UK Naval Forces Celebrate VE Day

Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines around the world have taken part in national celebrations of the 70th anniversary of VE Day.

Both personnel on ships deployed on operations across the world and working at their units in the UK took the time to create the ‘V’ for victory sign to commemorate the announcement of the end of the Second World War.

Type 23 frigate HMS Kent lined up her personnel in the shape of VE on her flight deck on her way home from a six month Gulf deployment while HMS Richmond – who has taken over from her sister ship Kent – created the V for Victory on hers.

Sailors on board HMS Daring in Portsmouth gave the famous victory salute as did personnel on HMS Lancaster in the Atlantic and minehunter HMS Chiddingfold in the Med.

Not to be outdone were the Royal Marines – 199 Troop at the Commando Training Centre (CTCRM) in Lymphstone swam through the mud of the River Exe to create a V impression while 42 Commando at Bickleigh Barracks formed a V shape around their RM350 memorial.

As well as the Royal Navy’s tribute imagery, HMS Ocean has also arrived in London as part of events that have been planned throughout the country, beginning with a day of remembrance on Friday 8 May.

Around 200 beacons will be lit across the country to mark the occasion, while there will also be a parade through London, a Service of Thanksgiving, a concert and street parties across the UK.

Image: Royal Navy