When the city was at war… and peace

These vintage photos show how Peterborians – and their allies – stood up to Hitler during the Second World War.

The Second World War brought conflict – and the very real threat of invasion – to all corners of Britain. Fear of the Nazi war machine and its merciless Luftwaffe air force appearing at any time was uppermost in the minds of Britons everywhere from September 1939 until the latter years of the war.

Of course, Peterborians faced their own fair share of fear, hardship and conflict.

Local men went off to fight, with no guarantee of returning home, while those who stayed home faced the threat of German bombs raining down from the sky.

Air raid shelters were a common sight and sandbagged walls stood sentry outside many of the city’s key buildings.

Anti-aircraft guns popped up in city parks and premises of all kinds were requisitioned for military purposes. Put bluntly, it was a scary and extremely uncertain time.

As the war progressed, Peterborough welcomed people from far and wide: Allied troops from France and the United States, as well as refugees fleeing European states overrun by the Nazis.

Even German and Italian prisoners of war enjoyed the honour of calling our fine city ‘home’ for an extended period of time.

After six long years, the Nazi threat was finally extinguished on May 8, 1945 – Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Parades and street parties filled the city streets as tearful Peterborough families took stock, gave thanks and looked forward to the promise of a peaceful future ahead.

A VE Day military parade on 8th May 1945 featuring the Free French Air Force - who were stationed at Westwood Airfield - passing through the Cathedral gates (image: John Newell).

The American Red Cross Club – which was the commandeered St Peters Training College on City Road – pictured during wartime.

Anti-aircraft rocket launchers on Fulbridge Road Recreation Ground during the Second World War.

A WVS mobile canteen attracts

How the Peterborough Advertiser reported the end of the Second World War to Peterborians on Friday 11th May, 1945

Members of the United States Air Force’s Eighth 457th Bomb Group marching on Long Causeway to celebrate VE Day in May 1945. The bomb group was based at Glatton Airfield near connington from 1944-45.

Superb image provided by Lynne Dawkins showing an end of war celebration in 1945 at Fulbridge School. “This is in the playground of Fulbridge School and was for the children of the surrounding streets,” said Lynne.

Several hundred Belgian refugees were homed in Peterborough during the Second World War after Nazi Germany invaded their country. It is highly likely that some of their descendants remain in the city today.

hungry soldiers in Market Place