Eighty years ago today, the streets of Bath came alive with jubilant celebrations marking Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, and a single iconic photograph perfectly captures the joy and unity of the moment.
The photo features a young Alan Love, just two or three years old, alongside his younger brother Graham and their mother Marion, posing at a street party on North Parade Buildings on May 8, 1945. Alan’s father, Leslie, was absent from the celebration, serving with the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, a respected cavalry regiment in the British Army.
Reflecting on that historic day, Alan fondly recalls, “This original photo was taken that day and a modified version still hangs in my office.” Although his memories of the day are faint, the overwhelming relief and happiness that the war in Europe had ended stayed with him. “People were very relieved and happy the war was over.”
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The strong community spirit among neighbors in Abbey Green was evident as locals gathered to celebrate together. Alan remembers, “There was a great community in Abbey Green. Lots of kids from the area went to school together.”
Despite the ongoing food rationing, the street party was a true testament to resilience and togetherness. “Many people came out and shared what food they had, even though rationing limited supplies,” Alan explains.
Alan’s father did not return until 1946 due to his continued military service, meaning he missed the community celebrations. Yet Alan’s connection to Bath remained strong throughout his life. “I went to Weymouth House School, which would now be near M&S,” he recalls. Though Alan left Bath at 23, most of his family still lives there, and he remains a dedicated Bath Rugby season ticket holder.
With a smile, Alan notes his distracted expression in the famous photo: “I wasn’t really looking at the camera.” Considering the passage of time, he wonders if any others in the photo are still alive, suggesting they would now be in their late 70s.
V-E Day, celebrated on May 8, honors the end of hostilities against Nazi Germany in Europe, announced by Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1945. The photo of Alan Love and his family serves as a timeless reminder of the community spirit and shared relief that defined that historic day in Bath.