VJ Day in Central London

This nostalgic and charming window into VJ Day celebrations has its eye on all, from the soldiers and civilians to the local wildlife.

Huge crowds gather in Central London, united in their excitement for the day celebrating Allied victory over Japan in 1945. The sun shines over Big Ben as people gather from left, right and centre. Soldiers climb on the lions at Trafalgar Square, couples kiss on benches. Then, the streets clear in preparation for the royal family as they drive from St. Paul's Cathedral, the crowds packed on either side of Fleet Street, patiently waiting in anticipation as the cars speed by.

This film is from the collection of Redbridge Museum, Local Studies and Archives, a member of the London's Screen Archives Network.