World War 2 heroes issued an unequivocal warning to councils planning to scale back VE Day celebrations, saying: “Don’t be so bloody absurd!” Veterans erupted in fury after one suggested a parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the conflict in Europe would be “elitist”.
A pen pusher at Liberal Democrat-led Dacorum Borough Council in Hertfordshire suggested scrubbing plans but it sparked nationwide anger and an abrupt U-turn. And now those who served to save the country during its darkest days told those who might be tempted to follow suit to think twice. Marie Scott, 98, who worked as a switchboard operator with the Women’s Royal Naval Service in the tunnels of Fort Southwick, Hampshire, the operations centre monitoring the D-Day invasion fleet, said: “I will never forget the mood on VE Day. It was pure, unbridled joy. There were millions of people, it was like a surging sea, and you were swept off your feet. I have never known so much joy. We never thought the war would end, so it was a relief.
“It was a justifiable war because the Nazis were evil and that’s why I decided to join – to help the country.
“It’s bloody absurd anyone would seriously think of cancelling any VE Day event. It is totally misguided and it disappoints me.
“Children should be taught about the war, about this crucial part of our history, and the fact we were bombed mercilessly. But they are not.
“My formal education finished at the age 13 and I still feel cheated.”
Next month King Charles will lead Britain in a four-day festival of celebration and commemoration to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
An unprecedented nationwide jamboree will see the Cenotaph in central London draped in Union Flags, a service of remembrance, military parade, concert and flypast.
Victory in Europe (VE Day) on May 8 marks the Allied victory on the Eastern Front in Europe. The war continued in the Far East until Imperial Japan’s unconditional surrender on August 15 which is known as VJ Day (Victory Over Japan).
In 1945, millions of war-weary families greeted the news of peace after six long years with impromptu street parties and spontaneous celebrations.
The momentous milestone kicks off on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5 and ends on May 8 when Charles and Queen Camilla will lead a service at Westminster Abbey billed as a shared remembrance and celebration of the end of the war at which Marie will be present.
Marie, who turns 99 in June, said: “Major landmarks, like last year’s 80th anniversary of D-Day and this year’s VE and VJ Day anniversaries, should be commemorated and celebrated because they are significant and historical events.
“We felt it was our duty to stand up and serve. Our country was in danger and we rose to the occasion, it really was that simple.
“I have had a great life. I have been tremendously lucky that my latter years have been a ball and I have had a great time.”
The very suggestion of scrubbing “elitist” events has been met with widespread anger, both from veterans and the public.
D-Day hero Henry Rice, 99, who served on landing ship HMS Eastway ferrying men and equipment to the invasion beaches in Normandy, said: “I don’t understand the thinking of some people – anyone who behaves like this is a killjoy, pure and simple.
“These people would have cancelled the war on health and safety grounds given half the chance. Can you imagine?
“VE Day is an excuse to be happy. After all we went through I just want to be happy and I want everyone else to be happy. All I want is happiness and love for what is left of my life and I hope everyone else feels the same way.”
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey was forced to issue an abrupt volte face on behalf of the bungling council which was plunged into crisis mode after its stance put it at odds with the rest of the country.
He said: “There will be a VE parade, I’m delighted to say. The council wants that. It would be daft not to have one, absolutely daft.
“I’m really looking forward to VE celebrations, the 80th anniversary.
“I think apparently a council officer took a decision without talking to the politicians.
“The politicians are now really clear, the VE parade will go ahead.”
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