During the Second World War the Chilterns were blessed in being largely in the countryside and so not a major target for bombing.

Nevertheless some bombs did fall. German planes on their way home from elsewhere often dropped their bombs to have an empty payload for their return journey. Unmanned flying bombs also fell around the area. There were a number of plane crashes in fields and woods around Chesham.

Bucks Home of Exiles

The advantages of the Chilterns, being relatively safe but also near London, saw the area become host to many exiles, especially as a result of the Blitz. Chesham and its villages became host to evacuees from London, Land Girls came in from London, Jewish families moved out of north London to Amersham and Chesham, and some new businesses came which moved out of London.

Our area welcomed exiled leaders such as Charles de Gaulle and the Free French; General Sikorski and the Poles; Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands; King Zog of Albania and President Beneš of Czechoslovakia.

Then there were the Italian and German prisoners of war who were kept at various places, and often working on local farms.

There were the Americans at Bovingdon Airfield, who frequented local pubs. Bucks girls married Poles, Czechs and Americans. Bucks had never been so cosmopolitan!

Victory in Europe

The war effort was costly in many terms, so when news of Victory in Europe was announced VE Day was a chance to celebrate.

Flags and bunting fluttered from nearly every vantage point. People took to the streets in celebrations which continued for nearly two days.

To help people to celebrate, licensing and dance hall hours were extended past their normal closing times. It was announced that people would be able to buy bunting for decorations without having to use ration coupons.

Streets flew the Union Jack and the flags of the Allies. People were dancing in the streets and cuddling each other, strangers were hugging and dancing together.

Everyone was relieved that finally, the Nazis were defeated. The only planes overhead would now be peaceful ones.

Local memories

In Chesham town centre there was an enormous celebration with a giant street party in the Broadway.

There was singing and cheering, and townsfolk danced around the war memorial.

St Mary’s Church bells rang out for the first time in six years, and that evening there was a united service of thanksgiving.

George Lovett who was 12 and lived in Chesham, when VE Day happened told me that in Gordon Road, in Waterside, he and the other the lads made a big bonfire and let off fireworks.

He explained that they put the penny bangers in old cans to make them even louder.

Betty Ringsall who was 16 and lived in Ley Hill at the time told me that her father was caretaker of Tringwood House at the top of White Hill in Chesham.

He got up onto the roof of the house and flew a Union Jack from the chimney. She said that there were street parties in Chesham but her father took her to the Crown pub at Ley Hill, where there were many people drinking.

She said that there were many Americans there from Bovingdon Airfield, and people were all dancing outside the pub.

VE Day 8th May

As news reached people about the imminent end of the war, partying had begun on 7th May.

However VE Day officially began with Winston Churchill’s broadcast announcing the end of war in Europe.

The country fell silent to listen to Winston Churchill on their wirelesses.

He said: “We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; today is Victory in Europe day… but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead.”

He reminded people: “Japan, with all her treachery and greed, remains unsubdued.”

Not the end of the war

While VE Day marks the surrender of Nazi Germany, it did not signify the end of the world war.

Whilst European countries mark the end of the war on VE Day, for Britain the end of the war did not happen until Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15th August 1945.

Rationing continued, with rations ending on different products at different times, until the last rationing ended in 1954.

Another type of war soon followed however, the Cold War.

Guests Return

The Czechs and Americans went home, many now married to local girls, and the Jewish families returned to North London. David Goldberg from the Jewish community wrote to the local press: ‘I feel cannot leave Chesham without expressing our appreciation and gratitude to the people here who have helped us find refuge in their midst… who have done their utmost to help us.

We came to Chesham at a time of great distress; but retain now only happy memories of these years between. So, “Good-bye Chesham” and on behalf of us all, “Thank-you”.’

War Memorial

Joy was tempered with reflection. Some soldiers who marched in victory parades were injured and maimed. Other were not able to return and remained stationed overseas for some time.

Many men would never return. Soon a new Second World War section was added to Chesham’s Great War memorial.

This took the form of two obelisks either side of it. These hold the names of 77 men who never returned to celebrate VE Day.

Appeal

If you have any stories or photos from the Chesham area during the war please contact me on 01494 258328 or by email on nwrees@gmail.com.