Events to mark 80th anniversary of VE day held across Lincolnshire
International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln held a special service
Last updated 8th May 2025
A number of events have been held across Lincolnshire to commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe. It's 80 years since VE Day.
At the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln a beacon will be lit this evening as part of a special dinner.
Earlier there was an open air concert with music from the 1940's as well as a service of thanks.
Veteran Jeffrey Brown who served in the Second World War as an air gunner for the Lancaster Bomber Squadron spoke to us at the event:
"It's quite emotional really, and it's very pleasing to think that people are remembering it.
"I always like to tell people if they are interested in anything I did or what happened at that time.
Jeffrey told us he remembers of what is now known as VE Day - the last day of the war in Europe.
"On that day we did the last operation which was a food dropping mission in western Holland so I remember that day very clearly"
Mr Brown also gave this message to young people:
"I would say to behave themselves to start with and remember to use what happened in the past and remember as a lesson in how to carry on".
RAF personnel at Coninsgby in all three messes found era-appropriate dishes to mark the historic anniversary.
Flight Sergeant Tony Hammond is the Executive Chef at RAF Coningsby. He said:
“In partnership with our industry colleagues, we’ve developed a menu that closely mirrors the kind of food people would have eaten towards the end of the war. It’s been a unique opportunity to recreate a piece of history in the kitchen while ensuring that it still meets the nutritional needs and tastes of today’s RAF personnel.”
ESS Catering Manager Ms Laura Ward is a former RAF Chef. She said:
“It’s been enjoyable putting this together. Being a Catering Manager, but first and foremost a Veteran RAF Chef, is all about versatility not just in where we cook, but also in how we adapt. Taking historic recipes and making them work for a modern audience has been a great challenge.”
ESS and RAF chefs carefully developed the commemorative menu to reflect the ingredients, cooking techniques, and dietary realities of 1945. Despite the nationwide celebrations on VE Day food rationing was still in force, but today’s aviators need a full intake of calories.
Flight Sergeant Jamie Dixon, Executive Mess Manager, said:
“We wanted to strike the right balance, for VE Day 80 to be a celebration, not just a history lesson. People still need to eat well and feel satisfied, so we worked hard to recreate dishes that were both true to the period, and enjoyable today. ‘Woolton Pie’, a well-known ration-era favourite, was one of the vegetarian options we offered; it’s hearty, filling, and surprisingly flavourful.”
A pastry dish of vegetables, Woolton Pie was widely served in Britain in the Second World War when rationing and shortages made other dishes hard to prepare.
Elsewhere across the country the King and the Prince of Wales honoured the sacrifices of those who served in the Second World War by laying wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at the start of the poignant Westminster Abbey service.
A handwritten message signed by Charles in his floral tribute said, "We will never forget," while William and Kate signed a hand-penned note left in the prince's wreath that read: "For those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War.
"We will remember them."