Abingdon News No.54

10 May 2020 Abingdon News Speaking about VE Day, the Headmaster, Michael Windsor said, The 75th anniversary of VE Day gave us the chance to reflect upon the sacrifices that many made during the Second World War, including the 49 Old Abingdonians who gave their lives in the conflict. At this time of crisis, I am sure that the celebrations of VE Day reminded us how countries and communities pulled together 75 years ago, just as we need to do now. Commemorating Victory in Europe Day Victory in Europe Day, VE Day, on 8 May 1945 marked the unconditional surrender of German forces to the Allies following five years and eight months of war in Europe. It came eight days after Adolf Hitler’s suicide on 30 April, after which the mantle of President of Germany had been taken up by Admiral Karl Donitz. VE day was a decisive moment: the final defeat of one of the most murderous and ideologically malevolent regimes in history. When the 75th anniversary of VE dawned on 8 May 2020, many Europeans reflected on the enormous sacrifices made by so many Allied soldiers, including millions from British and French colonies. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, Europe did not have the opportunity to celebrate in the same way that so many did in 1945. Yet, we could still memorialise and remember. For those in Germany, of course, reflections were more complicated. Donitz, it should be remembered, was seeking to preserve the lives of millions of Germans who had suffered during the war and also faced an uncertain future at the hands of occupying forces. In Abingdon School’s Jekyll Gardens is a memorial stone commemorating the lives of 16 Old Abingdonians who died during the Second World War. Dating from the 1960s, and originally located in front of what is now Beech Court, it was paid for by Old Abingdonians who had attended the school in the 1920s and wished to pay tribute to friends who had given their lives in the service of their country.The inscribed initials provide a poignant reminder that these OAs who died fighting in the war were fathers, husbands, sons, siblings and friends. They are always sorely missed. The Abingdonian Magazine of Christmas 1945 lists 49 former pupils who lost their lives in service; several further names were added in the Christmas 1946 issue, which also includes the reflections of OA Stanley Paige (‘S.D.P’) on his time in the RAF, operating in the Middle East and Mediterranan. VE Day was for many a day of great relief and hope, a significant unifying moment; but for some there was not the opportunity to see the liberation of the brave new world that they fought to defend. To borrow Churchill’s wonderful words: whether it is those that died during the war, immediately after or survived much longer, or are surviving today, we can only say that never was so much owed by so many, to so few. It is beyond argument that a world dominated by Nazi Germany would have been one of further, unimaginable horrors. Read the full article here . Nicholas Knowland, Head of History, Abingdon School “ ”