Samantha Fryer Ward looks at how the Cotswold District marked the end of the Second World War
Today marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe at the end of the Second World War.
The Cotswold District made a significant contribution during the war. There were 14 airfields within 12 miles of Cirencester with air bases such as Down Ampney taking part in military campaigns such as Operation Market Garden and D-Day, as well as evacuating the wounded from the front lines. At Kemble, Spitfire fighter planes were serviced and modified. Cirencester Park was the location of a US Military Hospital, which treated not only wounded allied servicemen and women, but also prisoners of war.
The residents of Cirencester and the surrounding areas welcomed evacuees from British cities, and contributed to the war effort through the establishment of the Home Guard and the Cirencester Invasion Committee. The people of Cirencester raised enough money for the town’s name to be painted on a Sherman tank and they also raised enough during Warships Week in March 1942 to adopt a U-class submarine, HMS Uproar. Northleach residents raised enough money to sponsor a Flower-class corvette escort vessel, HMS Starwort.
On May 8th 1945, Germany surrendered and Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared the day to be Victory in Europe (VE) Day. The bells of Cirencester parish church and other churches across district rang out. For many of these churches, it was the first time the bells had rung since the start of the war. There was not enough time to organise an official celebration in Cirencester until a year later, but many communities held parties and celebrations and there was dancing in the Market Place.
American troops on parade in Cirencester
A Victory Parade took place in Cirencester on May 20th 1945 and a service of thanksgiving was held in the Parish Church, with more than 700 military and service personnel taking part.
On June 8th 1946, there was a day of Victory Celebrations, which included a cycle race from Cirencester to Fairford and back, a cricket match in Cirencester Park and entertainment, with a brass band and a Punch and Judy show, in the Market Square.
Victory Celebrations Programme for Cirencester
There were three processions in the 1946 Victory Parade, which met at the Market Place where a Typhoon aircraft from RAF Kemble was on display. The procession moved on to the Grammar School field in Victoria Road, where there was a programme of sports events and the decorated floats were judged. The day ended with dancing in the Market Place and Corn Hall and a fireworks display.
Other towns within the district also celebrated with their own parades, such as this one in Northleach.
The VE Day parade in Northleach
- During May half term, young visitors to the Corinium Museum can take part in a fun spotter trail as part of the Shrapnel Boys: Life on the Home Front Museum Trail, organised by Kids in Museums and Usborne. This national family trail is inspired by Shrapnel Boys, a forthcoming novel by award-winning children’s author Jenny Pearson, published to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
- From September 11, the Corinium Museum will be hosting a free exhibition, in partnership with Cirencester Living Memory Historical Association and Down Ampney Village, about life in the Cotswold District during the Second World War. As well as displays of original objects, books and uniforms, there will be an interactive children’s area, with games and activities for all ages.
