60 Years Ago

Soldiers of the South Caribbean Armed forces say goodbye to loved ones. Trinidad, Oct 1944. Images Courtesy of IWM.

60 years on it is difficult to imagine the feeling of relief and joy that those who lived through the war experienced when at last the war ended. Veterans remember ripping the blackout curtains from their windows, turning on their lights and sharing with their families, friends, neighbours, or complete strangers their joy at hearing the news it was over. However, we should remember that for many the end of the war came over a period of many months. For those who were serving in the Far East and their loved ones the war continued long after the VE day celebrations that are etched in popular memory.

The war had exacted a terrible toll. Most brutally in terms of the dreadful human cost in dead, injured and disabled. Year after year of sacrifice and uncertainty, of "making do" and "going without" left its mark on the nation but it also helped forge an attitude of "never again".

The People’s War

The impact of the war was felt everywhere. Not only did the conflict itself come to British soil in the form of devastating bombing raids, the conflict impacted upon everyday aspects of life. Rationing was introduced in January 1940, essential fuels and materials were limited. It was the era of 'make do and mend' when everyone had to 'do their bit' whether that meant military service or making basic family rations stretch the whole week.

Men and women from every walk life were encouraged to do their bit for the war effort, and they responded magnificently. For many this meant military service, for others it meant serving the community in other ways. Campaigns were launched to 'Dig for Victory', the Women's Land Army was formed, and women went in great numbers into the factories to help maintain essential production.
The 'Bevin boys' worked the coalmines, the Local Defence Volunteers - nicknamed 'Dad's Army' - and ARP wardens provided invaluable service to their local communities. But this is to name but a few of the many formal and informal ways in which ordinary people served during these extraordinary times.

The images we see of people celebrating the end of the war are of a people shaking off their recent past and looking forward to a better, peaceful future. And as we look back on these images we might stop to reflect upon not only the debt we owe to them "to thank them for our future" - but to consider, too, the responsibility for the future we have inherited from them.

What happened to your family during the War?

Did they service on the Front line or on the Home Front? What happened to them, where did they go? What was life like living with rations and no electricity?

Was your family split up and evacuated?

Did your family look after an evacuee during the war?

For information on tracing your family during WWII see The Imperial War Museum Family History website.

For personal accounts of Wartime Britain see the BBC Peoples War website.

For information on individuals and the 'Debt of Honour Register' see the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site.