logo
Wales falls silent to mark VE day anniversary

Wales falls silent to mark VE day anniversary

Yahoo08-05-2025
A two-minute silence was held across Wales to remember those who fought in World War Two.
At 12:00 BST, people across the country joined the national two minutes of silence to mark VE Day.
Across Wales, events have been taking place to commemorate 80 years since the end of war in Europe.
Beacons will be lit, family fun days and afternoon teas are taking place to celebrate.
I partied outside Buckingham Palace on VE Day
101-year-old WW2 codebreakers reunite for VE Day
Wales marks 80th anniversary of VE Day
In Cardiff, Members of the Senedd observed the silence along with the rest of the UK.
At a service at Christ Church in Swansea, four school groups from across the city performed songs including White Cliffs of Dover and Calon Lan.
Veteran Richard Pelzer laid a wreath on behalf of Blind Veterans UK and veterans from more recent conflicts were also invited, with more than 40 in attendance.
In Wrexham, events took place across the city with a service held in St Giles Church.
A special assembly with afternoon tea to follow will be held in Ysgol Glan Gele, Abergele, Conwy.
Pupils from Christchurch Primary School, who were part of the service in Swansea, shared how happy they were to meet some of the veterans.
Millie said she had never seen a veteran before, and it was "so cool".
While Duaa said: "It felt really special to be able to meet people who were in World War Two."
Amélie said: "It was surprising they were so young. If it was still the war my siblings would have been in the army and it would have been very scary.
"It gave me a different perspective."
The Veterans and Community Hub's Models for Heroes group had a drop-in at the Labour and Social Club in Connah's Quay, Flintshire.
The group presented numerous models of tanks and cake to mark the anniversary.
In Newquay, Ceredigion, a service was held in the Memorial Hall with commemorative flag raising ceremony held after. There will be a lighting of Bonfire Beacon with viewing from Glyn Square at 21:30 BST.
In Monmouthshire, the day started off with the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers flag raising, followed by a tree planting on the town field.
In the afternoon, a public service will be held at the Monmouth Castle followed by a lighting of the Monmouth Landmark in the evening.
The events taking taking place coincided with a thanksgiving service held at Westminster Abbey.
The King and Queen, as well as the prime minister and other senior royals, were in attendance.
Thousands of people will then gather for a concert at Horse Guards Parade to cap four days of marking the end of World War Two in Europe
VE Day events recall the huge crowds of people who took to the streets on 8 May 1945 to sing, dance and rejoice after nearly six years of war.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

World War Two veteran celebrates 100th birthday
World War Two veteran celebrates 100th birthday

Yahoo

time4 days ago

  • Yahoo

World War Two veteran celebrates 100th birthday

A decorated World War Two veteran who carried out covert missions behind enemy lines has celebrated his 100th birthday. Henry Charles Francis, known affectionately as 'H', served in both the Royal Navy and Royal Marines after joining up aged 16. At his birthday party, Mr Francis was presented with a personal letter from the First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, acknowledging his extraordinary service. His daughter, Teresa Betton, said: "What he gave for this country, all the friends that he lost… I'm so proud of him. He tells the stories, but not all of them. He signed the secrets act and has stuck by it." More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol Mr Francis' family said the day was deeply emotional as they recalled stories of his daring missions. One tale involved being dropped into the wrong location in what was then Yugoslavia and spending five days finding his way out before being greeted by General Josip Broz Tito, who later became president of the country. Mr Francis, who lives in South Gloucestershire, was awarded the Yugoslavian military medal, which is one of many honours he earned over the years. In his letter, Gen Jenkins paid tribute to the "truly courageous" covert operations carried out by Mr Francis. He also referenced an incident in Burma when Mr Francis was injured by a bayonet before returning to the UK for a time to recover. Gen Jenkins said: "You are an incredible individual with an abundance of character, and you and all your generation are an inspiration to today's sailors and Royal Marines. "I am delighted to be able to send you the Royal Navy's best wishes for your 100th birthday." Asked for the secret to a long life, Mr Francis replied: "Before you argue with a man, make sure you can handle him." Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Stories similar to this Celebrations for WW2 RAF veteran's 100th birthday Veteran appointed MBE days before 100th birthday 100th birthday tribute to AA veteran

How a wall in Surrey helped the Allies on D-Day
How a wall in Surrey helped the Allies on D-Day

Yahoo

time6 days ago

  • Yahoo

How a wall in Surrey helped the Allies on D-Day

Just a short drive from the Surrey town of Farnham lies the Hankley Common woodland, which hides a fascinating piece of World War Two history. Dozens stroll past the huge wall that runs through the wood each day, but few will know of the key role it played in the D-Day landings. By the end of 1942, German-occupied Europe stretched from the Atlantic coast of France in the west to the Russian Ural Mountains in the east. But Hitler felt the coastline to the west was vulnerable to invasion, so ordered forts be built on 2,000 miles (3,218km) of shoreline along France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and the northern tip of Norway. The defence system would inevitably fail, thanks in part to the tests carried out hundreds of miles away in Surrey in 1943. Royal Canadian Engineers based in the area built a replica section of wall in the woodland using plans smuggled from France, which showed how the real wall was built. The Army then began blowing the wall to pieces using two new armoured test vehicles. One of the vehicles was the AVRE mortar-firing tank, which was then used to break through the real Atlantic Wall during the D-Day landings. "It was about creating new armoured vehicles, vehicles that would be able to breach this wall," said military historian Paul McCue. "The people who built this went ashore during the invasion of France and many lost their lives. "There's a plaque on it but it's quite a modest one and it's tucked away, so people will walk past it and not see it." Today, it is clear to see the chasms that were blown out of the wall during tests, with metal rods still poking from moss-covered rubble. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook or X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. More on this story D-Day veteran says friends' sacrifice a 'waste of life' Why has a knitted tank rolled into Llandudno?

Almost 300 homes without power after fire near school
Almost 300 homes without power after fire near school

Yahoo

time05-07-2025

  • Yahoo

Almost 300 homes without power after fire near school

Almost 300 homes have been left without power after a fire near a school. Firefighters were called to a blaze at an electricity substation in Ainsworth, Bury, earlier this evening (Saturday, July 5). Electricity North West said that 294 homes have been affected as a result. READ MORE: Ryanair passenger on flight to Manchester speaks of 'utter chaos and screaming' as 18 injured after 'false alarm' READ MORE: One of two boys found dead on railway tracks named Pictures from the scene show fire crews working at Tommy Lane, near Christ Church Primary School. Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here They were called to the scene at 5.25pm, and remain in the area tonight. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "Shortly after 5:25pm this evening (Saturday 5th June), two fire engines from Atherton and Heywood fire stations were called to a fire at an electricity substation near to Tommy Lane, Ainsworth. "Firefighters arrived quickly and used a dry powder extinguisher to extinguish the flames. "Crews remain in attendance to ensure in the area is safe.' Electricity North West said power is expected to be restored by 8.22pm. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE A post on the website read: "This power cut has been caused by an unexpected incident on the high voltage cable that provides electricity to your home or business. "We didn't know before your electricity went off that this was going to happen but now we know, rest assured we will get your power back on safely and as quickly as possible."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store