Although the commemorations were subdued by lockdown, our nation recently marked the drawing to a close of World War II, rightly acknowledging the 75 years since VE Day that saw the end of war in Europe. But even with victory assured, our country and its population had been ravaged by war, being left with much rebuilding to do.
And today, as we remember the 75th anniversaries of these key moments in history, there is more rebuilding to do. The threat of Covid-19 remains very real, but there appear to be the earliest glimmers of light at the end of the tunnel, as our nation looks towards a new normal, rather than the intensity of full lockdown.
While the road appears long and uncertain, with gloomy forecasts for the national and local economy, we should remember that we have faced similar challenges before (more than once, in fact). As a nation and a county, we have recovered, and we can do so again.
There’s no getting away from it, World War II was the most destructive war in human history, with a conservative estimate of 60 million dead worldwide, the majority of them noncombatants. The war lasted a full six years and left country and county at a low ebb, struggling with destruction and debt.
Essex suffered. Chelmsford, a centre of light engineering, including the famed Marconi factory, was heavily bombed. A raid of May 13, 1943 left more than 50 dead and nearly 1,000 homeless, while a V-2 narrowly missed both the Marconi factory and Hoffmans ball-bearing factory on December 19, 1944, but still killed another 39, with nearly 150 injured.
Denne historien er fra July 2020-utgaven av Essex Life.
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Denne historien er fra July 2020-utgaven av Essex Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The rise of maskne
With the term ‘maskne’ becoming an increasingly common search online and on social media, Krystal Prince explains what it is and how you can control mask-induced acne
The forgotten lady
Charlotte Christie shares the life story of Anne Knight, an Essex pioneer for the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage who’s achievements have almost been air-brushed from history
Stride out in the Sampfords
This charming, circular winter walk takes you on a tour from the village of Great Sampford to its neighbour, Little Sampford, and back again
MUCH TO TALK ABOUT
As a presenter on Sky Music and the host of two TV talk shows of her own on Gidea Park-based Sky channel Spotlight TV, Hayley Palmer is never short of words. Nicky Adams asks her how she came to be in front of the camera
LIFE and SOUL
Radio 1 broadcaster and producer Charlie Hedges began her career as Britain’s youngest breakfast show host and is now one of the world’s most successful female DJs. Denise Marshall caught up with the Essex-based queen of the air waves
Lest we forget
Remembrance Sunday will have a special poignance this month as 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Stephen Roberts profiles how much the county of Essex contributed to the war effort and how much it cost
Lakeside Magic
The Lake House, nestled in Mill End on the outskirts of the village of Bradwell on Sea, has been owned by the same family for 60 years and was once a thriving four-buoy water-ski lake.
Keep on running
BBC presenter and director David Whiteley shares his insightful view on stories from across the county of Essex
Cheers!
Starting to get that festive vibe? Why not plan ahead by selecting not only the drinks you want to serve this Christmas, but also ticking off a few presents too?
A doggy day out on… Saffron Walden
Join Ernie, the county’s most famous Westie, as he steps back in time on a trip to this medieval market town