Airman shares his recollection of VE Day

Among them is former RAF warrant officer Geoffrey Payne who lives in Seafar, Cumbernauld

Mr Payne (95), who is originally from Birmingham, has been decorated by the French Government for his contribution.

The Knight of the Legion of Honour said: “I was fortunate to be home on a short leave at this time.

“The streets began to fill up with the local residents, some dressed in their best clobber others in fancy dress, some playing instruments, even a piano was carried to an island at a road interchange and a bonfire lit.

“Bunting was draped on trees and lamp posts along the road. All kinds of food and drink mysteriously arrived, where and how with the years of rationing I don’t know. Singing and dancing carried on until the early hours of the morning. And why not? The population had suffered air raids, nights in shelters, food rationing and, working long hours in factories.

“Yet we had the war in the Pacific to win. Bomber Command had already begun to build up squadrons in Italy which was to be known as the Tiger Force. One can imagine how this war would have to be fought, invading island after island, fighting against a determined and ruthless enemy.”

Yet VJ Day would duly take place when the Japanese made an unconditional surrender to the Allies on August 14.