80th Anniversary of VE Day

[RagTag]

I am not sure where to post this, and it is a few days late for the 80th.
1st Lt. Lawrence Hohlaus, my father, was in London on that 8th of May day. As a B-26 co-pilot in the 1st Pathfinder Squadron he had just flown his last Marauder Pathfinder mission on May 1 to bomb Staab, Czechoslovakia, leading boxes of A-26's of the 409th over the fading Reich just 7 days before. That day was the last day of B-26 combat operations over Europe by account. Now quickly back in England, he shot this photo of the crowds celebrating in London on the news, flooding the streets with unrestrained joy. It is interesting to zoom in and see the faces and styles of the time, and the fellows hanging on to the crossarm of the street lamps for dear life. I wish I knew where this view was in London. If anyone can locate where this might be I would be most appreciative.

We should remember and honor all the veterans who fought to keep democracy safe and free for us today.

 

[mjfur]

Corner of Great Windmill St and Coventry St., London (Picadilly Circus). The sign (upper right) in your photo is PAVILLION Entrance.

 

[RagTag]

Corner of Great Windmill St and Coventry St., London (Picadilly Circus). The sign (upper right) in your photo is PAVILLION Entrance.

View attachment 830929

View attachment 830931

View attachment 830930

Much appreciated, sir! Especially to finally know that is at Picadilly Circus. Even the lampposts are still there. If you shot these to make a "before and now" set, doubly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[RagTag]

I am not sure where to post this, and it is a few days late for the 80th.
1st Lt. Lawrence Hohlaus, my father, was in London on that 8th of May day. As a B-26 co-pilot in the 1st Pathfinder Squadron he had just flown his last Marauder Pathfinder mission on May 1 to bomb Staab, Czechoslovakia, leading boxes of A-26's of the 409th over the fading Reich just 7 days before. That day was the last day of B-26 combat operations over Europe by account. Now quickly back in England, he shot this photo of the crowds celebrating in London on the news, flooding the streets with unrestrained joy. It is interesting to zoom in and see the faces and styles of the time, and the fellows hanging on to the crossarm of the street lamps for dear life. I wish I knew where this view was in London. If anyone can locate where this might be I would be most appreciative.

We should remember and honor all the veterans who fought to keep democracy safe and free for us today.

Just one more thing from that day, the last page of his logbook.