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Metro
08-05-2025
- General
- Metro
How the royals celebrated VE Day back in 1945
The royals made eight Buckingham Palace appearances (Picture: The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images) The Royal Family's appearance alongside war hero Winston Churchill on the Buckingham Palace balcony is one of the iconic moments of VE Day in 1945. But what is less well known is that the monarch greeted the packed crowd on the Mall eight times on the historic day. Their schedule did not stop there, they were busy marking the German surrender 80 years ago today with royal events. There was even a secret trip to join the wild celebrations as Londoners celebrated Victory in Europe. The King and Queen were cheered on as heroes in their own right. Their refusal to evacuate London during the Blitz earned them adoring respect across the country as they made a point of visiting bomb sites in the capital. Crowds gather waiting for the appearance of the royal family and Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Picture: by Central Press/) Eighty years since the King and Queen led the UK's VE Day party, Metro traces how they spent the momentous day. A royal investiture for military heroes The King kicked off off Victory in Europe Day with a celebration of Britain's war heroes. The Royal Family held an investiture, awarding military medals to more than 270 recipients. These medals, including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Military Medal, were handed out in Buckingham Palace's Ballroom. The King handed out military medals (Credits: Noonans / SWNS) The first to be presented was Dr John Beeston, who was awarded a George Medal by the King. The doctor with the Civil Defence was being honoured for his courage helping a woman trapped in debris after a devastating bombing raid. The George Medal was for civilian acts of bravery not on the battlefield and the Distinguished Service Medal is given to those who have shown bravery and resourcefulness in active service. Lunch with Churchill before their big speeches The country's two much-loved leaders held a lunch at Buckingham Palace before they both gave addresses to the nation. It was their final lunch of the war, as the pair had regularly met over meals on Tuesdays to discuss the progress of the war. Churchill rolled up in a civilian car at Buckingham Palace to meet the monarch. The King and Winston Churchill became confidantes during the war (Photo) But well wishers in the Mall soon realised who was arriving and the police had to hold back cheering crowds. The wartime PM then left to the palace and returned to Downing Street to deliver his famous speech confirming Germany's surrender at 3pm on VE Day. The first appearance in front of jubilant Londoners Moments after Churchill declared a 'brief period of rejoicing' in his 3pm speech, the Royal Family came out onto Buckingham Palace's balcony to greet Londoners along the Mall. King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret all walked out in front of a crowd numbering up to 100,000 people. The King was wearing the uniform of an Admiral of the Fleet and Princess Elizabeth was wearing her khaki uniform of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), which she joined earlier in 1945. The Mall was packed waiting for the arrival of the Royals (Photo by Harry Todd/Fox Photos/) Television cameras, which were mounted on vans in the Palace's forecourt and were filming the Royal Family as they waved down the Mall. This appearance was the first of eight visits to the balcony by the Royals Churchill joins the royals on the Palace balcony Sorry, this video isn't available yet. The Mall crowd were surprised with a special twist as the Royal Family stepped out next to the wartime PM onto Buckingham Palace's balcony at 5pm on VE Day. They made the historic appearance minutes after the King met Churchill and members of his war cabinet in the Palace's Bow Room. Churchill could be seen chatting with the King and Queen, smiling as onlookers let out repeated cheers. King thanks 'Almighty God' for victory in nighttime address Sorry, this video isn't available yet. At 9pm it was the King's turn to the nation, as well as Commonwealth citizens across the globe. The King told millions of people worldwide that Germany has 'finally [been] overcome', but warned that more fighting was still in store in Asia. In the 15 minute broadcast, the King said the UK was 'the last remaining barrier against a world-wide tyranny' and paid tribute too all of those who lost their lives fighting for Allies. He said: 'Today we give thanks to Almighty God for a great deliverance. 'Speaking from our Empire's oldest capital city, war-battered but never for one moment daunted or dismayed – speaking from London, I ask you to join with me in that act of thanksgiving. 