Croydon Courageous: A Tribute to Resilience and Remembrance

To commemorate VE Day, a powerful piece of Croydon’s history will go on display in the town centre.

Croydon Courageous, painted in 1946 by Norman Partridge, will be replicated and displayed on Croydon’s High Street — a striking reminder of the resilience, sacrifice and unity that defined our borough during the Second World War.

This large scale painting captures the aftermath of bombing raids across Croydon.

Through detailed and moving scenes, Partridge pays tribute to those who kept us going — from air raid wardens and emergency services to ordinary residents who faced extraordinary circumstances.

On VE Day, we mark the end of conflict in Europe, but also reflect on the human stories behind that historic moment.

This public display of Croydon Courageous is a chance to honour Croydon’s wartime spirit and reflect on what it means for our present and future.

Thanks to Museum of Croydon, Croydon Archives, Croydon Natural History and Scientific Society, Phil Reed.