What does VE Day stand for

VE Day stands for Victory in Europe as it was seen as the beginning of the end of WW2 after nearly 6 years of War. An important Day for gratitude, respect and reflection. Our VE 80 Limited edition Rum with edible gold is a powerful representation of each of the 385, 984 women and men who lost their lives in WW2. Click here To Buy

 

We are making only 80 of these bottles. Please get in contact with us if you would like to be considered for one. Get in contact 

On the 8th May 1945, the surrender of the German forces to the Allies came into effect and the day was declared Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day. This marked the formal end of the war in Europe.

Prior to this, in the April of 1945, Soviet forces surrounded Berlin, and on 30 April, Adolf Hitler committed suicide. German forces officially surrendered to the Allies on 7 May 1945 in Reims, France.

Kerry remembers her Grandma describing the scene at home where they all huddled around ‘the wireless’ listening to Churchill’s speech. Hanging on his every word. It was on May 8 1945 that Churchill made his formal radio broadcast to the British people at 3:00 PM, confirming that the war in Europe had ended following Germany's unconditional surrender.

"We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead."

There were parties across the country and huge celebrations.

 

Since a boy I have been fascinated by military history, especially WW2, so for those of you that have an interest I’ve briefly summarised the key points and the build up to VE Day.

 

How It All Began
Nearly 6 years before this World War II had started Hitler led Nazi Germany to invade Poland on 1 September 1939.  Britain and France had vowed to protect Poland, so two days later they declared war on Germany

The Early Fall of France

In the early months, there wasn’t much fighting in Western Europe, a time known as the “Phoney War.” But in spring 1940, Germany launched fast attacks on countries including Norway, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. France surrendered in June 1940, and Britain stood alone against Germany. That summer, Germany tried to take control of the skies in the Battle of Britain, but the Royal Air Force successfully defended the country.

The War Expanded Worldwide
In June 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union. Then in December, Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbour, pulling the US into the war. The fighting had now spread across Europe, Africa, and the Pacific.

The Allies Fought Back
By 1942 and 1943, the war began to turn in favour of the Allies (Britain, the USA, the Soviet Union, and others). I find it amazing to think of the Soviet Union being an Allie given the current situation in the world. The Soviet Union won a major victory at the Battle of Stalingrad. In North Africa, British forces defeated the Germans at El Alamein. In 1943, the Allies invaded Italy and started pushing German forces out of southern Europe.

D-Day and the Fall of Germany
On 6 June 1944—D-Day—the Allies launched a huge invasion on the beaches of Normandy in France. This operation helped to free France and gave the Allies a strong path into Germany. This was seen as the turning point in the war for the Allies which ultimately led to Victory in Europe the following year.  From the east, the Soviet Union was also pushing into German territory and Germany was under attack from both sides leading to Victory in Europe. D-Day will always be a day etched in my conscious. I will forever hear Harry’s voice talking about being on the boat in the channel as a young lad heading across to the Normandy Beaches and the sadness that remained with him until the end for ‘The Boys’ that didn’t’ come home.

The War Ends Around the World
Even though the war was over in Europe, fighting continued in Asia. It finally ended when Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945, after the US dropped atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This day became known as VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day).