VE Day - 75th Anniversary

Victory in Europe Day, generally known as VE Day, marks the arrival of peace in wartime Europe with the Allies formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender. More than one million people rejoiced in the streets to mark the end of Europe's involvement in the War after six years of conflict that cost the lives of millions of soldiers and civilians. With Winston Churchill declaring a national holiday for 8th May 1945, various events were quickly organised to mark the day, including parades and street parties to celebrate peace, mourn their loved ones, and share their hopes for the future. This year marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day. To remember and celebrate, here is a selection of wartime objects from our collections that show what life was like back in the day. Click the image to see the exhibition.

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2 Fmedia2 F12979012 Fblighty osborne

Blighty magazine, No. 157 - October 17th 1942

Wartime magazine with humourous cartoon. Caption reads 'If that tree isn't moving, Osborne, that was

2 Fmedia2 F12978962 Fblighty october

Blighty magazine, No. 156 - October 10th 1942

Wartime magazine with humourous cartoon. Caption reads 'I'm sorry, sir, but my young lady must have

2 Fmedia2 F12979062 Fblighty gin

Blighty magazine, No. 151 - September 5th 1942

Wartime magazine with humourous cartoon. Caption reads: 'He used to do sky writing before he joined

2 Fmedia2 F12978662 Fking

H.M. King George VI inspecting the 6th Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders, 1943

Photograph shows King George VI inspecting the 6th Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders in Darvel's Mor

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National Registration Identity Card for Margaret S Buchanan, 26 Loudoun Street, Mauchline

National Identity Card for Margaret Buchanan. ID cards were introduced during the War in the Nationa

2 Fmedia2 F12976892 Fpay book 1

Soldier's service and pay book

This service and pay book belonged to solider Hugh Alexander of Riccarton, Kilmarnock, who served in

2 Fmedia2 F12977002 Fdiary 1

Handwritten pages from a soldier's diary, serving in Egypt in World War 2

Handwritten pages from a soldier's diary. This soldier served in Egypt during WWII. Paper is headed

2 Fmedia2 F12977362 Fbattledress 1

Ayrshire Home Guard Battledress

Ayrshire Home Guard battledress with jacket, blouse and trousers. This outfit was for those serving

2 Fmedia2 F12976122 Faircraft

Aircraft recognition magazine, Vol. 1, No. 10

2 Fmedia2 F12976172 Fblotter

'Loyalty and Service' blotter and souvenir 1940-4

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