Events on Tristan and in London celebrate VE Day 80
VE Day 80 Bell Ringing on Tristan
Report, photos and video from Kelly Green
80 years since VE Day was marked on Friday 9th May 2025 at 16:00, Tristan's children rang church bells in tribute - joining voices around the world to remember peace, sacrifice, and resilience.
Link to: video on Facebook
St Mary's School pupils and staff gather outside St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church
for the VE 80 bell ringing on Friday 9th May 2025 to celebrate VE Day 80th anniversary
Report and photo from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
On 5th May 2035, the UK's ceremonial to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day began with a recreation of Churchill's triumphant speech of 1945 - and the flag of Tristan da Cunha took centre stage.
The actor Timothy Spall, who portrayed Churchill in the film The King's Speech, read extracts from the wartime prime minister's VE Day words.
As he prepared in Parliament Square, TV viewers saw Tristan's distinctive emblem flying above him.
The actor Timothy Spall being interviewed by a BBC reporter prior to performing as
Winston Churchill during the first day of VE 80th anniversary celebrations.
The interview was held in Parliament Square with the Tristan da Cunha flag
prominent third from the left amongst those of other UK Overseas Territories.
The role of the UK Overseas Territories was also marked during the anniversary week. A special video includes the support given by Tristanians for the creation of listening base HMS Atlantic Isle on their island, and the creation of the Tristan Defence Volunteers.
Link to the UKOTA video on X.com on the vital contributions of UK Overseas Territories during World War II
VE Day Images from Tristan da Cunha featuring celebrations on 8th May 1945
provided by Janet Toseland from her father Charles Toseland
who served as a Royal Navy wireless telegrapher in the secret listening base located on Tristan
between 1942 and 1945, first called 'Job 9' and then HMS Atlantic Isle.
Tristan Defence Volunteers on parade
Images above and below of the 1945 VE Day Tristan parade
The Thespians Victory Concert held
in the Naval Station Hall
The old station buildings are also seen
behind the procession above.
Tristan was represented at the national service of thanksgiving on 8th May in Westminster Abbey.
Chris Carnegy in Westminster Abbey
for the VE 80th Thanksgiving Service
on Thursday 8th May 2025.
HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla speaking to WW2 veterans after the service