Celebrating the end of World War II

This weeks archive corner shows Worksop’s Victory Queen with her maids of honour celebrating the end of the war.
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It was the announcement Worksop prayed it would never hear again, the announcement that Britain was once again at war with Germany.

The First World War, a battle in which thousands had lost their lives, was still fresh in the minds of many.

But despite the prospect of more bloodshed, the inevitable news that the Second World War had finally become a reality was received in Worksop with ‘great calm’.

After five years it was announced on 13th May 1945 that the war was over.

And in Worksop there was unbridled joy as street parties and church thanksgiving services were thrown.

This was a complete contrast to the fears which no doubt spread through the town at the beginning of the hostilities.

A victory parade wound its way through the town taking in the Priory Church for a service, Memorial Avenue, Newcastle Street, Bridge Street and the Market Place.

Mayor Ald J. Saxton told joyous Worksop folk: “It is natural that there should be great rejoicing now that this terrible conflict is over.”

“We in our generation have shared in the greatest war ever waged and we share in the greatest victory ever won.”

“In 1939 when Neville Chamberlain broadcast to the world that Britain and its empire were at war, he had done all he could to prevent it.”

“But the storm burst, bringing death, destruction and desolation is its train.”

“The road to victory has been long, painful and cruel, yet it has been trod by our brave men.”

“We have served that great cause faithfully and we are rewarded with victory.”