Winston Churchill’s famous victory speech announcing the end of war will be broadcast in public spaces across the country at 3pm on Friday, May 8.
But here is our own reminder of South Tyneside’s valiant Churchillian spirit as its people fought on through the war years.
We have delved into the Gazette archives to find photos of air raid damage throughout the district, locals going about their daily business despite the Nazi threat, and a Royal visit to raise the spirits.
Perhaps a relative of yours is in the picture. Take a look at our selection.
1. So much love for the King
A Royal visit to a South Tyneside shipyard brought out a massive crowd in 1941. Photo: Shields Gazette
2. Crumpled remains
Servicemen hunt through the crumpled remains of the Heinkel which crashed and exploded in Beach Road in February 1941. Photo: Shields Gazette
3. The Regent in 1943
The Regent cinema pictured after a bomb dropped in the street. It damaged the Regent but it also demolished another nearby cinema. Photo: Shields Gazette
4. Derby Street
Surveying the damage of a 1941 air raid on Derby Street. Photo: Shields Gazette