Uncategorised
Honouring 80 Years of VE Day: A Legacy of Courage, Celebration and Remembrance
On 8th May 1945, a war-weary world exhaled in relief. After nearly six relentless years of devastation, Europe stood still for a moment—united in both joy and sorrow. Victory in Europe Day—VE Day—marked the official end of World War II on the continent, and with it came a tidal wave of emotion.
As the guns fell silent and the skies cleared of bombers, a new chapter began. One defined not by destruction, but by peace, hope, and resilience.
A Day That Changed the World
This year marks 80 years since VE Day—an anniversary that resonates deeply, not just in Britain but across the world. It is a moment to reflect, to celebrate, and most importantly, to remember.
To honour this historic milestone, we invite you to watch our powerful new short film, which captures the heart and soul of VE Day through evocative storytelling and historic reflection.
🎥 Watch the Video Now: The Story of VE Day – 80 Years On
Click below to view:
A Nation United in Celebration
On that historic day, scenes of jubilation broke out across the UK. In London, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus overflowed with people singing, dancing, and hugging strangers. In villages, towns, and cities, makeshift parties sprung up with whatever could be found. Bunting fluttered over ruins. Smiles broke through grief. Even amidst rationing and rubble, communities came together in unity and gratitude.
Attribution: Mrjspence at English Wikipedia This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. No changes made.
And while celebrations rang out, the nation also paused to remember the staggering cost of freedom. Nearly every household had experienced loss. Every street bore scars. Yet the spirit of the British people remained unbroken.
A Tribute Etched in History: New VE Day Coin Range
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we’re proud to unveil an exclusive coin collection that pays tribute to the courage of an entire generation. From soldiers on the front line, to the unsung heroes at home, this new release commemorates their sacrifice, spirit, and the moment peace returned to Europe.
In a fast-changing world, remembering VE Day reminds us of what truly matters: the cost of peace, the strength of community, and the power of resilience. It reminds us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things in the face of adversity.
As we reflect on eight decades of freedom, let us carry their legacy forward—with gratitude, pride, and hope.
The Spitfire: Birth of a British Aviation Icon
On March 5, 1936, the skies above Hampshire witnessed an event that would reshape the course of aviation and military history. From Eastleigh Aerodrome (now Southampton Airport), the prototype of the Supermarine Spitfire took flight for the very first time—ushering in a new era of fighter aircraft engineering. With its elegant design and formidable performance, the Spitfire would soon become a symbol of British resilience in the face of war.
The Iconic Sound
↓ Hear the iconic sound of a Spitfire fly past. Click Play Below ↓
A Revolutionary Aircraft Takes Flight
The Spitfire was the masterpiece of Reginald J. Mitchell, the chief designer at Supermarine Aviation Works, part of Vickers-Armstrongs. Drawing from his experience designing high-speed racing seaplanes for the Schneider Trophy, Mitchell applied the same aerodynamic brilliance to the creation of a revolutionary monoplane fighter.
Did You Know? The Spitfire’s elliptical wing design wasn’t just stylish—it reduced drag and improved lift, giving the aircraft a tighter turning radius and better performance at high speeds than many of its contemporaries.
On that historic afternoon, test pilot Captain Joseph “Mutt” Summers climbed into the cockpit of prototype K5054. The aircraft, powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, performed so well during the short eight-minute maiden flight that Summers famously declared, “I don’t want anything touched!“
From Prototype to Production
The promising performance of the Spitfire’s first flight quickly caught the attention of the British Air Ministry. Just three months later, on June 3, 1936, an order for 310 Spitfires was placed, beginning what would become one of the most celebrated production runs in military aviation.
↑ Click the circles 🔴 in the image above to find out more about each part of the Spitfires Design. ↑
Did You Know? Over 20,000 Spitfires were built between 1936 and 1948, making it the most produced British fighter aircraft of World War II.
Despite early production challenges, the first units reached RAF squadrons by 1938, positioning the Spitfire as a critical asset just as tensions in Europe escalated.
