The end of WWII

When Winston Churchill addressed the nation on the 8th May and declared the end of war, celebrations started across the country. After years of war, rationing, blackouts, and sirens, the nation burst into spontaneous celebration. Streets bloomed with bunting and flags, villages buzzed, and cities came alive. Street parties took place, people embraced strangers and music played in the streets, with many gathering in George Square in Glasgow, and in Princes Street in Edinburgh. Pubs overflowed with laughter and raised glasses, toasting to peace, survival, and the promise of tomorrow.

Erskine Veteran John McAndrew was a youngster then, and remembers the jubilations. 

I remember my big sister and all her pals were running up and down the streets saying, ‘the war’s over, the war’s over!’

Childhood memories

However, it was a day of mixed emotions. Whilst many partied in the street, for those who had lost loved ones in the conflict, it was a time to reflect and mourn for those who didn't return.

Erskine Veteran John Graham was a young boy at the time. He remembers speaking to his Grandmother on VE Day.

"I says, 'Granny, you going down to George Square for the celebration for the end of the war?' I mind my old granny’s words...

What do I want to go down there for? I lost two laddies, two laddies I lost to war.

Albert's story

Albert Lamond, 99, is a resident at The Erskine Home in Bishopton. Albert joined the navy in 1942, just after his 17th birthday. The horrors that he witnessed during WWII have lived with him for all of his life.

The memory of all of those that served must be preserved, our stories must be shared when we are gone, and as a country we must educate the youth to ensure that the world never sees a repeat of the events of World War II and D-Day. It’s our duty to keep the past alive, so history does not repeat its darkest days.
Albert's Story

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