'Germany, the enemy who drove all Europe into war, has been finally overcome… 'In the darkest hours we knew that the enslaved and isolated peoples of Europe looked to us; their hopes were our hopes; their confidence confirmed our faith. The King broadcast many addresses over his reign (Picture: BBC PICTURE ARCHIVES) 'We knew that, if we failed, the last remaining barrier against a world-wide tyranny would have fallen in ruins.' The Royals returned for another trip to the balcony just after the King had wrapped up his speech. The Princesses join the Mall's celebrations Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret left Buckingham Palace and joined the throngs of people partying in London. The heir to the throne and her sister, aged just 19 and 14, were given permission by their father to leave as part of a small group from the Royal Household. The pair cheered for their parents and mingled in with Londoners. Elizabeth and Margaret blended in to the London masses (Photo by Toronto Star Archives/Toronto Star via Getty Images) The future Queen said of the evening in a BBC interview: 'We were terrified of being recognised – so I pulled my uniform cap well down over my eyes. 'A Grenadier officer among our party of about 16 people said he refused to be seen in the company of another officer improperly dressed. 'So I had to put my cap on normally.' The excursion took them to Whitehall, the famous Ritz and the Royal Parks. Queen Elizabeth later recalled: '[There were] lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: VE Day 1945 live: World wakes up to victory after Germany surrenders to the Allies Arrow MORE: I lived in a post-war 'flatpack' home – prefabs were built for heroes Arrow MORE: 'How Churchill's VE Day speech reached our Nazi camp from a hidden attic radio'
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Family visit fire boat named after Blitz heroine
The family of a woman who risked her life as a firefighter during the Blitz have stepped aboard the London fire boat named in her honour. Gillian Tanner, known to friends and family as Bobby, signed up to the Auxiliary Fire Service at the age of 19 to help fuel fire engines as bombs rained down on London. Her bravery earned her the George Medal, one of the highest honours for civilian gallantry. Ms Tanner was into "anything with speed and a bit of danger attached," her granddaughter told BBC London. As well as naming the boat after her in 2022, an LFB leadership training scheme has also borne her name since 2021. During the Second World War, thousands of women joined support services on the home front. Ms Tanner's role was to drive petrol through the burning streets to supply fire engines during some of the most intense bombing London had ever seen. Patrick Goulbourne, deputy commissioner at London Fire Brigade, said: "During the most difficult times during the war, she was out supplying our fire engine so it could respond to London throughout the war, to make sure that we were able to keep those people [safe] and respond as much as we can." "Her acts of bravery are testament and stand true as some of the values we hold dear today." Members of her family visited the boat and explored her legacy ahead of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) next month. "I didn't realise the connection and the value people put on her and what she'd done until today," her granddaughter Mandy Jones said. She said her grandmother was a "strong-willed and determined" person who would "get on and do it" when there was work to be done. After the war, Ms Tanner continued with adrenaline inducing activities, including racing cars in Monte Carlo and training racehorses. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Flypast and concert for VE Day 80th commemorations Veterans recall 'euphoric' VE Day celebrations How is VE Day being marked around the UK?
BBC News
13-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Gillian Tanner: Relatives visit London fire boat named after Blitz heroine
The family of a woman who risked her life as a firefighter during the Blitz have stepped aboard the London fire boat named in her Tanner, known to friends and family as Bobby, signed up to the Auxiliary Fire Service at the age of 19 to help fuel fire engines as bombs rained down on bravery earned her the George Medal, one of the highest honours for civilian Tanner was into "anything with speed and a bit of danger attached," her granddaughter told BBC London. As well as naming the boat after her in 2022, an LFB leadership training scheme has also borne her name since the Second World War, thousands of women joined support services on the home Tanner's role was to drive petrol through the burning streets to supply fire engines during some of the most intense bombing London had ever seen. Patrick Goulbourne, deputy commissioner at London Fire Brigade, said: "During the most difficult times during the war, she was out supplying our fire engine so it could respond to London throughout the war, to make sure that we were able to keep those people [safe] and respond as much as we can.""Her acts of bravery are testament and stand true as some of the values we hold dear today."Members of her family visited the boat and explored her legacy ahead of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) next month. "I didn't realise the connection and the value people put on her and what she'd done until today," her granddaughter Mandy Jones said her grandmother was a "strong-willed and determined" person who would "get on and do it" when there was work to be the war, Ms Tanner continued with adrenaline inducing activities, including racing cars in Monte Carlo and training racehorses.
