1945: The War is Over

On this day in 1945 celebrations were being held at the Cathedral to mark the end of the Second World War, a few days after Japan surrendered and the long and bitter conflict came to an end. An extract from the notice book for 19th August 1945 reads as follows: "Today at 10.30 Solemn High Mass of Thanksgiving for Victory and Peace – the local regiment will send armed guard to present arms at the elevation. On this solemn occasion, the Bishop has given permission for the National Anthem at the end of Mass instead of the usual prayers for the King. This is forces day and so the benches on the Gospel side from second pillar to back of church reserved for forces. No special collection today." A few days later, on 25th August, a full peal was rung on the Cathedral bells to mark the end of the war. Later this month and in September on Billington's Blog we will hear a little about how the Cathedral parish and the Diocese coped with the outbreak of the war in 1939.