V E Day in London - 1945

V E Day began with Mr Churchill’s broadcast officially announcing the end of war in Europe. Londoners took to the streets in celebrations which continued for nearly two days. Outside Buckingham Palace the crowds chanted ’we want the King’ and were rewarded by the Royal Family appearing on the balcony. At nine o’clock in the evening the King broadcast to Britain and the Commonwealth. Cut story - KS. Big Ben chiming 3 o’clock. SCU & CU Churchill reading his address announcing end of hostilities in Europe. LS elevated pan of Trafalgar Square crammed with people, Churchill’s voice over same saying “Advance Britannia, Long Live the Cause of Freedom“. LS outside Houses of Parliament, crowds gather to watch MP’s parade to St. Margaret’s Church. Elevated shot of them leaving House. Mr Greenwood walks with Churchill. Procession led by the Speaker, Mr Clifton Brown (in robes). LS various shots of West End, Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square crowded with rejoicing people. People dancing in streets, etc. At Lambeth, small crowds sing “Lambeth Walk“, one fellow said “Lambeth people would fight anybody, anywhere“. Back in Trafalgar Square ambulance makes way through crowds. Two sailors dance in street, amid crowds with a Naval Captain. People climbing lamp-posts. Mall crowded, background Buckingham Palace. Crowds shout “We want the King“. King, Queen & Princesses appear on balcony. Cut-ins of the crowd. Royal party on balcony again, now with Churchill. Various shots of same, pan to crowd in front of Palace. Night shots of London, crowds dancing, singing, cheering etc. in Piccadilly & Trafalgar Square. Man on top of lamp-post waves Norwegian flag. Sailors in fountains at Trafalgar Square (slightly out of focus). Various cut-ins of bonfires burning. Dusk shot of Royal party on balcony. Pan of Buckingham Palace floodlit. Interior - SCU & CU of King speaking to Nation. see story number 45748/2, 45748/3, 45748/4, 45748/5, 45748/6, 45748/7, 45748/8 VE Day in London. You can license this story through AP Archive: Find out more about AP Archive: