End of War - VE Day Announced in Skegness

By Angela Gooch on March 6th, 2008

War In Europe - Unconditional Surrender
TUESDAY WAS V.E. DAY

‘THE WAR IN EUROPE IS OVER AFTER FIVE YEARS, EIGHT MONTHS AND FOUR DAYS “COMPLETE AND CRUSHING VICTORY” HAS, IN THE WORDS OF H.M. THE KING, CROWNED THIS COUNTRY’S BITTER STRUGGLE AGAINST THE NAZIS.

All sections of Skegness’s inhabitants followed the wireless news bulletins hour by hour on Monday and, in the evening it was with feelings of profound thankfulness that the long awaited announcement of the day of victory in Europe was received.
There were no demonstrations or crowds in the streets on Tuesday morning, a quiet holiday spirit being evident. It was later announced that the official public declaration would be made in Lumley Square at 6.30 p.m. by the Chairman of the Council, Coun. J. Crawshaw, J.P.

Flags and bunting bedecked the streets. On V.E. Day children were given free rides on the Boating Lake, and also, by courtesy of Mr. W. E. Butlin, local children and Prisoners of War were entertained with free rides in the Amusements.

VICTORY ANNOUNCEMENT COUNCIL CHAIRMAN’S HAPPY DUTY
Skegness Mayor Councillor Joseph Crawshaw JP Skegness’s official announcement of Victory in Europe was made by Coun. J. Crawshaw, J.P., (pictured Left) in Lumley Square last Tuesday, when, in spite of the short notice, a good crowd assembled to hear the pronouncement.
After the straightforward statement that that day was Victory Day, Coun. Crawshaw, on behalf of the town, expressed appreciation to all who had contributed to the victory.
There had been no time to provide an elaborate platform and through the kindness of Mr. Huntridge, J. H. Huntridge, the top of one of the bay windows of the Lumley Hotel was made available. The “Mayor,” accompanied by Couns. West, Hannam and Swaby and the Rector (the Rev. G. W. Clarkson) climbed through the window of an upper storey to reach their point of vantage. Several Councillors supported them from the windows while others were present among the crowd.
Coun. Crawshaw, in his characteristic brief and concise manner, got right to the point, by saying at once: “Today is Victory Day, and it is one of the greatest pleasures of my life to be able to speak to you on this occasion. We have, in the past, looked forward to this glorious day, but I am sure that to a certain extent, you all desire it, as I do, to be a thanksgiving day at the moment.

COUNTRY WELL SERVED
He went on to say that the town and country had been well served by its men and women of all ranks, and he was unable to express, as well as he would like, the thanks -of all those whose great valour, sacrifice and work had brought about that victory. The heartfelt gratitude of everyone was extended to the Royal Navy the Army the Air Force and the Merchant Navy, for the great deeds they had done and the sacrifices they had made throughout the past five years and eight months. “Where should be have been without them?” he asked, and answered his own question by saying “We should not have been here.”
He wished to voice similar thanks and appreciation to Civil Defence workers. He could not detail all the various branches at that juncture, but they could take it that all were included. The town was most grateful for the time they had devoted to the work, in most cases in an honorary capacity, and these thanks were particularly extended to the ladies who had looked after the boys and girls so well since they had been away. “Thank you all for coming. God Bless the King! ” he concluded, amid applause.

TOWN REJOICES
During the day, with flags flying and streets bedecked with bunting, service men and women thronged the streets, while allied sailors from H.M.S. Royal Arthur made merry with song and jubilation. Nearly all civilians sported the red white and blue, and many ladies incorporated these patriotic colours in their outfits.
It was a great day for the children. Mr. W. Butlin distributed 5,000 free tickets at the amusement park, which was crowded all day as :the youngsters enjoyed themselves to the full. At the Boating Lake the Council also gave school children free rides.
There were no demonstrations locally, the majority being obviously actuated by a feeling of deep and profound thankfulness which was denoted by their cheery manner and hearty greetings.
From the Monday evening, when wireless announcements, which had been followed hour by hour by the townspeople, gave indication that Tuesday would be THE DAY, Union Jacks, Stars and Stripes, the Red Flag of Russian and festive bunting sprang out like magic on private houses and shops and by Tuesday, the whole town had assumed a “carnival.” atmosphere.

V.J. DAY Skegness Celebrates
“As soon as the announcement of Japan’s capitulation was heard on the midnight news last night, a great wave of relief swept the town and celebrations began immediately.
Parties of civilians and service personnel clashed into the streets, singing and dancing with joy. Bonfires were lit and fireworks were let off in the spirit of great jubilation that actuated everyone. Parties linked arm in arm roamed the streets, and impromptu dances took place. On the front, in the light of bonfires, pianos were brought into the open and bands were rapidly formed, while the crowds gave vent to their feelings in dances of all kinds. One of the largest “conga” lines ever known locally, disported on the Parades. Round a bonfire at the North Parade sports ground, an officer called for a “Two-minutes Silence ” for the fallen and the National Anthem was sung. This was a very touching incident.
The festivities were kept up in some cases until 6 a.m. this morning. Flags bedecked the streets.

The photo below. though dating earlier than World War 2, depicts the Lumley Hotel in Lumley Square, Skegness and the balconies on the bay windows from where Mayor Crawshaw made his announcement.

Lumley Hotel and Lumley Square Skegness