ByLandSeaorAir_AllUniformsWelcome

Important Announcement

The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. It had been a truly 'world' war - the conflict spread across the globe and it is estimated that some 50 million people died as a result. The United Kingdom alone lost around 400,000 people to the War.

Mrs Burgess, jumps for joy

Jubilation as victory news reaches the public.

Cheering American soldiers and British girl.

VJ Day: news spreads of the end of the war in the Far East.

A British Soldier embraces his family

A British Soldier embraces his family on his return home.

The impact of the war was felt everywhere. Not only did the conflict itself come to British soil in the form of devastating bombing raids, the conflict impacted upon everyday aspects of life. Rationing was introduced in January 1940, essential fuels and materials were limited. It was the era of 'make do and mend' when everyone had to 'do their bit' whether that meant military service or making basic family rations stretch the whole week.

Dancing crowd of people

VE Day Celebrations near Berkeley Square.
Images Courtesy of IWM.

Men and women from every walk life were encouraged to do their bit for the war effort, and they responded magnificently. For many this meant military service, for others it meant serving the community in other ways. Campaigns were launched to 'Dig for Victory', the Women's Land Army was formed, and women went in great numbers into the factories to help maintain essential production.

The 'Bevin boys' worked the coalmines, the Local Defence Volunteers - nicknamed 'Dad's Army' - and ARP wardens provided invaluable service to their local communities. But this is to name but a few of the many formal and informal ways in which ordinary people served during these extraordinary times.

60 Years Ago.. >

Commemorating The End of WWII

This summer there will be a series of public events to commemorate the end of the Second World War held across the country culminating on National Commemoration Day on Sunday July 10th. In London the day begins with a service of remembrance in Westminster Abbey. This will be followed by a lunch for veterans in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. In the afternoon the 'Recollections of WWII Commemoration Show' will be staged on Horse Guards Parade, between St James's Park and Whitehall. It has been designed to transport the audience 'back in time' with a mix of reminiscence, reflection and entertainment.

WWII Commemoration logo.

60 years on it is difficult to imagine the feeling of relief and joy that those who lived through the war experienced when at last the war ended. Veterans remember ripping the blackout curtains from their windows, turning on their lights and sharing with their families, friends, neighbours, or complete strangers their joy at hearing the news it was over. However, we should remember that for many the end of the war came over a period of many months. For those who were serving in the Far East and their loved ones the war continued long after the VE day celebrations that are etched in popular memory.

Soldiers of the South Caribbean Armed forces say
goodbye to loved ones. Trinidad, Oct 1944.

Images Courtesy of IWM.

A weeks ration of tea, sugar, butter,
margarine and bacon.

The war had exacted a terrible toll. Most brutally in terms of the dreadful human cost in dead, injured and disabled. Year after year of sacrifice and uncertainty, of "making do" and "going without" left its mark on the nation but it also helped forge an attitude of "never again".

The images we see of people celebrating the end of the war are of a people shaking off their recent past and looking forward to a better, peaceful future. And as we look back on these images we might stop to reflect upon not only the debt we owe to them "to thank them for our future" - but to consider, too, the responsibility for the future we have inherited from them.

Important Announcement The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More
ByLandSeaorAir_AllUniformsWelcome	[email protected]