VE Day Anniversary
Thursday 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since VE (Victory in Europe) Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe.
In Royal Tunbridge Wells the anniversary is being commemorated with a number of events taking place on 8 May:
10.50am Act of Remembrance
There will be a short Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial where the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, and the Royal British Legion will lay wreaths. Tributes will also be paid by cadets from TS Brilliant (Royal Tunbridge Wells Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets), Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School, and The Skinners’ School. All are invited.
11.30am The Victoria Cross Winners of Tunbridge Wells
There will be a talk at The Amelia Scott about local people who were awarded a Victoria Cross during the Second World War. The Victoria Cross is Britain's joint-highest award for gallantry. It requires an act of extreme bravery in the presence of the enemy.
The talk will be given by Matthew Simpson, Collections Officer, The Amelia Scott.
All are invited.
12.15pm to 2.15pm A Human Library
A Human Library – knowledgeable individuals (human books) – will be stationed in the Upper Atrium at The Amelia Scott, sharing experiences and expertise on what it was like living in Tunbridge Wells during the Second World War. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions and handle some artefacts from The Amelia's historic collection.
All are invited.
Throughout the day social media posts by The Amelia Scott will focus on some of the war veterans of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells including Gerald F Perryman, Alf Hunt MM, Wing Commander Jack Harris OBE DFC, and Bill Adams.
Other events
Other events to mark 80 years since VE Day are taking place in the Tunbridge Wells borough, see parish and town council websites for details.
The end of the war in Europe
‘8 May 1945 was a momentous day for the world. After almost six years of war, Allied forces reached Berlin, Hitler had died by suicide, and Germany surrendered. The war in Europe was over, but fighting continued in the Far East until 15 August. Celebrations broke out the moment the news was given. Services, street parties and all types of celebrations were held in Allied countries; but they were tempered by the continuing hostilities in the Pacific, and the large loss of life, injuries, and damage suffered.
The UK alone suffered 383,600 deaths in her armed forces and 67,100 civilian deaths. Many more were injured. Most residents of Royal Tunbridge Wells were involved in the war effort, and very many served in the armed forces and civil security, transport, food, manufacturing and health services. Sadly, few survive today. The names of 177 soldiers, sailors and airmen from the town who lost their lives are listed on the War Memorial in Mount Pleasant. The World War Two Commonwealth War Graves Garden of Remembrance in Tunbridge Wells Cemetery contains the graves of some servicemen, and there is a nearby memorial for civilians killed in the War. The Victoria Cross Memorial Grove in Dunorlan Park pays tribute to those with an association with Tunbridge Wells who were awarded the medal.’
John Cohen, Chairman of Royal British Legion, Tunbridge Wells Branch
