‘Berkertex gowns, Lotus footwear and Elizabeth Arden perfume’

For years, the people of South Tyneside could be forgiven for thinking life would never get back to what it used to be.

War devasted the North East including the borough between 1939 and 1945, with air raids, rationing and loved ones called up for service among the many worries on people’s minds.

WAAFs link arms with soldiers during the VJ Day celebrations in 1945. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) | Getty Images

placeholder image — WAAFs link arms with soldiers during the VJ Day celebrations in 1945. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) | Getty Images

But eventually, it ended with two huge days of significance, and they were the historic VE and VJ Days.

In South Tyneside, excitement was high and locals could follow the latest news in the Shields Gazette.

For three half pence, you got news of Europe being ‘liberated from the Nazi beast’ on the same page as the latest bargains from Binns.

Berkertex gowns, Lotus footwear and Elizabeth Arden perfume were amongst the offers on the front page.

There was an advert from Rogers as well, and it had a new range of Spring goods on offer at its Shields shop.

Cheering crowds could not hide their relief during the VJ Day celebrations in 1945. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Meanwhile, the headlines reported on ‘champions of freedom throughout the world celebrating’.

Inside the edition, there was a diary of the war and a rundown on the local celebrations.

There were reports too of Prime Minister Winston Churchill giving V for Victory signs outside Buckingham Palace as his car took him to luncheon with the King and Queen.

The war finally ended on August 15, 1945 when Japan surrendered. A day that would be known as VJ Day.

Tell us if you had relatives who remembered life in South Tyneside on VE Day and VJ Day as well as how they celebrated.

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