How Observer reported on historic day

At exactly 3pm on Tuesday May 8, 1945, Winston Churchill declared the war with Germany was officially over.

The day was declared VE Day to mark our victory in Europe, and as two public holidays commenced, Stirling joined in enthusiastically with the celebrations.

Since headlines over the previous days had indicated the end of the Second World War was fast approaching, preparations had already begun. However, the finishing touches were very hastily arranged as the news only came through by wireless broadcast on the evening of the 7th.

Powerful lamps to floodlight the steeple and Municipal Buildings were erected in King Street

and Corn Exchange. Garlands of coloured fairy lights were suspended from trees at the Black Boy Fountain and in front of the Burghmuir Pavilion. Street lamps were also given a fresh coat of paint to spruce them up.

As people expected the news could break on the Sunday and fearing shops would close for a national holiday on the Monday, housewives clamoured to stock up on essentials.

Bread was in high demand on the Monday, with the last loaf sold by early afternoon, and flags were selling well.

The military and pipe bands of Queen Victoria School, Dunblane played and danced at the King’s Park bandstand. And the Provost of Stirling, William Gourlay, despatched a telegram declaring Stirling’s “continued allegiance” to His Majesty King GeorgeVI.

Provost Gourlay, sent telegrams to the King, the Prime Minister, General Eisenhower, Field Marshall

Alexander and Field Marshall Montgomery on May 8 and received replies from them all.

There was a service at the Church of the Holy Rude on May 8 and another, called a‘Service of Solemn Thanksgiving’ there on the May13, the following Sunday.

At a public meeting in the North Church, Provost Gourlay made the resolution:“That this meeting of the citizens of Stirling assembled on the conclusion of hostilities with Germany express their profound gratitude to Almighty God for His guidance and aid in the triumph of our righteous cause achieved after nearly six years of valiant effort and pledge themselves to continue the struggle until, by the defeat of Japan, final peace is secured.”

A second resolution was submitted by

Sheriff Burn-Murdoch which read:“That we express our deep and heartfelt sympathy with the relatives of those who have died that we may live, and acknowledge our immeasurable debt to the men and women of HM Forces and Nursing Services, the Merchant Navy and the Civil Defence Services who, by their gallantry and heroism, have saved our land and people from the unspeakable horrors of German domination.”