As 8 May 2025 is the eightieth anniversary of VE Day, we reflect on that amazing day with one of the most iconic photographs in our archive, featuring headmaster Mr Cyril Broom and many pupils in Petersfield, which was their home from August 1939 to July 1945.
When VE Day eventually arrived, hundreds of evacuated Emanuel pupils released a collective sigh of relief. After 6 long years in Petersfield, they were finally going home. Although boys had started to drift back to London as early as 1943, the majority remained in the little Hampshire market town until 1945. Some of the younger boys had never walked down the long Emanuel School drive and returning ‘home’ was a trip into the unknown smog of a London many had almost forgotten. They had become familiar with sharing the teaching facilities of Churcher’s College or being taught in the back of pubs, youth clubs and churches.
Many of the older boys who were evacuated in 1939 joined the war effort when of age. Tragically, some never returned home to Emanuel as they lost their lives whilst in service. Others remained in Petersfield, married their sweethearts, or periodically returned for reunions; this continued until the last official function on 23 September 2009, noting the seventieth year since their initial arrival in the town.
Many Old Emanuels recall the Petersfield years among the happiest times of their lives and their vivid memories have been recorded in the Emanuel School Archive and book Emanuel School at War. On the big day, an assembly was held at 9.30am outside the pavilion. Everyone was dismissed for the next two days and celebrations took place in the town square.
A notable service to Petersfield that day was the appearance of the ‘Windsor Rhythm Kings’, the popular school band who performed in the town square. Lights had been fitted during the day and the band was able to play for four hours until midnight. As Petersfield’s own official celebrations were not until the following evening, the band proved a great attraction. A large crowd of people were obviously extremely grateful for its efforts and £15 was collected for the local hospital.
Tony Jones, Archivist
