- Contributed by
- nellast
- People in story:
- Alf Allenstein and Dave Smith
- Location of story:
- Whitehall, London. SW1
- Background to story:
- Civilian
- Article ID:
- A4376522
- Contributed on:
- 06 July 2005
Following my home in the East End of London being destroyed by an incendiary bomb on the afternoon of Saturday 7th September 1940 ( the first daylight raid on London) my mother and I found accommodation at various addresses near High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire for the remainder of the war.
When VE day arrived, my friend Dave Smith and I decided to visit London and see the celebrations.
After walking through the West End which was jammed with people celebrating victory we found ourselves in an enormous crowd in Whitehall where the rumour was that Winston Churchill would soon be addressing the crowd. And he did! Right opposite where we were standing, which I believe was the old Ministry of Health Building, he appeared on the little balcony at the front of the building.
Whenever I see that famous picture of him giving the V for Victory sign to the crowd, which always illustrates the VE Day celebrations, I remember that Dave and I are in the crowd opposite waving up to him.
It is a memory that I will always cherish.
© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.
Recommended story
Story with photo 