Reading VE Day in Photos

Mayor Newham of Reading formally announced the end of the Second World War at Queen Victoria's statue on Friar Street on 8th May1945. He and the Corporation later attended a Civic Service at St Laurence's Church.

This photograph was published in the Berkshire Chronicle on 11 May 1945.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A744.1

VE Day celebrations in Reading took place outside the Town Hall on Blagrave Street. In this image you can see the parade passing past the Town Hall (right) in front of the Queen Victoria's Statue.

This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A744.2

The mayor takes the salute for the VE Day Parade outside the Town Hall on Blagrave Street. In the background is the bomb damaged Market Arcade that was destroyed by an air raid in February 1943, 41 people died in the raid.

This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A744.3

Armour Road entertained over 100 children and adults to a victory tea, a fancy dress parade, a gift of an orange to each of the children, a bonfire and community singing.

This photograph was published in the Berkshire Chronicle on 18 May 1945.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A745.5

The people of Reading celebrated on mass with street parties held primarily for the children but also for the whole community to enjoy. 

This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A745.1

The street party celebrations on Carnarvon Road.

This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A746.4

Catherine Street offered a glorious spread of food, followed by games, prizes for each child, a supper of bread, cheese and coffee for the adults and some street dancing.

This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A746.5

This scene is from a party held on Eldon Street where the street were joined by two Sikh soldiers.

This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A745.8

This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A746.2

Garnet Street residents in Coley were accompanied by both Mayor Newham and Councillor McIlroy as well as a group of American GI Servicemen. Ivy Millam of 12 Garnet Street made the banner and played the piano.

This photograph was published in the Berkshire Chronicle on 18 May 1945.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A745.9

A Victory Day sports competition was held in Mapledurham in the north of the Borough. Events included the 'three legged' race and the 'egg and spoon' race amongst others.

This photograph was published in the Berkshire Chronicle on 1 June 1945.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A753.9

This pub was at Paddock Road, not far from the site of Caversam Mill. This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A745.3

In the Reading suburbs every spare field or patch of grass was used for VE Day celebrations. Norcot Road in Tilehurst held a fancy dress party to remember the occasion.

This photograph was published in the Berkshire Chronicle on 25 May 1945.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A745.2

A Victory Day Fete was held in Palmer Park. Entertainment included a fancy dress parade, a 'decorated cycles' competition and other sporting events amongst others. This photograph was published in the Berkshire Chronicle on 29 June 1945. In this photo you can see the children that participated in the fancy dress parade.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A752.5a

A Victory Day Fete was held in Palmer Park. Entertainment included a fancy dress parade, a 'decorated cycles' competition and other sporting events amongst others. In this photo you can see one of the entries to the 'decorated cycles' competition where a resident dressed themselves and their bike as a knight and horse.

This photograph was published in the Berkshire Chronicle on 29 June 1945.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A752.5b

Princes Street is located opposite the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The local residents had their own piano for a right old knees up!

This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A745.4

The street party at Thames Avenue are attended by a pony and a donkey! You can see the River Thames and De Montfort Island at the far end of the road.

This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A746.3

This scene is from a street party held on Torrington Road, Whitley.

This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A745.7

In this scene you can see the residents of Wantage Road enjoy their street party. Notice the bunting that would have been handmade from what ever fabric was available. Also the paper hats worn by children were homemade from newspaper pages.

This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A746.1

This scene is from a street party held on Wolseley Road in Coley where residents were joined by Mayor Newham and Councillor McIlroy.

This photograph was taken for the Berkshire Chronicle but was not published.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A745.6

VJ Day, the 15 August 1945 marks the day Japan surrender to the Allies after almost six years of war. The affects were felt internationally and were a cause for celebration. Mayor Newham of Reading made a speech at the Queen Victoria statue on Friar Street following a civic thanksgiving service at St Laurence's Church.

This photograph was published in the Berkshire Chronicle on 17 August 1945.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A767.7

VJ Day, 15 August 1945, marked the day Japan surrender to the Allies after almost six years of war. The residents of Eldon Street and Princes Street celebrated peace with a joint party.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A780.2

VJ Day, the 15 August 1945 marks the day Japan surrender to the Allies after almost six years of war. Mayor Newham of Reading announced the surrender in a speech he made at the Queen Victoria statue on Friar Street following a civic thanksgiving service at St Laurence's Church. The people of Reading celebrated in a similar fashion to Victory in Europe Day by throwing street parties for example, this fancy dress and tea party on Shinfield Road in Reading.

This photograph was published in the Berkshire Chronicle on 17 August 1945.

Museum object number REDMG : 1980.36.A767.6