The horrific detonation of nuclear bombs over the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6 and 9 August 1945 killed between 150 and 246 thousand people, mainly civilians. Soon after, Japan announced its surrender and 15 August was made the official V-J Day in the UK, commemorating the end of the Second World War. Bideford and District Community Archive reviewed the newspapers for that period. 

The Prime Minister, Mr Attlee, announced at midnight on 15 August: ‘Japan has to-day surrendered. The last of our enemies is laid low.’ Thus was a total of six years’ war by this country and her allies brought to a victorious conclusion. 

‘The war’s over!’ Those words, shouted in Irsha Street, Appledore, a couple of minutes after the Prime Minister had announced the good news, was typical of the jubilation – and relief – felt in Appledore and all over the country. Those who heard the announcement woke the village – windows were pushed up and the news shouted. St Mary’s Church bells were probably the first in the district to ring – only minutes after the Prime Minister’s news – and their victory message carried all over the town. Despite the expectation of Japan’s early acceptance of surrender, the streets of Northam were dark and empty just before midnight but, within a very short time of the announcement, a complete change took place. Lights appeared in the windows and voices could be heard calling: ‘It’s all over, Japan has given in.’ Then followed the music of an impromptu band and choir parading the streets. 

It was generally quiet in Westward Ho! When the news was heard, small groups went around the village singing, accompanied by a piano-accordion, and several fireworks were set off but there were no big processions. However, bonfires and dancing were prevalent the following evening. 

Hartland was well beflagged and the countrymen came into the town, enjoying a day off. Torrington had its fair share of V-J Day joy! Bonfires, dancing, fireworks fun, all had a place in the festivities. V-J plus one (Thursday) started with a bang in Bideford – the firing of a maroon at 7am – followed by the raising of the Union Jack on the flagstaff at the bottom of Bridgeland Street by the Mayor, Alderman H W Fulford. There was music at both East and West the Water as the Bideford Town Silver Band and the Bideford Home Guard played, and there were numerous street teas and thanksgiving church services.