80 Years After VE Day: Remembering My Grandad’s Service

This week marks 80 years since VE Day, a momentous day in history that signifies the end of World War II in Europe. As we reflect on this day, I can’t help but think of my grandad, who played an important part in that victory. He was stationed on the AA (Anti-Aircraft) guns during the Normandy landings, on the front lines of one of the most pivotal moments in the war.
But his service didn’t end there. My grandad was part of the forces that helped liberate Belsen, a place that still haunts us all with its history. His role, like so many others’, was not just about fighting but about bringing an end to unimaginable suffering and darkness. Mum said it affected him deeply.
As we commemorate VE Day (sadly not here in Oz), I remember his strength, courage, and the sacrifices he must have made—not just for his country, but for the future of us all. The war is a part of our shared history, and his legacy is a reminder of the resilience and determination that shaped the world we live in today.

And then there were the street parties.

Across Britain, as the news broke and the fighting stopped, people poured into the streets. Bunting went up, trestle tables were dragged out, and neighbours who had shared fear and ration books now shared sponge cake and jam sandwiches. It was a time of joy, of relief, and of coming together.
Even in times of scarcity, they made it work. Women stretched rations to bake fairy cakes, children waved homemade flags, and every scrap of bread became a sandwich filled with whatever could be found—Spam, fish paste, or even powdered egg. Jelly set in bowls borrowed from next door, and there was always someone playing music from a wireless on a windowsill.

Traditional VE Day street party foods included:

• Sandwiches with fish paste, egg & cress, or Spam
• Jam tarts and sponge cakes made from ration-friendly ingredients
• Jelly and blancmange in pastel colours
• Rock buns and Anzac-style biscuits
• Homemade lemonade or tea served in mismatched cups
• And if you were lucky—a pork pie or sausage roll for that real celebratory feel

Today, those humble dishes hold a kind of sacred nostalgia. They remind us that even in hard times, people found reasons to celebrate, to share, and to carry on.
So raise a cup of tea, share a scone, and remember--
VE Day isn’t just about the past. It’s about gratitude, community, and the quiet strength of those who came before us.

To all those who served and sacrificed—thank you. Your bravery will never be forgotten.