Celebrations for V-E Day-- Part 2: London

War-scarred London burst into jubilant celebration of the end of the war in Europe today, its millions of citizens unable to wait for the government's official V-E  Day proclamation tomorrow.

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Millions surged into the streets, from Buckingham Palace to the sedate East End.

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The Picadilly Circus, Whitehall and Westminster areas filled with a laughing, shouting throng.  Some old-timers said the scene eclipsed those of the 1918 armistice.

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Pubs were jammed, champagne was brought up from deep cellars and long-hoarded whisky and gin came out of hiding.

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The great bells of Big Ben tolled the hours of the historic day.

--GreGen