"Overhead, fireworks were bursting in red, green and white. It was like a setting from some fantastic play, it was so dramatic"
This letter is one of a number preserved by the family from the time of our late father’s war service. Like this one they are mainly addressed to his own father who was an architect in Dunfermline, Fife. Our father – Captain James D Shearer (1918-72) – also became an architect but served during WW2 in the Royal Engineers, notably in the liberation of Northern Europe following the D-Day landings.
It appears to be written from a small town in Holland (an unspecified location c/o 21 Works Section RE, BLA) and first describes the joy of the night when the North of Holland was liberated.
He then writes about going to Brussels and witnessing the amazing celebrations of VE Day itself.
I attach a ‘selfie’ photo taken by my father in a mirror during this period.
Transcript:
Tuesday
Dear Dad,
Big things have occured since I last wrote and it still seems rather difficult to believe that the war is really over. As far as our own work is concerned it hasn't made a great deal of difference and there is still plenty to do - but I can now look forward to being a civilian again by Christmas time - and that will certainly be a glorious day; looked forward to for a very long time. Group 25 is my demob number and according to the papers that will be in about six months - but knowing the army I won't set too much store upon that date until it's here.
During this last fortnight I've had two very outstanding experiences. The first was in this little Dutch town on the night that the north of Holland was liberated. Nearly everyone here has relatives or friends in the north of whom they have heard nothing for years. The news was announced at about 9pm and the change in peoples' expressions was one of the most moving sights I have seen. Almost instantly the streets were filled with madly cheering people. Flags of Holland and of the allies appeared within a few minutes. Fireworks were produced from somewhere and were continually lighting up the sky - someone was firing coloured shells from an anti aircraft gun. Everyone was supremely happy.
Then the next day I went down to Brussels to work there for a week and on Monday came the news that was war was over. At first I thought it was a rumour but soon it was evident that it was more than that. There had been a sort of suppressed excitement all day and finally in the afternoon I bought a newspaper. There it was in print "The war is over". Brussels was a little slower than our little Dutch town but not much. Vast crows of gay people soon filled the streets - and the few [unclear] that still considered it a duty to do any work were so crowded that people were standing on the roof and all round the sides. Every army vehicle - including of course the famous Jeeps were laden down with cheering soldiers and civilians. A Jeep usually carries five people but I saw one with about twenty Brussels girls in their bright dresses clinging on to it. How it was possible for the driver to see remains a mystery.
When it got dark Neon signs were lit and there were more beautiful and unforgettable vistas down the long boulevards. I went up to the Square in front of the old Hotel de Ville and it took one's breath away. All the old buildings and the delicate spire were floodlit with a deep amber light against the blue-black night sky. In the Town Hall itself someone had fixed up a loudspeaker which was broadcasting Belgian folk dances and national song. A bonfire had been lit in the middle of the spacious square and round it people were dancing. Overhead, fireworks were bursting in red, green and white. It was like a setting from some fantastic play, it was so dramatic.
The most important thing just now which I am thinking about is my leave - but there's still no news about it. It's most disappointing. I keep on asking about it and people say that they will see what can be done about it. However, unless some news comes through in a few days I'm going to take the law into my own hands and storm round all the headquarters I can think of until I get something definite. I've certainly been waiting for leave for a long time now and it will be nine months on Thursday since I came over. I will notice a great many changes at home now I suppose - especially the lack of a blackout. Oddly enough one doesn't notice it, so much over here. Largely because it has never been so efficient, except right at the front line.
The weather is most glorious just now and the countryside is looking at its best now. The spring has tended to smooth over the scars produced by the army during the winter and some places even look as if there never had been a war - but not very many. But it will be nice to see some hills again - and some roads that don't go in long straight lines for miles.
I must stop now - it's getting late.
By the way, Auntie Nan asked for some details about this Croix de Guerre business. Well - I'll tell you when I come home.
All the best
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