70 years ago today

[Hardbopjazz]

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe. May we never have another.

[BillF]

Sorry to harp on about my age, but I remember the celebratory bonfire at the bottom of my street with a Hitler effigy on it.

Edited May 8, 2015 by BillF

[mjazzg]

That memory made me smile. Us Brits and our bonfires. I bet the effigy was good too

My neighbour was telling me how she and her workmates downed their factory tools and walked the eight miles into Piccadilly Circus to celebrate. Can't imagine what emotions must have been swirling around that day especially with fighting still continuing in the Far East

Edited May 8, 2015 by mjazzg

[A Lark Ascending]

My Mum worked at Bletchley Park (the place where they did the Enigma code-breaking amongst other things) as a typist. She could remember being called in by a senior officer on 7th to be told that Churchill would make an announcement of the end of the war the following day. She was then reminded that she was sworn to the Official Secrets Act and could say nothing when she went home. Think how tough that would have been.

[mjazzg]

My Mum worked at Bletchley Park (the place where they did the Enigma code-breaking amongst other things) as a typist. She could remember being called in by a senior officer on 7th to be told that Churchill would make an announcement of the end of the war the following day. She was then reminded that she was sworn to the Official Secrets Act and could say nothing when she went home. Think how tough that would have been.

No! That's just cruel. Why not let her wait and find out with everyone the next day? It merits an Employment Tribunal hearing (even retrospectively)

[A Lark Ascending]

She was working on teleprinters, receiving and sending out signals. So there was every likelihood something would come in letting the cat out of the bag. Those in charge clearly didn't want to risk any blabbing.

[duaneiac]

My dad was somewhere in Eastern Europe in the US Army at that time. He never really talked about his military service. He received 4 Bronze Star medals.

[Clunky]

Incredible sacrifices were made. I hope that the (relative) peace that Western Europe has enjoyed since extends eastward. I hope this is made more of priority by all sides.

[BillF]

My dad was somewhere in Eastern Europe in the US Army at that time. He never really talked about his military service. He received 4 Bronze Star medals.

In 1944-45 my district (Cardiff) was full of U S soldiers. An impromptu baseball game got going with local teenagers and when I as a 5-year-old asked to join in I was refused but given a consolation prize of a huge (by wartime British standards) packet of chewing gum, which I ran home with to my parents.

[A Lark Ascending]

Sketches of VE Day

[sidewinder]

On a sober note I have the book 'Savage Continent' next up in my reading pile. The bit of history they want to sweep under the carpet.

[A Lark Ascending]

On a sober note I have the book 'Savage Continent' next up in my reading pile. The bit of history they want to sweep under the carpet.

Excellent book. An awful lot I never knew in there.

[Cyril]

Remembering the end of World War II in Europe.

http://journalpress.com/columns/virginia-viewpoints/4347-remembering-the-end-of-world-war-ii-in-europe

This week marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. As time passes, and memories fade, it’s important to remember both the sacrifices made and the remarkable stories of the period.....!!!

Edited May 9, 2015 by Cyril

[Leeway]

I went out to the Lincoln Memorial (Washington DC) and watched WWII-era warplanes fly down the Potomac and over parts of the National Mall in honor of VE Day. Amazing experience.

[kinuta]

My dad was in the navy on a destroyer and minesweeper.

My grandad was on The Somme. He was lucky, he lived.

[BillF]

My dad was excused military service as he worked in public transport - seen as essential work - so he was in the Home Guard - Dad's Army. Manned an anti-aircraft gun a few miles from home.