On 8th May eighty years ago, celebrations broke out around the world to mark Victory in Europe, following the military surrender signed by Germany on 7th May 1945. After 6 years of conflict peace had been officially declared in Europe.

For many people in Britain, VE Day began with the iconic broadcast of Winston Churchill’s announcement across the airwaves. Having served as Prime Minister for nearly the entire conflict, since 10th May 1940, in the afternoon of May 8, 1945, Churchill delivered the news that Nazi Germany had surrendered to the Allies unconditionally. This document, the typewritten speech that he delivered on his broadcast, offers us an insight into this momentous day through the handwritten notes Churchill made himself on pages 99-101, editing and changing what had been originally typed. Clearly written in haste, these amendments highlight his dedication and attention to the art of speech-writing, for which he is so well known, and demonstrate his understanding of the importance of this moment, one that would be remembered for generations to come. What he said in this broadcast, would matter. He made edits such as ‘both at home and abroad’ to encompass all peoples of Britain, not just those that fought on the front lines, to acknowledge that this victory was shared by all.

Churchill marked the occasion by declaring 8th May 1945 a public holiday and huge crowds gathered in London, both at Whitehall to hear Churchill speak as well as outside Buckingham Palace where King George VI and the royal family gathered on the balcony. After joining their family on the balcony Princess Elizabeth and her sister Margaret secretly joined the celebration within the crowds of London to be a part of the excitement first-hand.

In other parts of Europe celebrations continued. In Paris, people flooded the streets to celebrate not only the end of the war but also the liberation of France from German occupation. In the Soviet Union, VE Day was marked by military parades and ceremonies, especially in Moscow's Red Square. The mood must have been one of triumph, but also a mixture of sorrow and reflection, as many people thought of loved ones lost during the conflict. In the US, VE Day was celebrated with parades and gatherings, but was muted as the victory in Europe did not end the war for American troops.

Despite the war being over in Europe, conflict continued in the Far East and Pacific until Victory in Japan day, on 15th August 1945.

➜ CHAR 9/169: Typescript speaking notes [with handwritten annotations by WSC] for Victory in Europe Broadcast, 8 May 1945 Published Complete Speeches VII, pp.7152-54."