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Alongside fighting on other fronts, victory in Europe meant that they were now helping to manage civilian populations and prisoners of war. Other serving men and women from Northamptonshire were scattered across the world. 

VE Day experiences of the Northamptonshire Regiments and Northamptonshire Yeomanry

1st Battalion The Northamptonshire Regiment
The Battalion’s long journey back to India ended at Visapur, between Poona and Ahmednagar on the 9 May. News of VE Day would not have meant much to the tired and worn out men, only the fact that their families in England would be at last safe from harm. 

4th Territorial Battalion The Northamptonshire Regiment
On the 8th May 1945 Victory in Europe day was celebrated by the 4th Battalion. Though they had not taken part in the final battles of the campaign as a unit, they had carried out many essential tasks during and after the crossing of the Rhine. They were only the second Territorial Battalion of the Regiment to serve overseas.

5th Territorial Battalion The Northamptonshire Regiment
As Winston Churchill announced the unconditional surrender of Germany, the Battalion entered Austria. The first job for the 5th Battalion was taking over and organising the town of Spittal including a large camp of Civilian internees, among them some British. 

1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry Regiment
VE Day was officially celebrated by the Regiment on the 9 of May. A church parade of thanksgiving and remembrance was held in the Grosskerk in Zwolle. The names of 75 members of the 1st Regiment killed in the campaign were commemorated.

Many soldiers continued to serve through VJ Day and beyond not returning home until 1946.

Are you feeling inspired by the VE Day commemorations to delve into the history of your ancestors who served in the Northamptonshire Yeomanry or the Northamptonshire Regiment? Do you have an ancestor in the Regiment or Yeomanry you would like to find out more about then do contact us, as our Military Research Volunteers might be able to help.

On Saturday 17 May 10.30am to 2pm we are running a drop-in research event at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. Come along to this event and ask our military experts – whether you want to know more about the brave men who served, the role these Regiments played in history, or the secrets behind a special piece of military memorabilia.