VE Day Special
79 years ago, Europe’s 5-year long struggle against an abhorrent tyranny came to a close. Officially, two surrender signings took place – the first on the 7th of May 1945, whereby Colonel General Alfred Jodl signed Germany’s surrender to the Allied Forces, on all fronts, at Reims, France. The final signing, orchestrated by Josef Stalin, was by Field Marshal Wilhelm Keital the following day, in Berlin. Both Germans were found guilty of war crimes at Nuremberg and subsequently executed. Across Europe, news of the Allied victory sparked joyful celebrations – bittersweet as our forbears would have reflected on and remembered their family and friends who had given their lives. Germany’s surrender was not surprising, and many across Britain were anxiously awaiting the end of the war. Nevertheless, on the 8th of May 1945, relief flooded the streets of London, Paris, and New York.
For those fighting in Europe, the day was incomprehensible. There was for most, a sense of joy - their final goals had been achieved and Europe was freed from tyranny. But for some, the day was a deep reflection of those who had been lost on the journey. It was the moment that reality set back in. In war only pockets of time are allowed for grieving, now the horrors of war would sit as a lifelong attention.
The 19-year-old Alec Bowie was injured during the Normandy campaign and brought home; he described VE day as a day for “getting drunk”. A similar reaction in London came from Geoff Pulzer who stated, “I cannot remember much about VE day as I was so inebriated”.
The majority of the day's grievances came from back home. Many had known sons or husbands whose sacrifice had prevailed but their lives were lost. The reaction to such prevalence was partially muted in the United States due to the consistent endurance of war with Japan which would last another insufferable 3 months.
On the eastern front, social suffering settled back in. Whilst the brutality of the eastern front had come to an end, the insufferable Stalin regime was to return to the forefront of social life. Most however were disillusioned by this, In Moscow celebrations were marked with Victory Day celebrations on the 9th of May (Germany’s formal surrender to the Soviets) followed by a huge firework display in the Red Square.
Those who had fought in Europe however were overcome with emotion. Senses of freedom returned and that's what’s for most brought a level of celebration in such a critical and intense moment.
The public reaction was mirrored by the government. Winston Churchill, who had been one of the driving forces behind Germany’s surrender and also a constant beacon of light in a country whose days had seemed to grow increasingly darker, called for a national holiday as celebrations began.
The Prime Minister also made a radio broadcast on the day at 15:00 pm announcing the joyous news that the war in Europe had ended, however alongside this came a message of warning that Japan had yet to be defeated. Later on, Churchill went to the Ministry of Health building in Whitehall, London. There he was met by wild and cheering crowds. To the growing crowd Churchill declared that ‘This is your victory!’ To which the crowd responded ‘No, it is yours!’
The Royal Family who had famously stayed behind in London as the city faced some of its darkest moments during the Blitz joined in with the celebrations. The wartime king, George VI like his Prime Minister broadcasted a speech, calling for a lasting peace. He also asked to remember those who had lost their lives during the conflict whilst commending his subjects for the will and strength they had shown in the last 6 years. The Royal Family would be joined by Churchill on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as they waved to the jubilant crowds. Peace was finally in Britain. Peace was finally in Europe.
In London, many didn’t wait until the official bank holiday (the 8th) to begin celebrating. Bonfires were lit, and colourful bunting and flags decorated the streets of the entire nation. Special ‘VE Day’ mugs were commissioned, and Churchill had been assured by the Ministry of Food that there was enough beer in London to go round. Bunting was allowed to be bought without using ration coupons. We are in no doubt familiar with the famous photos from VE Day, including that of the two girls in the Trafalgar Square fountain.
The royal family took to the balcony of Buckingham Palace where they waved to the crowds gathering up and down The Mall. Eight appearances altogether were made by the King and Queen - and rather famously, Princess Elizabeth, later Elizabeth II, snuck out to enjoy the celebrations and later described it as “one of the most memorable nights of my life.” It was estimated that around 50,000 people crowded Piccadilly Circus by midnight, and strangers danced and played music together until dawn.
Amid the revelry, however, many people were mourning the deaths of loved ones and worrying for those still stuck abroad. It is important to remember that the war was not over everywhere – Allied troops were still fighting a bloody war in Japan, enduring hardships that were unfathomable at home. Food rationing and a practically bankrupt Britain were also tangible amongst the revelry. Freedom had at long last been won – what now for Britain?
VE day is the most salient reminder of why we have freedom today. The elimination of the Nazi threat strengthened freedom and democracy further than ever before. It should enrich itself permanently for us and the generations to come. Britain had endured mass bombing campaigns and was in a state of disarray. On the 5th of July, Clement Atlee’s Labour Party won a landslide victory, the government needed to draw closer to the people. Between 1945 and 1951, several welfare state policies and Britain's reconstruction were formalised. Here we see housing rebuilt and healthcare strengthened through the introduction of the NHS in 1948 alongside many more important policies. Furthermore, the complete consolidation of the New Town Act in 1965 saw Britain arise as a nation fit for the future. Post-war British mandate became peace-focused with the construction of NATO in 1949 as an alliance ready to withstand any threat from the Soviet Union. The aftermath of WW2 from 1945 to 1991 saw Britain grow stronger socially, economically, and diplomatically against diligent threats from the East; paving the way for the modern and technological Britain we have today.