80th Anniversary of VE Day

At the Lamorbey & Sidcup Local History Society we have been very busy on our latest project to mark the 80^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. We have been researching the impact of the war on Sidcup - this was a conflict that affected everyone, not just the armed forces. And after almost six years of rationing, blackouts, bombing raids and worry, the people of Sidcup were weary of war.

When Germany’s High Command unconditionally surrendered on 7 May 1945, the following day was marked as Victory in Europe (VE) Day and declared a public holiday. Street parties were held with bunting and flags, dancing and singing, bonfires and fireworks. On the following Sunday a parade through Sidcup preceded an open-air thanksgiving service at Sidcup Place. Not everyone celebrated - some had lost loved ones or had relatives still serving overseas - but there was at least a feeling of relief that the war in Europe was over.

The Lamorbey & Sidcup Local History Society and the Royal British Legion Sidcup & Foots Cray marked the 80^th anniversary of VE Day with a celebration in music. At the front of the United Services Club in Main Road, Sidcup on Saturday 10 May 11am-2.30pm there was live music from the Belvedere Concert Band, Merton Court School Choir and Bexley Music Ensembles.

Our exhibition 'Sidcup in the Second World War' was on display at the studio on the 2nd floor of Sidcup Storyteller, High Street Sidcup. This looked at how the people of Sidcup came together for the war effort. This was accompanied by a leaflet about Sidcup in the Second World War which was made possible thanks to a grant from the Allen Grove Local History Fund administered by the Kent Archaeological Society. 

Our research of the Second World War in Sidcup highlighted the contribution of local people in the war effort. There was significant bombing in the Sidcup area and almost 90 civilians lost their lives. With the 80^th anniversary of VE Day, we felt their sacrifice should be remembered.

Thanks to funding from Coca-Cola, the Lamorbey and Sidcup Local History Society has planted an oak tree at The Green with a plaque to remember the civilians of Sidcup who died in the Second World War. So next time you are passing, you might like to pause for a moment to remember those who died and the families they left behind. In the coming weeks we will share the names of those who died.

We are very grateful to Coca-Cola and the London Borough of Bexley Parks team for helping us with this project.

The tree and plaque are located at the north-east part of The Green (nearest St John’s Church, at the opposite side to the War Memorial), close to the east path.