Soldier’s unseen photos of VE Day being celebrated in London
A wartime soldier’s unseen photos of the VE Day celebrations in London have been discovered – in his old uniform.
The black and white images show huge cheering crowds gathering in Leicester Square, central London as news of Germany‘s surrender was announced on May 8, 1945.
One woman is seen unable to contain her excitement as she raises her hands aloft in celebration at victory.
Among the jubilant crowd on May 8, 1945 was George Axe, a Royal Signals soldier from Exeter, Devon.
He took the snaps which were tucked away in the back of his service book, which was recently discovered in the pocket of his tunic.
A soldier’s pictures of VE Day celebrations in London has been discovered in his uniform
The black and white photos show crowds including servicemen cheering in the capital on May 11 1945
The until now unseen pictures were found in Royal Signals veteran George Axe’s tunic
Crowds celebrating Germany’s surrender and the end of the war in Europe in Leicester Square
The service book reveals he fought in Africa, Italy and north west Europe during the Second World War before making it back to London in time for the major celebration.
His battle tunic and other ephemera have come to light from a deceased estate in the north west of England.
The items are going under the hammer at C&T Auctions, of Ashford, Kent, who said the late collector’s family had no idea the photos existed.
Matthew Tredwen, specialist at C&T Auctions, said: ‘In the pocket of the battle dress was the original owner’s service book, which shows the set belonged to George Axe, from Exeter in Devon.
‘In the back of the service book are a number of black and white snapshot photographs of him and his sweetheart, and interestingly of crowds gathering and celebrating the end of the war in Europe, famously known as VE day.
‘These are unpublished private photographs of one of the most celebrated events of the 20th century.
‘You can see the joy and peoples faces and the outpouring of emotion that the war was over.’
Celebrations of VE Day in London in 1945. The pictures are going under the hammer at C&T Auctions
Another picture of jubilant crowds following the victory anniouncement
The never before seen photos were found in Mr Axe’s service and pay book
VE Day, short for Victory in Europe Day, marked the end of the Second World War in Europe on the eastern front.
Winston Churchill announced the end of the War in Europe with a speech broadcast from Downing Street at 3pm.
He said: ‘We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing, but let us not forget for a moment the toils and efforts that lie ahead.’
King George VI also thanked the nation in a speech from Buckingham Palace, while warning that they were still at war with Japan.
The sale of the photos, which are valued at £250, takes place on October 23.
