Royal Voluntary Service marks VE Day 80 by honouring the heroic women of WWII
Royal Voluntary Service is commemorating VE Day 80 by honouring the extraordinary women who helped the nation during World War II as members of the Women’s Voluntary Services (WVS).
The charity, founded in 1938 by Lady Stella Reading as the Women’s Voluntary Services (WVS), mobilised over one million women across Britain to support people during the war. These pioneers helped shape the wartime volunteering effort by providing emergency rest centres, feeding communities, offering first aid, assisting with the evacuation and billeting of children and supporting in almost every aspect of wartime life.
“As we mark 80 years since VE Day, we remember with immense gratitude not only the bravery shown on the battlefield, but the unwavering strength and spirit of the extraordinary women who kept the country going on the Home Front, particularly the 245 members of WVS who were tragically killed. Their legacy lives on today on as does our commitment to mobilising volunteers to support communities up and down the country."
Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service
Helping to celebrate the enduring legacy of WVS women is Royal Voluntary Service Ambassador, Elaine Paige OBE. Elaine, who has previously honoured the women of WVS in a photo tribute wearing the original volunteering uniform, continues to champion the work of modern-day volunteers in her role with the charity.
Through her support of Royal Voluntary Service, Elaine has seen first-hand the impact volunteers have had on individuals and communities alike.
“Wearing the WVS uniform carries the weight of a generation of women who stepped forward with courage, not knowing what tomorrow would bring. Every time I meet Royal Voluntary Service volunteers today, I see that same quiet strength.
“I’m proud to support a charity that is carrying forward the legacy of the wartime generation, with its modern-day mission rooted in the values that inspired its wartime beginnings.”
Elaine Paige OBE, Ambassador of Royal Voluntary Service
To mark this significant anniversary, Royal Voluntary Service’s local services will be hosting VE Day events, bringing communities together to reflect, remember and celebrate the resilience of the wartime generation.
As part of the commemorations, Royal Voluntary Service is celebrating the often-overlooked contributions and stories of women on the Home Front from our archive materials.
In tribute to wartime volunteers like Margaret and Georgie, Royal Voluntary Service is offering a number of decommissioned WVS uniforms to help the stories live on. The uniforms are available to museums, heritage centres, schools, or other groups in the community, who are looking to share and preserve the legacy of these extraordinary women.
Uniforms are limited and donations will be made at Royal Voluntary Service’s discretion. If you would like register your interest to receive a uniform donation, email heritage@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk before the end of May.
