Street parties were held across the city in the spring of 1945 with people displaying the 'V' for 'victory' sign with their fingers, symbolic of 'Victory in Europe' and signifying an end to World War II. It was also a 12 months which featured a reunion of returned prisoners of war at Roundhay Park and a visit by Prime Minister Winston Churchill and wife Clementine to the city centre. Enjoy these rarely seen photos, a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service, charting the year. READ MORE: The Leeds Blitz - Nine air raids which brought death and devastation LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
13. Leeds city centre
Steps of the Civic Hall, showing Sir Winston and Lady Churchill on the platform in June 1945.. Houses on Portland Crescent are in the background (now demolished) many of the windows are crowded with people. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
14. Leeds city centre
Sir Winston and Lady Clementine Churchill arrive at Leeds Civic Hall to a rapturous welcome from waiting crowds in June 1945.. Churchill had visited Leeds during the War on 18th May 1942, when he had made an impromptu speech from the steps of Leeds Town Hall to a crowd of 25,000. His visit was not publicised in advance he arrived at two hours notice. On 28th October 1953 Churchill was granted the freedom of the City of Leeds. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
15. Leeds city centre
Sir Winston and Lady Churchill sit on the back of their seats in an open Daimler car, making themselves visible to the massive crowds which had gathered to see them in June 1945. This is the front of Leeds Civic Hall as they leave after their visit. On the left is Portland Crescent. Great George Street is in the background with Calverley Street on the right. The Town Hall is in the top right corner. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
16. Leeds city centre
Stand at a Local Government display of services in July 1945, charting the success of the Library service. Amongst the information is that £64,000 was allocated to libraries from City Rates, which was 2/8d (13p) per head of population. Photos are of Crossgates, Sheepscar and Headingley Libraries. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
17. Leeds city centre
The east side of Hillary Street in July 1945 showing nos. 75 and 77. The property is derelict, with its gable end showing signs of its demolished neighbour. The damage was caused by an air raid on March 14 and March 15, 1941, when a bomb fell on the row of back to backs and led to the demolition of six houses. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net