The night sky across the South lit up by beacons to mark VE Day 80

Friday, 9 May 2025 06:00

Beacons were lit across the South last night as ceremonies marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Chichester Cathedral hosted a special Evensong followed by 45-minutes of bell ringing.

Events took place in Portsmouth, West Wittering, Brighton and everywhere else in between and paid homage to those who served and sacrificed themselves during World War II.

In Selsey, there was a service on East Beach Green hundreds of people turned up to watch a sail past of RNLI Lifeboats and fishermen.

During World War II, the coastal town of Selsey played a vital role in Britain’s war effort, with local RNLI crews and fishermen quietly making significant contributions both at home and abroad.

The Selsey RNLI lifeboat station was especially active during the conflict, launching 50 times to assist with wartime rescues. Many missions involved saving airmen who had crashed into the sea during the Battle of Britain. One of the most notable rescues occurred on 11 July 1940, when the crew pulled Squadron Leader J.R.A. Peel from the water just hours after his Hurricane fighter was downed. Thanks to their quick actions, he was able to return to combat the same day.

Selsey’s importance extended beyond rescue efforts. In the lead-up to D-Day, the town became a secret launch point for components of the Mulberry Harbours—ingenious portable structures used to support Allied landings in Normandy. Local knowledge and discretion were essential as these massive harbor parts were assembled and quietly deployed from Selsey in June 1944.

Fishermen from the town, though restricted from their usual fishing grounds due to wartime controls, played a key part in these operations. Their understanding of the local seas helped ensure the safe movement and positioning of crucial equipment.

Today, Selsey continues to honour its wartime legacy. Events such as the VE Day 80 commemorations bring together the RNLI, coastguard, and descendants of local fishermen to pay tribute to those who served both at sea and on the home front.

Ashley Pledger from Selsey Coastguard speaking at the ceremony.

There were similar scenes in Bognor last night, here's the town's beacon lit up as others did across the country.

The night sky across the South lit up by beacons to mark VE Day 80

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