‘Modest’ and ‘un-hysterical’ celebrations marked VE Day
In May 1945 Horsham celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe. Crowds gathered in the Carfax for an unofficial party as anyone who could play an instrument made the most of their talents including an accordion player (pictured top right).
The celebrations marked the end of six years of conflict.
In the May 11 1945 edition of the County Times we wrote the following: “The town can justly take pride in the part it has played in this struggle, and there was every justification for the modest and essentially unhysterical celebrations which followed the announcement we have so long awaited.”
During the war in 1944 Horsham had been visited by amphibious vehicles (pictured top left) during Salute the Soldier Week.
This was a fundraising campaign to raise £350,000 with all profits going towards the Army Benevolent Fund.
The County Times also reported on the bombing of Orchard Road and in the February 7, 1941 edition published the first photographs (below) of the damage left behind.
An exhibition celebrating 150 years of the County Times is running at Horsham Museum and Art Gallery in the Causeway until April 12.