VE Day and VJ Day 2025

VE Day on 8th May

8th May 1945 was a day of immense relief and celebration across Britain and the Commonwealth after nearly six years of conflict.

During the war years, the villages of Great Amwell, Stanstead St Margarets, and Stanstead Abbotts played their part in the national effort. Residents served in the armed forces and civil defence roles, while the countryside and local facilities were used for various wartime purposes. Local residents would have experienced rationing, blackouts and the arrival of evacuees. The local railway line was a key part of the transportation network, linking local communities with the broader wartime logistics system.

This year’s 80th anniversary commemorations not only honoured the past, but also brought the community together in a shared act of remembrance and unity.

Within the benefice, delicious cream teas were served from 2.30pm on Sunday 4th May in the beautiful setting of St John the Baptist Church. It was a lovely afternoon. Sitting in the quiet of the historic church, provided an opportunity for members of the community to come together, reflect and remember the significance of the day.

VJ Day on 15th August

Of course, this year also marks the 80th Anniversary of Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II.  Here at The 3 Churches Benefice we remembered this important event with a special Celebration Tea at St John the Baptist Church on 17th August from 2.30 to 4.30pm.

Many families, including those of Churchwardens Sue and Margaret, waited until August for the homecoming of their loved ones. Their service and sacrifice is important to remember on this 80th Anniversary of VJ Day.

It was a lovely gathering with delicious cream teas available within the calm and beautiful setting of the church. Coming together as a community to remember our lost loved ones who fought so bravely was a special and poignant way to spend the afternoon.

Thank you to all those who came along or who shared the stories of their family members in the ‘Forgotten Army’.

As part of commemorating this event, we asked Elizabeth Goldsmith to share her memories of experiencing VJ Day in China in 1945. You can read this article in the September print issue of The Three Villages Magazine (out at the start of September and available for FREE at the back of our three churches as well as other locations across the villages) or online HERE.