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This story was submitted to the People’s War site by Nadine from the People’s War team on behalf of Maureen Harold and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site’s terms and conditions.

I celebrated my 21st birthday on 6th May, 1945. The custom then was to invite your friends to celebrate at the Plaza Ballroom on the Southside of Glasgow. The Plaza would present you with a key and cake and with your party you would dance round the fountain to the strains of β€œ21” Today.

We all knew the announcement of the end of the war was imminent and were all very excited, so at the end of the party, my friends and I all walked from the Plaza to join the throngs dancing and singing in George Square.

We were all very young and immature then and alcohol did not come into the picture, but how we got back to Partick probably by β€œShanks Pony”, I can’t remember. We were high on the thoughts of peace, no more blackouts and no more air raids.

What a way to celebrate my 21st. My best 21st present was 2 pair of nylons brought back from America by my mums best friend’s husband, who was in the Merchant Navy.

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