Defender of Britain’s Skies
The Battle of Britain in 1940 cemented the Spitfire’s place in legend. While the Hawker Hurricane bore the brunt of the fighting, the Spitfire was instrumental in duels with the Messerschmitt Bf 109, Germany’s top-tier fighter. Its superior speed, rate of climb, and maneuverability made it a favourite among pilots and a feared opponent in the sky.
Did You Know? The Spitfire’s wings were so thin and strong that eight .303 Browning machine guns were housed within—an innovative feature at the time.
Its agility and speed became not only a tactical advantage but also a psychological one, bolstering the morale of Allied forces and the British public alike.
A Versatile and Evolving Design
The Spitfire was never a static design. Instead, it evolved through over 20 major variants, adapting to every phase of the war. As roles shifted, so did the aircraft: from interceptor to photo reconnaissance, from air superiority fighter to carrier-based Seafire.
Did You Know? Some Spitfires were specially equipped with cameras instead of guns and flew unarmed reconnaissance missions, providing vital intelligence over occupied Europe.
Later models even incorporated the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine, pushing the aircraft to greater altitudes and speeds.
The Legacy Lives On
Even decades after the guns fell silent, the Spitfire remains one of the most recognisable and admired aircraft in the world. Dozens of airworthy Spitfires still grace airshows and commemorative events, their distinctive Merlin engine roar still sending chills down the spine of all who hear it.
Did You Know? The name “Spitfire” was suggested by Sir Robert McLean, the then-chairman of Vickers, who reportedly described his spirited daughter as a “little spitfire.”
From wartime hero to timeless icon, the Spitfire continues to represent the innovation, courage, and determination of an era defined by conflict and triumph.
The Supermarine Spitfire’s first flight was more than a test—it was the beginning of a legend. Its combination of engineering brilliance, combat performance, and enduring symbolism has made it one of the most admired aircraft in history. From its role in defending Britain’s skies during World War II to its continued presence at airshows and in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts, the Spitfire is a testament to innovation and bravery.
Celebrate 85 Years Since the Battle of Britain
2025 marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain—a defining moment in British history where the Spitfire played a heroic role. To commemorate this significant milestone, we invite you to explore our exclusive range of Spitfire commemoratives, honouring both the aircraft and the brave pilots who flew them.
VE-DAY 50p Coin
Victory in Europe (VE) Day — 8 May 1945 — marked the official end of the Second World War in Europe. After nearly six devastating years of conflict that had engulfed nations and torn countless families apart, the announcement of Germany’s unconditional surrender was met with an outpouring of relief, joy, and hope.
Now, 80 years on The Royal Mint have revealed their coin commemorating the historic day – featuring the Peace Dove, designed by the late John Mills.
Read on below to explore the story behind the design…
In 1995, to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day, the acclaimed sculptor and designer John Mills was commissioned to create a commemorative coin design for The Royal Mint. His creation was a beautifully simple yet profound image: a dove, wings outstretched, carrying an olive branch.
Mills’ design captured the spirit of 1945 in a single, timeless symbol. It spoke not of conquest, but of healing. Not of division, but of unity. In his own words, Mills aimed to create a piece that would go beyond the battlefield, focusing instead on what came after — the hope, the peace, and the goodwill that victory made possible.
The dove of peace has since become an iconic part of the United Kingdom’s numismatic history, treasured not just for its aesthetic beauty, but for its deep emotional resonance.
In 2025, The Royal Mint breathes new life into John Mills’ legacy for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The design has been carefully remastered, maintaining the heartfelt purity of the original while introducing a powerful addition: the words “IN PEACE GOODWILL” — taken from Winston Churchill’s reflections in his book The Second World War.
These words remind us that peace is not merely the absence of war, but needs mutual goodwill, understanding, and enduring cooperation.
By collecting, gifting, or simply reflecting on the VE Day 80th Anniversary coin featuring John Mills’ iconic design, we connect ourselves to an important mission. We keep alive the dream that one day, the dove’s flight will span a world truly united in peace and goodwill.
The Royal Mint’s tribute for the 80th Anniversary asks us not to forget — that those who fought for peace did not do so in vain, and that their legacy will live on in every future generation.