The Guardian
01-04-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
PC awarded medal for bravery in Iranian embassy siege dies aged 85
A police officer who received a medal for bravery for his heroics during the Iranian embassy siege in London in 1980 has died aged 85. Trevor Lock and 24 of the hostages were freed after a six-day standoff between members of a dissident Iranian group and the SAS at the building in Kensington. He was awarded the George Medal, which recognises outstanding bravery, after it subsequently emerged he had tackled the leader of the gunmen and saved the life of an SAS soldier. Brian Booth, acting deputy national chair of the Police Federation, said on Tuesday: 'PC Lock's extraordinary bravery during the Iranian embassy siege in 1980 exemplifies the highest standards of policing. Despite being taken hostage, he remained resolute, calming fellow captives and resisting his armed captors. 'His courage and cunning while under pressure helped save lives and earned him the George Medal. 'A dedicated officer with the Metropolitan police, PC Lock embodied resilience and selflessness throughout his career. Though he shunned the spotlight, his legacy continues to inspire officers across the nation. 'Our thoughts are with his loved ones. His service and sacrifice will always be remembered.' Lock was a member of the diplomatic protection squad guarding the embassy in west London when it was stormed by six men armed with automatic weapons and grenades on 30 April 1980. The PC was drinking coffee with the embassy concierge, Abbas Fallahi, when he saw a face through the glass panel of the door. He thought it was a student and moved to let him in. The man pulled out a machine pistol which he fired and Lock was hit by flying glass. In 2002, he told the Guardian: 'I remember a curtain of red coming down and immense pain in my eyes and face. I thought I'd been shot.' The gunmen belonged to a dissident Iranian group opposed to Ayatollah Khomeini, the religious leader who came to power in Iran in 1979, and they demanded the release of 91 political prisoners held in Iran as well as an aircraft to take them and the hostages out of the UK. On the sixth day of the standoff, Margaret Thatcher's government ordered the SAS to raid the embassy after the gunmen shot dead the Iranian press attache, Abbas Lavasani, and dumped his body outside the building. More than 30 masked troops abseiled from the roof and entered the embassy, throwing grenades through the windows. About 15 minutes later, the hostages emerged and were escorted by the Met to ambulances in dramatic scenes filmed by television news crews. One hostage was killed and two were wounded in the crossfire. Five of the six gunmen were killed while the survivor was jailed for 28 years.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pc Trevor Lock, who became a hero of the Iranian embassy siege, dies aged 85
Trevor Lock, the policeman who became a hero of the Iranian Embassy siege, has died at the age of 85. Mr Lock was guarding the Iranian embassy in South Kensington when he and 25 others were taken hostage after terrorists burst into the building on April 30, 1980. It led to a six-day stand-off that was ended when the Special Air Service (SAS) stormed the building, and saw Mr Lock receive the George Medal in recognition of his outstanding bravery. He put himself on self-appointed duty with limited sleep, food and drink throughout the siege, where he remained calm and built up a rapport with the hostage takers – but then shoulder-charged the terrorist leader as the rescue operation was under way. Mr Lock had managed to hide a handgun that was strapped to his body until the final day of the siege. Photographs taken during the siege showed him speaking to police negotiators from a window at the embassy as a man of Middle Eastern appearance buries his head in his hands. On Tuesday, a Police Federation spokesman said: 'Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. 'Pc Lock is remembered for calming his fellow hostages during the siege, acting as an intermediary between the terrorists and the security forces that ringed the building and – as the embassy was stormed – tackling the leading gunman. 'Pc Lock was awarded the George Medal for his 'outstanding courage, sustained bravery, calmness and devotion to duty'. 'We could not have said it any better.' The hostage takers were Iranian-Arabs campaigning for the sovereignty of Khuzestan, a province in the south west of the country. They demanded the release of prisoners held in Iran, as well as their own safe passage out of the UK.
