What Happened on VE Day?

8^th May is celebrated as Victory in Europe Day in Britain and the US. It was a day in the year 1945 when Nazi forces in Germany surrendered, ending the second world war in Europe that claimed millions of lives and went on for six years. This war brought many adversities with it, from mass killings, poverty and food scarcity to raids, blackouts and overall gloom. It is important to note here that the second world war didn’t end on this day. It kept going on, until Victory over Japan Day. This was September 2, 1945, when the war finally ended. That day is known as VJ Day.

Why is VE Day Celebrated?

• VE Day Significance

For people who faced the terrors of war first-hand, this news of the victory was going to be a memorable and joyous moment of their lives. As people in Britain were already anticipating the news, they hit the streets and were rejoicing a day before the VE Day was officially announced. There were celebrations in the streets; people were seen singing, dancing and enjoying themselves.

• VE Day 75: The 75^th Anniversary Celebrations in 2021

This 8^th of May in 2021 is going to be the 75^th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. As most parts of the world are in lockdown due to the global pandemic of Covid-19, the celebrations of VE Day are kept to the minimum. Although there are many planned parties and public celebrations cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic, we have made a list of activities you can do at home to celebrate this VE Day and honour your country’s heroes. So let’s begin!

• Get Creative! Make Your Own VE Day Banners, Buntings and Posters

As you are staying home, you would be having more time to get creative. You can find tutorials on YouTube such as this about making VE Day posters, buntings and banners. There are also printable templates to download from the internet to use in decorating your home. If you have kids at home, making DIY banners for VE Day can be a fun activity to do.

• Enjoy Some Historic Movies With a Close Circle of Friends

Another way to celebrate and remember your war heroes is to watch movies based on the historic events of world war 2. Make a list of the war-related movies and gather a few of your close friends this VE Day. You can make a list of your own by searching online or can also check this list of 25 great movies related to world war 2.

• Read From Our List of World War II Books

If you want to get more knowledge about WWII or simply want to read more stories based on this historic event, we have got you covered. We at Austin Macauley Publishers have designed a special list of World War 2 Books, so you can get hold of some action-packed, historical and informative books.

Before and Throughout WW1 and WW2 to the Peacetime of the Present Day

This fact-based book, written by Elisa Wilkinson, recounts true events that took place throughout the years of World War I and World War II. In this book, the author talks about the atrocities and horrors of war-time and how such things can affect any generation at any time. It also remembers the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in the wars.
You can buy this book here.

Voices From the Past: The Woman

The author Elizabeth Uywin takes us on a gripping journey of an orphan girl named Mary. This girl is faced with uncertainty throughout her life. When the second world war breaks out, she joins the Land Army but there again, she faces an unpredictable future. With time, would she be able to get the love she needed all her life or not?
To get this book, click here.

Rise of the Maquis

This book tells us the story of brave young men and women, who form a group of resistance fighters to save France from the oppression of Germany. These men and women make a strong bond and fight for the freedom of their country and their own lives. Written by Charles G. Fournel, this awe-inspiring book is a perfect fit to read this VE Day. You can buy this book here.

World War II

In this book, Pith Schure tells us different war stories of people with who he or his father were connected. This book in our World War 2 Books list tells us about the horrific stories of World War 2, its impact on the life of the author himself and the chaos of the war in general. As a tribute to the bravery of people who bore the brunt of war, this book is a must-read on this VE Day. You can get this book here.

In Green Pastures

Written by Rosie Simpson, this book tells the tale of two sisters, Florence and Nell, who decide to leave their city in East London, to start a new life in the countryside of North Essex. As they start afresh, they take on their routes, finding new friendships as well as challenges along the way. But would they be able to completely escape the horrors of war?
To read this book, buy it here.

Hetty

The miseries and destruction war brings with it doesn’t end with the war itself. Its horrors accompany the people who faced them for a long time. The same was the case with Hetty, the main character in the book by the same name, written by Claire Gathercole. Hetty and her daughter have moved on in their lives after her husband, Will is presumed dead in WWII. Living with Will’s parents, Hetty was slowly adjusting and even started having feelings for her daughter’s teacher, David. But life had something else in store for her. With the return of Will from a Japanese POW camp, Hetty now have to deal with damages the war brought in her life. Will she be able to get her life back together?
To find out more about Hetty’s journey, buy this book here.

Doing One's Duty

This is the story of a spy named Andrew, who is recruited by the British Secret Intelligence Service in 1939. Andrew has a command over different languages, making him a perfect fit for spying in different countries. After he successfully completes his first mission, Andrew is asked to help in safely evacuating British soldiers out of Dunkirk, while also getting inside information from the French Battalions. 
Read more about his spying missions, buy this book here.

The German Iscariot

Written by Henry Rondel, German Iscariot is about a spy, trained by MI6 named Martin Cohen. He is sent to Barne Embassy as an illegal, where he secretly investigates the disappearance of operatives.
To read more about the secret missions of Martin Cohen, buy this book here.

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