Eighty years on - how did Shrewsbury celebrate VE Day in 1945?

On May 8th, 1945, the streets of Shrewsbury joined in joy and relief as Nazi Germany surrendered.

Though the war would not end until Japan’s surrender on August 15th, this day remains a powerful symbol of resistance and unity against the spread of fascism.

Shrewsbury Celebrates

In 1945, the Shropshire Star captured the above picture of residents celebrating VE Day at Carline Fields, Shrewsbury. Street parties like this one were held all over the town -- with far less motor vehicles on the road, there was little need to worry about road closure notices!

Elsewhere, in the town centre, a gramophone played the pop hits of the day in the Town Square -- and, the story goes, one exuberant lady tossed a pair of cami-knickers over the head of the statue of Clive!

Local connections

When we shared this picture on social media, some of you spotted loved ones in the crowd and kindly shared your memories with us.

Mark spotted his great grandmother, who once shared stories of happy days in Carline Fields -- shortly before the Shropshire Star's picture was taken, she had been baking up a storm for this spontaneous street party, she was well known for looking after everyone in attendance. She had contributed to the war effort by working in the Midland garage, helping produce spitfire wings for fighter jets battling axis fighters in the skies!

Neil spotted both his grandparents and his dad, Roy, in the picture -- "dad is the tall youth (13 at the time) in the back row"!

Susan found her Nan Catherine (Kitty) Corbett nee Asbury, telling us she was "the tiny lady standing centre with the V-neck jacket with pale blouse beneath. My mum Dorothy Corbett sat in front of her with the glasses, and my grandad is also just visible at the back."

Do you see a face you recognise in the picture? Let us know!

Image used with kind permission of the Shropshire Star

Historic research from Shropshire Archives