The Redline Home Guard were proud to take part in a packed programme of VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Henley-on-Thames over the weekend of 8–10 May 2025. Across three glorious days of sunshine, we were honoured to support a range of events marking eight decades since Victory in Europe was declared, paying tribute to the wartime generation and helping bring history vividly to life.
Thursday – VE Day Talks and Town Hall Vigil
On Thursday—the actual anniversary of VE Day—two of our members attended a special event in Henley Town Hall where Karen and Bret Wiles of Doing Their Bit delivered an engaging and informative talk to over 150 primary school children. The session focused on what life was like for children during wartime Britain, and we were proud to support them and answer eager questions from the younger generation.
At 12:00noon, we stood to attention and took part in the national two minutes’ silence to honour the fallen. As part of this, we performed the solemn ‘Rest on Your Arms Reversed’ drill in front of the war memorial at the Town Hall — a moment of quiet dignity that many members of the public stopped to observe and reflect upon.
Friday – Dance, Duty and a Date with Churchill
On Friday evening, two of our number donned their best battledress to attend a rousing 1940s-themed dance, held in true wartime style. The highlight of the evening was the arrival of a very special guest — none other than Sir Winston Churchill himself, portrayed with great gravitas and charm by the excellent Steve McTigue. It was a privilege to provide the guard of honour for the Prime Minister’s arrival, much to the delight of the assembled crowd.
Our partners joined us for the dance, and a jolly good time was had by all — marking the end of hostilities 80 years ago in fitting style, with music, laughter, and a spirit of celebration.
Saturday – Spitfire Duty and Desert Diversion
On Saturday, three of us were present in the town centre for the main day of public festivities. One of the undoubted stars of the show was the full-size static display of a 1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX, proudly stationed in Market Place. The Redline platoon took up guard duty beside the aircraft, providing a strong presence and fielding a barrage of questions from curious passers-by throughout the day.
Several Second World War vehicles were also on display, adding to the immersive atmosphere, and in a brief moment of inspiration (or sun-induced madness), we temporarily reformed as a “desert platoon” for a few impromptu photos.
Despite the heat, spirits remained high, and we were extremely grateful to the kind ladies of the Henley-on-Thames WI, who kept us well fed and watered throughout the day — a very welcome and much appreciated kindness!
A hearty congratulations must go to Richard Pinches, Chair of the Royal British Legion Henley Poppy Appeal, Councillor Gill Dodds, and Philippa Ratcliffe of Experience Henley, for staging such a well-run and memorable event. It was a tremendous success, with crowds out in force and smiles all round.
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