The Lady Magazine

1 May 2015

Dear Readers - In the Bible, it was the span of a single lifetime. But just three score years and 10 ago, the entire world was at war. Whole nations had been reduced to rubble; millions had been exterminated. As armies swept across the continents, many must have wondered whether anything would remain. But on 7 May 1945, Nazi Germany finally surrendered and the European war – it would rage for another three months in the Pacific – at last ground to a halt. In Britain, the news sparked an exuberant national celebration. Across the country, Britons, including the young Princess Elizabeth, took to the streets to dance the hokey cokey and sing Knees Up Mother Brown. Britain had survived its darkest hour and prevailed against hardship, loss and tyranny. It was in need of a stiff drink. There have been wars since and we continue to mourn our noble dead. But as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of VE Day, it is worth remembering the sheer scale of what it marked the end of. Between 1939 and 1945, the British people faced annihilation, but kept calm and carried on. They fought the war both at home, in their kitchens, dining rooms and gardens, and abroad – and in both arenas they were victorious. Their struggle, and ultimate triumph, bears testament to the great things we can achieve when we’re all in it together. And that we should never forget. Very best wishes, Matt Warren, Editor