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Service Marks 80th Anniversary of VE Day

Thursday, 8 May 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day, 80 years since the end of World War II in 1945. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) commemorated this important occasion by attending national events and observing a two minutes’ silence.

Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer at RBFRS proudly took part in the VE Day Procession in London on Monday, 5 May. The procession began at Parliament Square, travelling along Whitehall and The Mall, and finally concluding at the Queen Victoria Memorial. The event then included a flypast by the Armed Forces over The Mall and Buckingham Palace. Photos credit: © Anderson Photography

Chief Fire Officers wearing uniform
Chief Fire Officers in uniform marching
Chief Fire Officers marching next to a King's Guard
Blue, white and red flypast by the Armed Forces over Buckingham Palace

On Thursday, 8 May, the union flag was flown at full mast across stations and Headquarters, while staff observed a two minutes’ silence, in accordance with National guidance.

Firefighters stood outside the fire station with helmets on the ground for the two minutes' silence.

Crowthorne Fire Station also decorated the grass and front of the station with poppies and soldiers to mark the occasion.

Soldiers and giant poppy decorating the fire station, with smaller poppies on the grass spelling out 80.
Crowthorne fire station decorated with poppies

Learn more about how we support the Armed Forces.