How Andover celebrated the end of the Second World War

The official celebrations in Andover were somewhat subdued as many locals were still engaged in the Far East and there was as yet no expectation that the war there would be over at any time soon.

Indeed, a large bonfire prepared for news of the German surrender and plans for a torchlight procession were cancelled at the last minute after representations were made to the mayor that it was inappropriate.

However, the bonfire was set alight anyway by some lads in the afternoon.

Victory in Europe: Andover on May 8, 1945 (Image: Possibly by Browne & Gradidge)

There was little planning for VE Day as, although the end was expected, it was not until 7pm on Monday, May 7, that news came through of the German surrender and that the next two days would be public holidays.

A host of war-time regulations were cancelled immediately and the people of Andover began to put up flags and bunting.

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After the sombre years of war, such things were difficult to come by but some shops were selling it, though at high prices.

By Tuesday, the shopping streets were strewn in red, white and blue as the shopkeepers co-operated with their opposite neighbours and strung it across the streets from roof to roof.

Prime minister Winston Churchill broadcast to the nation at 3pm on Tuesday to officially announce the victory in Europe and the bells of St Mary’s church rang for an hour afterwards - the first time they had been heard since Christmas - while parties were held in a number of residential streets.

The gathering at the Guildhall took place at 7pm and was essentially a religious service.

Loudspeakers had been attached to the front of the building and what appears to be a floodlight was attached to the gas lamp standard at the end of the cobbled forecourt.

A well-planned display of Allied and Service flags was arranged around a central crown below which was the platform for those conducting the event.

On the platform were mayor and mayoress, Cllr Samuel Henry and Mrs Lawes, the town clerk Edward Gardiner and the various leaders of the churches in the town.

Each of these, whether Church of England or nonconformist, were given a role in the proceedings.

The service was conducted by the mayor’s chaplain, Rev G W Ennos, who was the minister for the East Street Methodist church.

To the right of the platform can be seen the members of the council, magistrates and other borough officials, while to the left were members of the Free Church Choir, conducted by Miss Mabel Ponting to music played on the harmonium by Edward Cleden.

After the service - which included the National Anthem, prayers, hymns and readings deemed appropriate for the occasion - the Salvation Army band took over and traditional hymns were played throughout the evening, followed at 11pm by dancing and singing to the accompaniment of a piano accordion and a set of drums.

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At midnight, a man jumped onto the platform and slashed the Russian flag from its mounting on the Guildhall and it disappeared.

Evidently there were misgivings about the Russian flag being included, though officially an Allied flag.

The mayor made known that he expected the flag to be returned to him but at a concert a week later in the same spot, the Russian flag was absent, replaced by an RAF one.

If you are interested in local history, why not join Andover History and Archaeology Society? Details can be found at andoverlocalhistoryarchaeology.uk.