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Memories of a childhood in wartime Leith. The trials and tribulations of the period, allied to the camaraderie of the community in facing up to an uncertain future made a lasting impression on John Stewart.
As children we had never been expected to realise the seriousness of the situation our country had found itself in. I had never known what peacetime was like; the War had always been with us.
As it progressed, my friends and I were only aware of it through what we saw on newsreels and later as the soldiers came to live amongst us. Only when victory in Europe was approaching did we get excited about it. What would peace be like?
I was lying in bed fast asleep when my parents burst in and cried out to us, 'Have you heard the news? The War is over!' The War was over in Europe although it still had some months to go in the Far East.
As if to confirm their news, ships' sirens and horns blared out in chorus from the direction of the docks. Remember, no television was in existence at the time and radio was not as sophisticated as it is now.
As the news spread, the streets became a heaving throng with people emptying from their houses. The streets were dark but illumination was provided from the houses as the blackout blinds were cast aside. No need for them now.
After being dressed quickly, I was taken out by my mum and dad and made our way to the Foot of the Walk in Leith to savour the atmosphere. All the time people, acquaintances and strangers alike greeted us, full of exhilaration and just glad that the conflict had finally ended.
We must have known victory was imminent because the elder boys had built a bonfire from material that had been supplied by 'Wingy' Robertson from his scrapyard.
The unlit pile had been erected before hand and had been zealously protected from marauding gangs of boys from adjacent streets. It was customary for rival streets to invade others to pillage fire materials and a victory bonfire was no exception.
The 'Coppy' bonfire survived this and it was set alight with great delight at the good news. Adults and children alike sang and danced around it as the flames reached upwards. The atmosphere was one of sheer joy and happiness that was to be repeated a few months later.
Once the euphoria wore off, thoughts immediately turned to the welcome home preparations for the returning servicemen of the area. The wartime slogan 'make do and mend' was put into practice as old clothes and materials of many hues were cut up and formed into bunting.
The pennants were then slung across the divide of the buildings on the clotheslines that spanned the square. Augmented by flags fluttering from the windowsills, they presented a warm welcome home.
Parties were held outside in the square as each soldier returned. I remember well the excitement on these occasions as the uniformed individuals returned to the bosoms of their families and community. The War had truly ended.
John Stewart, 2001
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