V.E. Day
In early May 2025 people in Britain commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe by attending a variety of V.E. day events from church services to parties to military parades. But do we really know and understand what happened in early May 1945?
The 8 May 1945 meant the end to nearly six years of war in Europe that had cost the lives of millions, had destroyed homes, families, and cities and had brought huge suffering to the people of many countries.
Following the death of Adolf Hitler at the end of April 1945 there were negotiations which resulted in the unconditional surrender of German forces on 7 May. The news of Germany’s surrender had been anticipated for some time and people across Britain were waiting to start celebrating the end of the war in Europe.
The announcement that the war in Europe had ended was broadcast to the British people over the radio late on 7 May. There was a news flash announcing that the next day, 8th May, would be a national holiday to celebrate Victory in Europe. This information spread rapidly and many people in Britain began to party as soon as they heard the news. After years of wartime restrictions and dangers, bunting and flags soon lined the streets of villages, towns and cities across Britain. Bonfires and fireworks were lit, people danced and sang. The pubs were full.
Plans for events throughout Britain were quickly finalised and included parades, thanksgiving services and street parties. There were ten consecutive services in St Paul’s Cathedral giving thanks for peace, each one attended by thousands of people.
At 3pm on V.E. Day, the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill made a national radio broadcast officially announcing the end of war in Europe.
But whilst they celebrated, many people also mourned the death of a friend or relative, or worried about those who were still serving overseas. Few families were unaffected.
Although it meant peace in Europe, the world war was not yet over. In May 1945, thousands of Allied servicemen were still fighting in the Far East and thousands more were held as prisoners of war in terrible conditions. Not until 2nd September did the Japanese sign an act of surrender
Following the end of the war life did not just return to normal and ratioing did not finally end until 1954. It was not until 2006 that Britain finished paying off its war debts to Canada and the USA.