History Extra podcast VE Day: a people's history
27 snips
May 6, 2025 
John Willis, author of The People’s War: Unheard Voices, shares insights into the personal stories of ordinary Britons during VE Day. He explores the emotional weight of the celebrations that masked deep loss for many. Willis discusses the contrasting feelings of joy and sorrow, highlighting how the end of the war transformed lives and communities. The impacts on returning soldiers, evolving roles of women, and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations are also key topics in this engaging discussion.
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VE Day: Relief Over Riot
- VE Day was a moment of great relief, not just celebration, after six exhausting years of war.
- Many people felt thankful it was over and simply wanted to relax rather than party riotously.
Personal Stories of VE Day
- A Scottish boy met a girl on VE Day and they shared a fleeting moment he treasured for decades.
- Another child remembered the ordinary, quiet reunion with her father after the war, highlighting that survival itself was extraordinary.
Mixed Emotions on VE Day
- VE Day celebrations varied widely from riotous to quiet reflection.
- Many could not celebrate due to loss, showing complex, mixed emotions about the war’s end.