ministry of Health in Whitehall on VE Day, on May 8, 1945. From left to right, Ernest Bevin, Churchill, Sir John Anderson, Lord Woolton and Herbert Morrison. Credit: Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.British Prime Minister Winston Churchill addresses the crowds from the balcony of the Ministry of Health in Whitehall on VE Day, on May 8, 1945. From left to right, Ernest Bevin, Churchill, Sir John Anderson, Lord Woolton and Herbert Morrison. Credit: Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill addresses the crowds from the balcony of the Ministry of Health in Whitehall on VE Day, on May 8, 1945. From left to right, Ernest Bevin, Churchill, Sir John Anderson, Lord Woolton and Herbert Morrison. Credit: Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

The day was a ‘merry’ occasion, according to Margaret Baber.

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The 86-year-old said: ‘I was 11 when the war ended. I don’t know why, but my mother took us to Eastney Bus Depot, where an enormous bonfire burnt.

‘There was singing and dancing around it.

‘It must have been evening as everyone was quite merry.

‘I was most intrigued as a soldier or Marine took off his jacket and threw it onto the bonfire.’

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Another resident, Beryl Moore, said the day was emotionally overwhelming: ‘I was 14 when the war ended.

‘We listened to the radio for Churchill’s speech then the next day or so George VI spoke.

‘He thanked the nation and my mum burst into tears.

‘My brother thought she was crying because she was sad.

‘But we didn’t know what we felt: jubilation, but relief and also sadness because of those who had died.’

Portsmouth City Council is encouraging residents to get their torches out and shine them into the sky from their gardens or balconies as part of the From Darkness to Light spectacle to commemorate the anniversary on Friday, May 8.

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