The coronavirus epidemic is already looking like it could be the greatest crisis facing this country since the war – one of those extremely rare occasions when normal life is swept away. I’ve sometimes wondered what living through a war must be like, and it feels like we’re getting an inkling right now.
There were two celebrations marking the end of World War II, VE Day and VJ Day. VE (Victory in Europe) Day, on 8 May 1945, was when people celebrated the Allies’ formal acceptance of Germany’s unconditional surrender the previous day. This year’s May Day holiday was moved from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 so we could celebrate again on that 75th anniversary. But with an embargo on gatherings as we struggled to cope with our latest crisis, commemorations became low-key and reflective, rather than celebratory. That was maybe no bad thing.
The war did not end in May, as Japan fought on until atom bombs were dropped in August. VJ (Victory over Japan) Day, on 15 August 1945, marked the day Imperial Japan surrendered, although final signing was 2 September on the deck of US battleship Missouri.
My late father-in-law was away from these islands for five years on military service, fought at Tobruk and 2nd El Alamein, returned home to marry in November 1944, then promptly left again. My beloved wife was born 20 days after the ceremony aboard the Missouri. She was nearly a war baby. Against this backdrop of warfare, just what happened in Berkshire?
Denne historien er fra November 2020-utgaven av Berkshire Life.
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Denne historien er fra November 2020-utgaven av Berkshire Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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A Home For Keeps - Reader At Home
Alex and James Fielden were looking for a forever home. Their search ended as soon as they pulled up outside this Georgian property in Berkshire
Duke & Duchess Of Berkshire?
They are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but should they really be the Duke and Duchess of Berkshire, which is, of course, a Royal county?
A national hero
He started out like many other children born in Reading, but mention Justin Fletcher to any kid in the land these days and their eyes will light up
Fruitful thinking
Ryan Simpson believes the world is our orchard. A project that began over a pint in his local is making the county more fruity
THE BERKSHIRE BOMBSHELL
Berkshire has had more than its fair share of famous inhabitants. However, few had such an explosive reputation as Diana Dors
“I'll always be a Berkshire girl”
Despite her international acclaim as the star of TV’s Tracy Beaker, Dani Harmer has never strayed far from her roots
Remembering the fallen
The most destructive war in human history lasted for six years and cost 60 million lives, the majority non-combatants. It is easy to understand why those who had survived wanted to celebrate the end of that conflict
HIDDEN WONDERS
Berkshire photographer Matt Emmett has made it his mission to explore the forgotten architecture and heritage many people miss in their home towns
EXPLORING BERKSHIRE - Majestic Maidenhead
Rejuvenation and revival; two buzz words surrounding the biggest town in the Royal borough. With riverside views and a vibrant arts and dining out scene, this high-class town is well worth a look
A good grounding
Berkshire has some of the best homes in the land, so perhaps it is no coincidence that the nation’s favourite property guru went to school in Wokingham
