Every May, the UK takes a moment to remember one of the most significant days in its history. VE Day marks the moment when six years of war in Europe came to an end. It's a day that holds both celebration and quiet remembrance, and for Erskine, it's a chance to honour the generation of Veterans whose sacrifice made that moment possible. 

What is VE Day?

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, is observed on 8th May each year to mark the formal surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. After almost six years of conflict, the news brought relief and celebration to a country that had endured air raids, rationing and the loss of loved ones on a scale few could have imagined at the outset of war. 

This day is a time to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who not only served in the Armed Forces but those keeping the home fires burning and the country from grinding to a standstill.

But while the war in Europe was over, fighting continued in the Pacific for another three months, until Japan's surrender on VJ Day, 15th August 1945.

The History of VE Day: What happened on 7th and 8th May 1945

By early 1945, the Second World War in Europe was entering its last months. Allied forces had successfully pushed German troops back across occupied Europe following major campaigns, including the D-Day landings in Normandy on 6th June 1944.

As Allied armies advanced from the west and Soviet forces moved towards Berlin from the east, Nazi Germany's position became increasingly desperate. Cities across Germany had suffered extensive damage from years of fighting and bombing, while military resources and supplies were running dangerously low.

On 30th April 1945, Adolf Hitler took his own life in Berlin as Soviet troops closed in on the German capital. Leadership of Germany passed to Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz, who sought a way to bring the war to an end.

Just days later, on 7th May 1945, German representatives signed an unconditional surrender agreement at Allied headquarters in Reims, France. The agreement stated that all German military operations would cease at 11.01pm Central European Time on 8th May.

News of the surrender spread quickly across Europe, and preparations for celebration began almost immediately.

The following day, Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed the nation by radio, announcing that the war in Europe was over. He declared, "We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing," but struck a note of caution, reminding the country that the war against Japan had not yet been won. That evening, King George VI broadcast to the nation too, thanking the Armed Forces and the British people for their endurance.

Street parties erupted across the country. People embraced strangers and music played in the streets, with many gathering in George Square in Glasgow and in Princes Street in Edinburgh. In London, crowds packed Trafalgar Square and The Mall, and the Royal Family appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside Churchill.

However, it was a day of mixed emotions. For those who had lost loved ones in the conflict, it was a time to reflect. Many people mourned the death of relatives or worried about those who were still overseas. For many, the jubilation as others celebrated VE Day was too much to bear and not something they could take part in.

In Britain, the strain of wartime life, air raids, and the impact of rationing all left their mark on a weary population who knew there were more difficulties yet to come. 

Although VE Day marked the end of fighting in Europe, the Second World War had not ended. British, Commonwealth and Allied forces continued to fight in the Pacific against Japan. Many service personnel who had celebrated the news from Europe remained in uniform and continued their duties overseas.

It would be another three months before Japan surrendered on 15th August 1945, a date now commemorated as VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day).

Why is VE Day still important today?

With so few WWII Veterans still alive, preserving their stories and remembering their sacrifice becomes increasingly important.

VE Day reminds us of the courage, resilience and determination shown by a generation that lived through one of the most challenging periods in modern history.

It is also an opportunity to reflect on the values many fought to protect, including freedom, democracy and peace.

How is VE Day commemorated?

VE Day remains an important National Day of Remembrance, with events held across the country.

People observe a two-minute silence at 11am on 8th May, pausing to remember those who lost their lives. These commemorative services are often held at war memorials. Remembrance services in Scotland often feature piper tributes that reflect the country's deep military traditions.

Echoing the celebrations of 1945, street parties and community events bring people together in remembrance. People also mark the day in other ways, including:

• Wreath-laying ceremonies at memorials and cenotaphs
• Flypasts and military displays at larger commemorations
• Church services and civic gatherings

VE Day at Erskine

At Erskine Veterans Charity, we work hard to ensure that the sacrifices made by WWII Veterans are never forgotten. We are proud to share the stories of Veterans and their families from this era, serving as a poignant reminder of the hardships of war and the importance of ensuring such tragedies are never repeated.

For more than a century, we have cared for ex-Service personnel and their families, preserving the experiences and memories of those who served their country.

Throughout Erskine, Veterans will join in with the many events marking the end of war in Europe. The commemoration of VE Day events will end as they began 80 years ago - with street party celebrations, to which Veterans, staff, families and volunteers will attend.

The memory of all of those that served must be preserved, our stories must be shared when we are gone, and as a country we must educate the youth to ensure that the world never sees a repeat of the events of World War II and D-Day. It’s our duty to keep the past alive, so history does not repeat its darkest days.

- Albert Lamond (99) – D-Day Veteran

 How can you get involved?

Share your story
If your family has a connection to VE Day, share your story with our team so we can keep the memories alive for years to come. To share your story, email marketing@erskine.org

Donate
Erskine has been providing support to Veterans since 1916. By donating here, you can support Erskine’s mission to ensure in helping Veterans and their families today.