The letter was discovered in a box of wartime letters to my father, L/Sig Robert( Bob) Wayman stationed in Valetta, Malta.
It is from my grandfather who was a Hackney Councillor and describes VE Day and family events.
Dear Bob, 16th May 1945
Your Air Letter of 6th to hand this week a bit late due no doubt to the VE & VE plus one celebrations, when no mail was delivered for 2 days.
The celebrations went off alright in London last week. We have a children’s party coming off in our road on Saturday to be followed by an Adults Victory Party. I have just come away from a meeting to make the final arrangements and if all goes well with the weather it should be top hole. They are erecting 3 Morrison shelters in the street for a stage and have engaged a small band for dancing, about 90 kiddies are sitting down to tea.
We all went to Finsbury Park Empire on VE night, Rene and her friends having booked seats beforehand not knowing of course that the announcement would be made that particular day.
Mum, Ron and I had to walk the best of the way home and on arriving at Gunton Road found a party in full swing. There were bonfires galore everywhere and I reckon some good stuff went up in flames that night together with effigies of the bad stuff particularly Hitler.
On VE Plus one day Mum and I had a trip up west with Mr & Mrs Nichols and spent the evening at the Town Hall joining the events outside in community singalong and watching them dancing. The front of the Town Hall was flood lighted and we relayed gramophone music by aid of loud speakers.
I suppose you have read all about the scenes up West by now.
How did you spend the time, hope they allowed you a little relaxation if not, hope you will be home to take part in the next peace that is yet to come.
It is hard still to believe that it is all over as far as Europe is concerned and that we can go about once more without the fear of being blown to pieces.Ron has been busy taking down the Anderson Shelter, so you will find a bigger garden when you get home.
We had a good time at Lucy’s Wedding over the weekend. Unfortunately the only members of the family missing were you and Fred and of course Pat, who is unfit to travel. Stan managed to get up and so did Charlie rather unexpectedly.
The wedding itself went off OK and was quite a nice affair, the reception being held in the Women’s Institute. We had to get out of there by 4.30, so it was a good job a number of guests did not stay on otherwise I don’t know where we should have put them all. We stayed on overnight and after a few drinks in the ‘Sawyer’s’ in the evening
‘livened’ up to the early hours.
We are now waiting for yours and Winnie’s turn. The ‘Happy Couple’ left early to spend their honeymoon at Bournemouth.
As you may guess from above all are feeling quite well at present and with a spell of sunshine are hoping to continue. Glad to hear you enjoyed the Cicely Courtneidge show, there’s life in the old ….. dog yet judging from your verdict. Mum sends her best and thanks for the stockings which arrived in nice time for the wedding. Sorry no room to write more at moment so with very best love from Mum & Ron and all.
Will close hoping to see you soon.
Your Loving Dad.
L/Sig R R Wayman
P/jx 223284
RN/ W/T Station
Lascaris, Malta
