On 8 May this year the country celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) to mark the end of the Second World War.
Victory in Europe Day meant an end to nearly six years of a war that had cost the lives of millions; had destroyed homes, families, and cities; and had brought huge suffering and privation to the populations of entire countries. Millions of people rejoiced in the news that Nazi Germany had surrendered, relieved that the intense strain of total war was finally over. In towns and cities across the world, people marked the victory with street parties, dancing, and singing. Despite the joyful festivities, many people experienced mixed emotions. Some mourned loved ones lost during the war. Others worried about friends and relatives in Prisoner of War camps or still serving in the military overseas.
It was also not the end of the conflict, nor was it an end to the impact the war had on people. The war against Japan did not end until August 1945, and the political, social, and economic repercussions of the Second World War were felt long after Germany and Japan surrendered.
On Tuesday 17 June, the Upper Thirds enjoyed an off-timetable day with the History and English departments to learn about VE Day. The School Archivist (Mrs Hesketh) spoke about Merchant Taylors’ and the Second World War. The school did not evacuate on the event of the outbreak of war because it was far enough out of London. The concrete lined ducts beneath the two long corridors in the school were used as air raid shelters. Boys who had long journeys to school or whose parents had to move elsewhere for work were invited to become boarders (known as Emergency Boarders), the School Home Guard Unit was responsible for its part in defence, and three large concrete pill boxes were built,
two by the lake and one outside the Great Hall. Luckily no bombs fell on Sandy Lodge, just incendiary devices, which were put out by boys and masters. 1,300 Old Merchant Taylors boys and staff served in the Second World War, of whom 141 are listed as killed in action, and their names are on the War Memorial panel outside the Great Hall.
The boys then discovered how victory was celebrated in Britain eighty years ago, read first-hand accounts and reflections from those who took part in VE Day in 1945, and engaged in creative writing tasks. In groups, the boys researched, planned, and then presented on the feelings of joy, grief, relief, and anticlimax experienced by those who took part in VE Day. The winners were Group 3 (Zack A; Krish A; Rajan B; Jack B; Anay C; Kian D-P; Devan G; Xavi G; Andrew G; Zachary G) who created a thoughtful and moving poem about grief and the bittersweet nature of VE Day.
M.W.S. Hale, Esq.
