Tag: VE80

Scotland’s Salute VE80 Concert kicks off remembrance events ahead of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day

A spectacular poppy drop brought a poignant close to the nations official 80th anniversary commemoration concert for VE Day at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh last night.

Second World War veterans and their families were in attendance as special guests of honour, joining a packed crowd to remember those who fought for our freedom 80 years ago and to mark the historic event that was to become known as VE Day on May 8, 1945.

Also in attendance was First Minister John Swinney, along with currently serving members of the Armed Forces and members of the public, who heard first-hand testimonies from surviving Scottish VE Day veterans on the big screen.

Musical highlights included touching performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who joined the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Military Wives Choir, singer Niamh Corky, and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald.

Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph, of All Creatures Great and Small fame, also took to the stage to perform with young actress Sadie Addington. The evening was narrated by former MEP, journalist, and voice of the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, with broadcaster Mark Mckenzie, of BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), acting as compere.

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “We were thrilled to welcome our VE Day veterans to the Usher Hall as we came together in a national act of remembrance to honour those who lived through – and the all too many who sadly lost their lives during the period that was World War Two.

“Our national commemoration concert was a huge success, and you could feel the emotion in the room as our veterans’ stories were told on the big screen. The performances were memorable, touching and apt, and it was the ideal way to celebrate 80 years since VE Day.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended tonight, in particular those from the Armed Forces, both past and present – we thank you for your service.

“A huge thank you also to everyone behind the scenes for all their efforts in putting together this wonderful show, and also to our fabulous performers on the night.

Photo caption:- Band Scot’s girls Holly Eggleton, Maddy Lyons and Erin Gunn

“As VE Day approaches this Thursday, May 8, we encourage you to stop and take time out of your day to remember just as we have done tonight.”

The First Soldier To Liberate Nazi-Occupied Britain: Sergeant-Major Robert Shaw’s historic 1945 landing on Guernsey remembered 80 years later

First British soldier to set foot on Nazi-occupied soil in the British Isles forged unexpected friendships that have endured for generations.

As Britain prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day next month, the remarkable story of Sergeant-Major Robert Shaw – the first British serviceman to step onto Nazi-occupied British soil during liberation – is being commemorated by his family in Guernsey this May.

On May 9th, 1945, as the rest of Britain celebrated victory in Europe, Sergeant-Major Shaw from Glasgow and of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) made history when he became the first British soldier to land on Guernsey after nearly five years of German occupation. The Channel Islands hold the distinction of being the only British territory occupied by German forces during World War II.

“My father rode off the landing craft on his motorcycle at L’Ancresse Bay, leading the way for the armoured vehicles that followed,” recalls his son Robert Shaw, who will be attending the 80th anniversary celebrations alongside family members as part of the official cavalcade. “He didn’t encounter any resistance – just jubilant islanders overwhelmed with emotion at finally being free.”

Shaw’s first interaction on liberated soil would lead to an extraordinary decades-long connection. As he rode inland, he encountered a young local boy named John Rault cycling on the right side of the road – a practice adopted during the German occupation.

“My father was concerned the boy would be hit by the convoy of vehicles behind him,” explains Robert. “He stopped and told the boy to ‘cycle on the British side of the road’ – a small moment that symbolised the return to British rule after years of occupation.”

What makes this story remarkable is what happened 47 years later. In 1992, when Sergeant-Major Shaw returned to Guernsey to receive commemorative Liberation medallions alongside other veterans, the local newspaper printed his recollection of this encounter. The story caught the attention of John Rault – now an adult – who immediately recognised himself as the boy in the account.

Rault tracked down Shaw at his hotel, leading to an emotional reunion. The soldier and the boy then rekindled their connection from that historic day and maintained correspondence until Shaw’s death 20 years ago in 2005 at age 89.

“This wasn’t just about military strategy – it was about human connection during a pivotal moment in history,” says Robert Shaw. “My father always said that liberating Guernsey was the proudest moment of his service because he could see the direct impact on people’s lives after years of hardship.”

Born in Springburn, Glasgow in 1915, Sergeant-Major Shaw’s mechanical expertise proved valuable during the post-liberation period. Based at a local establishment known as Ash’s Garage, he worked alongside German troops who remained on the island temporarily after surrender.

He was particularly fascinated by how island vehicles had been converted to charcoal-burning units to overcome the severe petrol shortage during occupation.

“He often spoke about his admiration for the islanders’ ingenuity and resilience,” Robert recalls. “Despite everything they’d endured – food shortages, curfews, and isolation from the mainland – they maintained their spirit and identity.”

The Shaw family continues to honour this legacy by participating in ongoing Guernsey’s liberation celebrations, with this year’s 80th VE Day anniversary holding special significance.

They plan to follow the same route Robert Shaw took in 1945, participating in the official cavalcade that commemorates the path of liberation forces.