Thomas Dyer’s Story

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Thousands of people gathered in the Market Place expecting entertainment, but there wasn't any, so they made their own. The Derby Evening Telegraph (now the Derby Telegraph) reported at the time that there was impromptu singing and comic acts. There were illuminations in the evening. Beer supplied in pubs lasted well, as extra supplies had been brought in. Thomas Dyer was 12-years-old at the time; he headed into town with his parents. He says he saw a beer barrel being kicked around Derby - and people catching the squirting beer in their mouths. They were singing ‘Roll out the Barrel’. Thomas has also described people kicking police helmets around like footballs, as part of the celebrations. Thomas says it was like everyone had been depressed for five years and suddenly it was all lifted. But he believes as a school child the Second World War was exciting. Image: Thomas Dyer