9 May 2025
More than 1000 service personnel, including members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) marched through London to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking the end of World War 2 in Europe.
The contingent of eight ADF personnel, comprised of both regulars and reservists from the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force, marched through London as part of a procession of more than 1300 members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces.
Among them was Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Anthony Clarke, currently serving on exchange at the British Army’s School of Military Engineering.
“It is an absolute privilege to be here today to participate in the VE 80 march in London, with this being my way of showing respect for the sacrifices of Australian and Allied forces during the war … it gives me a great sense of pride,” WO2 Clarke said.
Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of London to watch the historic march. The procession was reviewed by His Majesty King Charles III alongside a number of WW2 veterans, and included a fly past by the Royal Air Force including historic aircraft from their ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’.
VE Day is observed every year on May 8 and marks the formal acceptance by Allied forces of nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender in 1945.
Between 1939 and 1945, almost one million Australians served during WW2 across many theatres, including Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean, Atlantic and also in bombing campaigns over occupied Europe.
The Head of Australian Defence Staff in London, Air Commodore Matt Harper, said about 10,000 Australians were killed in action throughout Europe during the war, with another 10,000 or so wounded and about 8000 taken as prisoners of war.
“Being a part of today’s commemorations through London demonstrates the deep commitment and connections between our two countries – it’s a solemn reminder of the immense sacrifice paid by so many to ensure we live with freedom and democracy, things many of us take for granted,” Air Commodore Harper said.
