Highlanders’ Museum at Fort George exhibition kicks off events marking 80 years since VE Day
Events to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in Nairnshire and surrounding areas are set to start this week.
One month ahead of May 8 - on which, in 1945, Germany’s unconditional surrender finally saw an end to almost six years of war in Europe - The Highlanders’ Museum at Fort George is dedicating a poignant display to the historic day.
The temporary exhibition opened today and will focus on the two last years of the war, when the Allies began their liberation of Axis-occupied Europe following the paths taken by the regiments The Highlanders’ Museum is dedicated to: the Seaforth Highlanders, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and Lovat Scouts.
• Sign up for our free newsletters
Museum curator Robert Kill said: “More than just a single date, VE Day was the culmination of years of efforts by millions of people actively resisting fascist conquest both at home and abroad - how their efforts contributed to ending the war in Europe, and the legacy of that victory.
“Beyond the famous beaches of Normandy and pushing into Germany itself, our extraordinary regiments also fought the Axis in theatres of the war less famous than others, but of no less importance, with many memorable facets.
“Italy, which saw the worst casualties for infantry in all of western Europe. Greece, where a civil war gave ominous signs to the future challenges of the Cold War. Belgium, where an important route into Germany was opened. And the Netherlands, with the unique challenges posed by its many rivers and dams.
“As always, and especially with as big a topic as the end of World War Two, our exhibition can only cover so much. History has many stories worth remembering, and many lessons to teach that should not be forgotten, more than any one person can tell by themselves.
“Remembrance is a team effort which we are always happy to contribute to. It is our hope that visitors will be inspired by the information we present to seek out more information about this defining period of Europe’s history and beyond.”
This is the first event in the local area commemorating VE Day 80.
Nairn Legion president Bob Towns said: “It is right to remember the end of hostilities but the sacrifices of all those who served and those that remained at home must be remembered. For every serviceman and woman that served, there was a family at home left to cope with their absence.
“The units associated with The Highlanders Museum, The Seaforth Highlanders, The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and the Lovat Scouts saw action and suffered casualties in many actions in numerous countries and this must never be forgotten.
“At The Highlanders’ Museum there are nearly 1800 medals awarded to 280-plus individuals for their efforts during the period of WW2. Be they for acts of heroism or for loyal service they all have a story behind the award, mostly untold.”
The team at the museum has planned the exhibition to open a month in advance of the main event and it is open from 9.30am-4.45pm daily, to allow visitors to learn more about the events of WW2 leading up to VE Day.
