Skip to content

VE day event planned for coastal WW2 battery

Paul Appleby An aerial view of Blyth beach while a wartime invasion re-enactment takes place. Men in uniform are running up the beach while thousands watch on from the shore Paul Appleby
Blyth Battery has held regular events to mark its wartime history

A coastal battery dating back more than 100 years is to hold a commemorative event on the 80th anniversary of VE day, which marked the end of World War Two in Europe.

Blyth Battery, in Northumberland, is the most intact coastal fortification on the North East and Yorkshire coastlines.

Director Colin Durward said it would have been "one of the few" coastal defences still open at the time of VE Day on 8 May 1945.

"This may be the last big anniversary when those who remember VE day can tell us first-hand what it was like," he said.

Colin Durwood is standing at Blyth Battery. He is a man in his seventies with grey hair and a moustache and wearing a coat and a fleece. A gun from Blyth Battery is behind him, with the beach stretching out and the town in the background
Colin Durwood says it is important to remember the sacrifices of those who contributed to victory in World War Two

One Blyth Battery volunteer, Mary Allison who was born in 1940, remembers "ships constantly coming in and out of Blyth".

"The POWs at Seaton Delaval Hall used to march past our house when we lived at Seaton Sluice," she added.

When VE day was celebrated she remembers "all the adults were just so happy".

"There was a fair bit of drink going round - not my mum though, she didn't drink, but dad had a few.

"A bit later my three uncles came home and I remember that really well, they had all been away for a very long time."

Blyth Battery A black and white image of a party on VE day on 8 May 1945 in a back street in Blyth. Blyth Battery
Hundreds of street parties were held to celebrate VE day on 8 May 1945

The event on 8 May is in addition to one on Blyth Quayside on 3 May organised by the town council.

Mr Durward said: "There were a lot of celebrations in Blyth and we have newspaper clippings and photographs.

"On the anniversary itself we'll have vehicles and people dressed up at Blyth battery and we'll be lighting a beacon and holding a memorial service.

"It's a way of thanking those who gave so much and to say we haven't forgotten what they did."

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.

Related internet links