VE Day Commemorations

As we mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day today, we remember all those from the Parish and the Estate who played their part in WW2, fighting abroad in the Army, in the Navy and in the RAF, as well as all those who contributed to the war effort at home: the men in the Home Guard, women who worked as nurses, those who volunteered for the WVS or Land Army and so many others.

We remember those who died, the men who were wounded and their families, and pay tribute to their service, bravery, stoicism and sacrifice. Although sadly we cannot celebrate VE Day in ways we had planned, we know that communities will find imaginative, inspiring and moving ways to commemorate the end of the War in Europe 75 years ago.

We wish everyone a happy VE Day Bank Holiday weekend!

From the archives

Capel’s Home Guard was ‘C’ 21st Battalion Kent Home Guard, based in Tonbridge. Here they are pictured at Somerhill, with drills carried out at Goldsmid Hall, Tudeley.

Major Sir Harry d’Avigdor-Goldsmid, DSO, MC who joined the TA Royal West Kent Regiment and saw action at Dunkirk. He later served in the 53rd Reconnaissance Regiment, serving in Holland, where he was wounded in 1945.

Sir James d’Avigdor-Goldsmid DSO, who served in the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, and took part in the Normandy Landings as a young officer.

A young Sir James d’Avigdor-Goldsmid with Churchill inspecting troops at Lakenheath Station 16 May 1942.