Britain, on the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, is no country for old men who value truth over myth

Britain, a once great country, increasingly lost in false memories of past glories, is today awash with those surrounding VE Day, when 75 years ago today on the first 'Victory in Europe Day', Britain along with its Allies celebrated their formal acceptance of Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe.

The myth of VE Day was created by Winston Churchill on May 8th 1945. When he addressed the House of Commons earlier in the day he truthfully recounted : "After gallant France had been struck down we, from this Island and from our united Empire, maintained the struggle single-handed for a whole year until we were joined by the military might of Soviet Russia, and later by the overwhelming power and resources of the United States of America. Finally almost the whole world was combined against the evil-doers, who are now prostrate before us. Our gratitude to our splendid Allies goes forth from all our hearts in this Island and throughout the British Empire."

In this speech he recognised the contribution of the forces of the British Empire - "our united Empire", towards the victory and the War still being fought against Japan in the East :

* 1,440,500 from India,
* 629,000 from Canada,
* 413,000 from Australia,
* 136,000 from South Africa,
* 128,500 from New Zealand
* 134,000 from other colonies.

Churchill acknowledged the importance of "the military might of Soviet Russia". 

Historian and journalist Max Hasting wrote in his book 'Inferno : The World at War, 1939-1945' that the Red Army was 'the main engine of Nazism’s destruction.' The Soviet Union paid the harshest price: though the numbers are not exact :
* an estimated 26 million Soviet citizens died during the War
* including as many as 11 million soldiers.
* At the same time, the Germans suffered three-quarters of their wartime losses fighting the Red Army


In 2015 Ishaan Tharoor also pointed up the importance of the role of Russia in his 'Washington Post' article entitled : 'Don’t forget how the Soviet Union saved the world from Hitler.'

Finally Churchill acknowledged "The overwhelming power and resources of the United States of America."

* Apart from billions of dollars of financial support the USA contributed desperately needed munitions and troops to the tune of 2 million.

Churchill helped to create the myth of VE Day after he left the House of Commons and spoke to the crowds in Whitehall from the balcony of the Ministry of Health in very different terms. He now, mythically maintained that the “British nation” and the “ancient island” had been alone, not the Empire as a whole. The myth was bolstered by 'Mr Churchill’s declaration of policy to the electors', in the 1945 Conservative Party election manifesto which, although much concerned with Empire and imperial trade, used a national rather than imperial “we”. 

As David Edgerton, Professor of Modern British History, King’s College London, has said in his article in the New Statesman today, entitled : 'How the myth of “Britain alone” overshadows VE Day' : 'Thus what was understood as a war of allies, an imperial war, an internationalist war, came to be seen very differently after 1945. What developed was a picture in which a new nation was created as it fought alone. The Empire was airbrushed out, as were the United Nations, not to mention the great Anglo-French alliance which declared war in 1939.' 

In a country in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic with the second worst casualty figures in the world, who needs the truth ? The myth of a steadfast country which fought off a dastardly foe through its own efforts is just the tonic and events today include a 'National Toast' and, instead of the planned street parties, 1940s-style tea parties in homes and gardens across Britain..

Timetable

10.50am Wreath-laying at Westminster
The House of Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, will lay a wreath on behalf of the Commons, while Lord West will lay one on behalf of the Lords.

11am Two-minute silence and 'National Moment of Remembrance', broadcast on BBC One.
The public is encouraged to stand on their doorsteps to pay tribute to heroes of the past and present. It will be a reflection on the service and sacrifice of the wartime generations, and also on the devastating impact Covid-19 is having on so many.

11.15am Royal British Legion’s VE Day Livestream
The nation is invited to join in with the British Legion’s livestream that will feature stories of those who served.

2.45-3.45pm 'The Announcement of Victory' on BBC One
The first of two special BBC programmes is broadcast.

3pm Churchill’s famous victory speech
The programme will show Churchill announcing the end of the war in Europe from 10 Downing Street on 8 May 1945. At the heart of the broadcast will be a specially created film about the historic radio address. Personal testimonies will be read by public figures and celebrities recalling the VE Day celebrations. Music from military performers will summon wartime spirit. People will be encouraged to raise a glass in a National Toast, saying: “To those who gave so much, we thank you.”

3pm Royal Navy warships and support vessels for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary at home and around the world will blast their sirens for a minute to celebrate victory, marking the moment of Churchill’s address.

8-8.30pm Captain Tom’s War on ITV
ITV will broadcast a documentary about the war veteran Tom Moore, who captured the nation’s heart, raising more than £32m for the NHS by walking 100 lengths of his garden. He will share his memories of his service in Burma, and the brutal campaign in which a million Allied troops attempt to repel the Japanese invading forces.

8pm The People’s Celebration on BBC One
The second of the BBC programmes, presented by Sophie Raworth, in partnership with the Royal British Legion, will feature a unique musical celebration of VE Day 75. Stars include the Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins, the actor Adrian Lester and the singer Beverley Knight performing well-known songs from the 30s and 40s, including favourites such as 'Bluebirds Over the White Cliffs of Dover' and 'When the Lights Go On Again' Throughout the show, there will be pre-recorded interviews, produced in self-isolation on phones, and FaceTime with those who still remember VE Day, sharing their memories and photographs.

9pm The Queen’s 'Address to the Nation'
The address, pre-recorded at Windsor Castle, will form the centrepiece of the programme. It will be broadcast on BBC One at the exact moment her father, George VI, gave his radio address from Buckingham Palace 75 years earlier.

9.10pm A national singalong of the Dame Vera Lynn classic We’ll Meet Again
People are encouraged to join in the singing in their streets from their doorsteps and front gardens.

9.30pm Spotlights will illuminate the sky above Portsmouth
The lights will conjure up the blackout experiences during the war, with the local council hoping it will remind people “that lighter times will come again”. Searchlights on naval ships, in the harbour and at sea, will be directed skywards for five minutes.