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John Norton was 12 when victory was announced in Europe. As a boy scout, John was able to decode the 'message' being relayed through the hooter of a US Army jeep being driven around the small town of Woodbridge: ‘V’ for victory in Morse code.

People poured out into the streets, cheering and jumping up and down. It was pitch black outside so people pulled their blackout curtains down to let the light stream out from their houses.

As the news sunk in, a huge party was organised on the Market Hill. It was a 'wild' day and the streets were filled with dancing and US airmen from the local base out in force. The local greengrocer was giving away oranges; it's a memory that brings back the emotion of those days to John, who admits he actually didn't like the fruit, finding it too sour.

John's grandma couldn't bring herself to join in the celebrations; the tears were still flowing in the family home as she came to terms with the recent death of her two sons who had been taken prisoner in Singapore.

Image: John Norton

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