Remembering VE Day | Christs College Cambridge

A national commemoration of Victory in Europe (VE Day) takes place this week.

The announcement that the Second World War had ended in Europe was broadcast to the British people over the radio late on 7 May 1945 and a national holiday – VE Day - was announced for the following day.

Cambridge townsman and conscientious objector, Jack Overhill wrote on in his diary on 8 May 1945:

“This is VE Day … The bells rang while I was at work and as I came home; there were plenty of people about; and the day was delightfully warm, although not very sunny.

The streets were decorated with flags, but the attitude of the people struck me as very sober.”

Writing in 2011, alumnus Stephen Harding recalled celebrations later on the same day:

"There were crowds on Market Hill, when, shortly before the curfew hour of 11 pm, some enterprising soul scaled the facade of County Hall, and, with a mighty effort heaved the hour hand back an hour or two.”

Crowds in a market square — Crowds on Market Square 8 May 1945 © Cambridgeshire Collection, Cambridge Central Library

Master at the time, Professor Charles E Raven reflected soon after VE Day on the war years for the Cambridge Review.

During that time, as well as being home to students and Fellows, the College accommodated members of The School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS) who relocated from London as well as several Military Intelligence Officers.

Recalling blackouts, sirens, ration cards and the fire watch, Professor Raven wrote:

“The chief and abiding memory is of the extraordinary loyalty, friendliness and zest with which everyone, seniors and juniors alike, carried on.”

But, he said, ‘We lost very heavily … We shall set their names in our Chapel’.

War memorial in College Chapel — The memorial to those lost in the Second World War in the College Chapel © �鶹�� Cambridge

He also acknowledged ‘there is a great number eager to return’. Around 80 students arrived at Christ’s in October 1945 as young men straight from school joined ex-servicemen returning to their studies.

Seated men wearing gowns — Matriculation Photograph 1945. Professor Raven is front row, 8th from the left © Christs College Cambridge

Current Master, Simon Lord McDonald of Salford said:

“The Second World War hit Christ’s as it did every institution. But students, staff and Fellows clearly coped.

That calm spirit is reflected in the Nib’s record of what happened in College on the evening of VE Day. Since 1786, the most junior Fellow has recorded the presentation of bottles of port and wine at combination after dinner.

On the evening of 8 May 1945, the entry in the book reads:

‘This was V.E. Day, with the declaration by Mr Churchill of the end of the war with Germany. The College provided the wine at dinner and in the Combination Room. On Mr Campbell’s suggestion, the custom of the room was broken and the loyal toast, coupled with ‘victory’ was drunk standing.’

Prayers for world peace will be said at Choral Evensong in Chapel at 6.30pm on Thursday 8 May. All welcome.

See also by �鶹�� History Fellow Prof David Reynolds.