This week, millions of people are marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
People, families, schools, and communities are coming together to unite, celebrate and reflect on all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace.
Across Rother and the rest of East Sussex, events and street parties are being held to highlight the day on 8th May 1945 when the allies of World War II formerly accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany’s armed forces.
VE Day is a tribute to those who fought for freedom in battles across Europe between 1939 and 1945, including all the service men and women from Sussex who took part. But the day also recognises those who worked tirelessly on the Home Front and were severely impacted during the war years.
Here in Rother, through the hot summer, and into the autumn of 1940, many people would have witnessed the conflict that raged in the skies above Sussex, as the RAF fought against the Luftwaffe.
While the Battle of Britain continued, the number of air raids intensified. In Bexhill, the town suffered 51 air strikes and later in the war, the area was hit with a dozen V1 flying bombs. An estimated 328 bombs and over 1,000 incendiaries were dropped on the town, resulting in 21 civilian deaths and one soldier killed. Battle mostly escaped the conflict, but on the 2nd February 1943, three bombs were dropped on the town, one of which destroyed shops and killed two residents.
Our coast was targeted by the Luftwaffe, especially radar installations. Some of our coastal towns and villages such as Rye were seen by the Germans as important strategic locations. Hitler’s planned invasion of Britain – Operation Sea Lion – included beach landings at Camber, Winchelsea, and Fairlight, and an instruction for the German 9th and 16th Armies to capture and hold land between Bexhill and Brighton.
It is important to remember that the country isn’t just marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day this year. In August, the nation will also mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day. To find out more about VE and VJ national celebrations and events, please visit: VE Day and VJ Day 80
Bexhill Museum has information about the town and area during the war years. Visit: Second World War – Bexhill Museum Other museums and libraries across Rother and East Sussex will also have local history resources where you can find more information.
Published: 6th May 2025
