Marking 80 years since Victory in Europe

On 8 May 2025, the UK will commemorate 80 years since VE Day, when Allied victory in World War Two was declared throughout Europe.

Banner image: VE Parade in Weymouth, Sunday 13 May 1945. A:1983.2553.400.

Where were REME?

You may have been following our online campaign D-Day to VE Day, which has been following the movements and actions of REME units and individuals from Normandy on D-Day (June 1944) to Germany on VE Day.

This nearly year-long campaign was created to capture the bravery and sacrifice of the REME soldiers and officers who fought throughout this campaign, as well as to highlight the sheer volume of work required to keep the troops moving and battle-ready. It also aimed to remember all REME personnel who died while serving in the campaign and highlight the importance of remembrance in the present day. The museum continues to remember these men through our War Graves Project, which asks members of the public to contribute images of REME headstones all over the world. Some of these images were used to help tell their stories from D-Day to VE Day.

Black and white group photograph of soldiers sitting in rows.

Officers, Warrant Officers, Staff Sergeants and Sergeants of 20 Advanced Base Workshop REME on VE Day. A:1960.0252.043.

Moments of Reflection

The following recollections from unit histories, reports and individual diaries highlight a different perspective to the VE Day ‘celebrations’, representing the full effort and sacrifice of REME personnel to reach this occasion.

VE day (May 8th) found 30 Corps stretched from BREMEN in a northerly and north-easterly direction, across the CUXHAVEN peninsular, and penning in KORPS EMS, some 120,000 strong. REME workshops were well up behind the fighting troops and VE day saw no end to their activities.

- A Short History of REME 30 Corps

The end was, to those who had helped bring it about, something of an anti-climax; no mighty last decisive battle, but rather a gradual weakening of enemy resistance. No occasion for hilarious jubilation but one for sober contemplation.

- History of REME in 3 Infantry Division

This final entry into a post-fact record was for 5 May, the date the official ceasefire took place. For many of the serving troops making their way into Germany, this was the key date signalling the end of their war.

Low on the night horizon came the last reminder of the enemy – the signal rockets fired off by the war-weary German infantry. It had been Report Centre’s lot to keep them within sight and sound throughout hundreds of weary miles of war; and there they were, still, in the first moments of peace.

- A Craftsman's View of the N.W. European Campaign, 43rd (Wessex) Division

Coming to an end just after VE Day on 8 May 2025, the D-Day to VE Day campaign will remain available to view online via the museum’s website and social media channels.

We’ll be updating soon on just how much of an impact you have helped us make. Every like, comment and share has helped to spread their story, allowing us to tell even more people just how incredible their service was. We hope you enjoyed the campaign and we endeavour to continue sharing content like this.

Find out how the research process went on behind-the-scenes, watch now on YouTube.

VE Day 80: What’s On

Throughout 2025, the museum is marking the important occasion of VE Day 80 with a number of events and activities for all ages to get involved in:

VE Day 80: Escape Room Trail

Perhaps you’ve already tried this one out… Our VE Day 80: Escape Room Trail is running throughout 2025 and is an activity for everyone in the family to enjoy! You’ll be taken on a journey around the museum on a hunt for clues, inspired by the cracking of the Enigma code and its impact on the end of the war. Crack the codes in order to find all the clues and ‘escape’!

Wartime Britain: VE Day 80

Every year we hold our annual 1940s re-enactment and living history event ‘Wartime Britain’, which offers visitors an exciting day out exploring the equipment, military life and home front culture experienced by many during WW2. This year, we’re using the opportunity to celebrate with a VE Day style party over the VE weekend, 10 – 11 May, with even more re-enactment groups plus singing and dancing!

Three people stood in the doorway of the museum dressed in 1940s clothing, a mannequin dressed in WW2 uniform stands in the middle of them. The doorway is lined with an arch of camo netting and union jack flags.

We are also delighted to confirm throughout the weekend the attendance of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), who will be there with its interactive For Evermore Tour, sharing stories of the fallen from the Second World War. At the heart of the tour is the Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch for Peace, an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals, which will act as a baton to pass and share stories to future generations. 

Temporary Display: VE Day 80th

Owing to the museum’s growing collection, an acquisitions display is regularly updated with new items added to the collection within the last year. You may remember our Acquisitions Display was updated in January 2025 to highlight recent additions commemorating the events surrounding VE Day in 1945. The diverse range of items on display include an identity tag and letter belonging to a Prisoner of War, a wood carving and dolls clothes. Find out more in our online version.

War is not over

We must also recognise that while victory was being celebrated in the west, for many this was not the end of the war. Fighting continued in the Pacific against Japan until Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) on 15 August 1945.

At the museum, we plan to commemorate VJ Day later in the Summer and will reveal our plans shortly, so please check back, follow us or subscribe to our newsletter to keep updated.

Published:

Updated:

Author: Lucy Brown

Share this page
Manage Cookie Preferences