VE Day then and now: Rare photos reveal how Torbay celebrated the end of war

The country came together this week to commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe – on what could be the last major VE Day attended by veterans who served during the conflict.

Events took place across Torbay as residents held street parties, joined parades and took part in community sing-alongs.

In London, the King and the Prince of Wales attended a Service of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, including a UK-wide two-minute silence.

VE Day celebrations continued into nightfall with a poignant and moving concert at Horse Guards Parade attended by 12,000 people, including the royal family.

80 years later, it remains important that we remember the moment of relief and celebration for millions across the continent who had endured bombing, occupation and loss for nearly six years.

The photographs shown here, kindly provided through our partnership with Torquay library, offer us a glimpse of Torquay and Paignton on the first VE Day in May 1945. One of the photos shows the Victory Parade on the Strand, Torquay, with people gathered on balconies and rooftops to share in the joy and peace.

Above: Victory Parade on the Strand in 1945. Image: Torquay Library

Spontaneous street parties would have erupted across the region, with another photograph taken at Primley Park, Paignton, showing a long table seating over 20 children joined by presumably family, friends, and neighbours smiling alongside. We welcome readers to email us at torbayweekly@clearskypublishing.co.uk if they recognise anybody here.

Another picture shows motor torpedo boats arriving in Torquay harbour in August 1945. 

A newspaper or magazine cutting alongside it reads: “…and the war is all over. With welcome free access once again to places such as the harbour and seafront, there was plenty of interest when these four Royal Navy motor torpedo boats paid a visit.”

Above: Motor torpedo boats in Torquay Harbour 1945. Image: Torquay Library

These  coastal forces were used to attack German convoys, defend Allied shipping, carry out secretive raids and landings, and pick up secret agents. They may have been visiting Torquay harbour as a strategic stopover or as an opportunity to greet civilians and celebrate the end of the war.

The King’s VE Day speech this year had a serious theme for a serious moment. 

He quoted his grandfather, King George VI: “We shall have failed, and the blood of our dearest will have flowed in vain, if the victory which they died to win does not lead to a lasting peace, founded on justice and established in good will.”

The King’s speech also had a strong message about what the wartime victory can teach us in the present - calling for togetherness between people of different backgrounds and cultures.

He said that victory was a “result of unity between nations, races, religions and ideologies, fighting back against an existential threat to humanity.”

“Their collective endeavour remains a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when countries stand together in the face of tyranny,” said the King.