Celebrate V.E. 75
Merton Heritage Service has produced a range of resources to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day ( 8 May 1945 ) and to celebrate the courage of the World War II generation.
We hope that these materials will not only help you to mark this historic occasion but also to learn more about our borough's wartime heritage from the comfort of your own home.
Online Exhibition
Click on the links below to see more images and information about Merton during World War II.
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Merton at War Part 1: Gas Masks & Air Raid Shelters Merton at War Part 2: Evacuation, Rationing & Recycling Merton at War Part 3: Civil Defence & the Home Guard |
Life on the Home Front
In conjunction with our project partners, Digital Drama, we are delighted to be able to share contemporary wartime film showing life on the Home Front. This material gives a unique insight into the experiences of ordinary people during wartime. As part of a special Home Front Film project, the previously silent cine footage has been given a soundtrack featuring the memories of Merton residents. Further material also captures the experiences of residents in neighbouring Croydon.
Click on the links below to access the film. For full-screen viewing, click on the 
symbol to the left of the word Vimeo.
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Wartime Memories
Click on the links below to read the wartime experiences of local residents.
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Memories of an evacuee and WRNS recruit
Memories of the Women's Land Army
Memories of a Normandy veteran
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Reminiscence Materials
We have put together a range of themed material to trigger discussion of wartime heritage and to help you to share your memories with friends, family or carers. Click on the links below to access the different topics.
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Civil Defence & the Home Guard
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Test Your Knowledge
How much do you know about Merton's World War II history? Try our wartime puzzles and discover more about life on the Home Front between 1939 and 1945.
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Audio-Tours
Heritage staff are working on a range of audio tours highlighting sites linked to Merton's Second World War heritage.
To view our first tours, simply click on the links below. You can also access other Merton tours covering Nelson, the Wandle, women's suffrage and the First World War by clicking here.
By downloading the free izi.Travel app (via the Mac Store or Google Play,) you can also enjoy a multi-media guided experience on your mobile phone.
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Ration Book Recipes
We have gathered together a range of wartime recipes for you to try with your family and friends. These were originally created to make the most of limited wartime rations, aid nutrition and satisfy public cravings for something sweet at a time when sugar was a precious commodity.
We hope you enjoy this taste of wartime ingenuity.
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SNACKS: |
SOUPS:
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SAVOURY: |
DESSERTS: |
Make your own Dove of Peace and VE Day Bunting
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Together with our colleagues from Made in Merton, we are inviting Merton residents of all ages to celebrate the 75th anniversary of V.E. Day by displaying our dove of peace in their windows. Cut out, colour or decorate one of our dove templates, then stick or hang it so it is clearly visible from outside. Keen crafters can also use the template to create their own fabric doves, either in 2D or 3D versions. These can be decorated with anything from embroidery or patchwork, to paper, felt or even materials from the garden. You can also link several doves together to form a peace garland - most importantly, have fun! We would like as many people as possible to take part in this simple act of celebration. |
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Please display your doves where they can be spotted by passers-by, particularly children out on family walks and lockdown exercise breaks. How many doves can you spot in your area? We would love to see your creations, so why not send photographs to local.studies@merton.gov.uk You can also post them on Twitter or the Merton Libraries Facebook page. |
Related material:
For more heritage resources, including material about World War II, visit our History Pages & Activities section.