VJ- Day
15th August 1945 – EVENING STAR
HOW IPSWICH HEARD of PEACE
“NOISY” STORY OF JUBILATION
At midnight Ipswich sleepers were awakened to “Peace2” with a big noise. From the docks came the shrieking of sirens in earnest effort to give the “V” signal, though it is unlikely that Beethoven would have recognised it.
And noises became fortissimo with the booming of guns, happily fired with no war inspired effort, though it’s not pleasant to find an exploded shell-case fall beside the bed.
Fireworks came to view and searchlights flashed the sky as the awakened moved to bedroom windows, and soon bonfires had been started.
The more spirited began to tread the streets, and some from the Services “scrounged” material from one knows not where and kindled a bonfire of some size on the “island” in front of the Town Hall, whilst distant bells were heard.
HOSE SLASHED
Some foolishly exuberant, slashed the hose when the N.F.S. came to extinguish the blaze, to which headgear of police and civilian had been added. Even so, police and N.F.S. exercised a real good nature in dealing with these more foolish episodes.
On the heath in the Bixley Road area they decided on a bonfire, and whilst the N.F.S. were busy putting it out, the youngsters departed – and made another.
Other exuberant youths were blowing “reveille” into keyholes, and cyclists trailing dustbin lids. In some streets were impromptu dance parties to the light of bonfire and house illumination.
In the forenoon the main thoroughfares of the town became peopled with a happy parading throng, flags appeared from many buildings, including the Town Hall, and the bells of St. Mary-le-Tower rang merrily.
Just before noon a crowd assembled in front of the Town Hall, apparently gaining the idea that something was to occur.
While police officials fixed “sound” equipment a solitary musician ascended the steps with a battered euphonium and at noon played his version of “Land of Hope and Glory.” Perharps thinking this a little too solemn for such a happy occasion he rendered “My Bonny lies Over the Ocean.”
MAYOR ADDRESSED CROWD
As the last chord died away the Mayor (Alderman S.C. Grimwade), with the mace-bearers, appeared on the steps, and His Worship addressed the crowd, asking them to give thanks to God for the victory which has now been won.
Of the entertainments which had been arranged for the two days’ holiday, he said that a fair was open on Christchurch Park, and dancing would be held on the Car Park from 8 p.m. onwards.
Then he called for three cheers and the crowd responded with a rousing “Hurrah!”
The solitary musician played the opening bars of “The Isle of Capri,” then disappeared to be refreshed.
THIS EVENING’S SERVICE
This evening, at half past six, the Mayor, accompanied by members of the Corporation , magistrates and officials, will attend a specially arranged civic service at St. Mary-le-Tower Church.
The mansion on Christchurch Park will be illuminated with fairy lights.
Street lighting is to be maintained in late hours and it is to be hoped that the over exuberant will not experiment in switch damage – there was some last night and switches are difficult to replace.
VJ- Day
31st August 1945 Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury Newspaper.
IPSWICH PEACE NIGHT DAMAGE
SEVERAL DEFENDANTS IN COURT
At Ipswich Police Court, on Monday, cases relating to incidents during V-Night’s were heard.
Hilda Parker, St. George’s Street, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a police officer whilst in the execution of his duty.
P.-W.-R. William Root said that at 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 16th, he was assisting other police officers against a hostile crowd outside the police station when defendant who was abusive and violent, got past him into the doorway shouting “Let the poor B—- out.”P.-c. John Bottom, giving corroborative evidence, said that defendant hit P.-c. Root on the back with her fists. The crowd was very hostile and defendant was warned more than once.
Defendant, who was very excited all through the hearing declined to give evidence or call witnesses, and was fined £3. She said she would not pay it, and was told the alterative was one month.
SOLDIER’S STRUGGLE WITH CONSTABLE
Douglas Alfred Hopkins (21), H.M. Forces, pleaded not guilty to a like offence.
P.-c. Charles Black said that at 1:50 a.m. on August 16th he was one of a body of police who were ordered to act against a hostile crowd. As witness emerged from the building defendant tried to stop him from leaving.
P.-c. Ed Scopes, corroborating, said defendant was struggling with P.-c. Black and for that reason was taken into the police station and told he would be detained.
Answering defendant, witness agreed that he was subsequently allowed to leave.
Defendant giving evidence, admitted he was in the crowd, but to get into trouble was the last thing on he wanted. He was only there for curiosity.
An officer from the defendant’s unit said his character was indifferent.
In reply to the Magistrates’ Clerk, the officer said that military disciplinary action had already been taken.
Defendant was fined £1.
VJ-Day
BROKE WINDOW IN TEMPER
Arthur William Sharpe (24), Finchley Road, pleaded not guilty to committing wilful damage to a window, amounting to £3 5s.
Detective-Sergt. Sidney Catchpole told the Court that as a result of his inquiries he interviewed defendant, who made a statement to the effect that his nerves broke down, and he smashed the window with his stick, adding that he fainted, and someone threw water over him. On recovering he lost his temper, and smashed the window.
Sergt. Catchpole agreed that defendant had always been of an excitable nature. He joined the Suffolk Regiment in 1940, but was discharged in 1943 with a good character.
Defendant was bound over for 12 months and ordered to pay the amount of the damage, £3 5s.
SAILOR LOST HIS BALANCE
Edward Holden, H.M. Forces pleaded guilty to committing wilful damage to windows and other articles to the amount of £13 10s.
Arthur Charles Pollard, the licensee of the Olive Leaf in St. Helen’s Street, said that having closed the bar at 10 o’clock on the night of Aug 15th, defendant, with other sailors, entered the house about 10:15 whilst witness was clearing up and demanded beer. They were told it could not be supplied, and asked to leave the premises. The damage to property followed.
Defendant, who expressed his regret, said in reply to the Bench, that he must have lost his balance, otherwise he could not account for his behaviour. He would like to pay for the damage.
An officer from his ship, said defendant’s record was a good one.
The case was dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act, defendant being ordered to pay £5 towards the damage.
The end of the war saw over 600 men and women from Ipswich lose their lives. 99 men died in the hands of the Japanese in prison camps, 22 died fighting in the far east, while many more were to die prematurely through their treatment in the hands of the Japanese.