FALKLAND ISLANDS LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY PUBLIC STATEMENT
08 May 2025
Marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day Today, on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands joins people across the world in remembering and honouring those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War.
VE Day marks the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender on 8 May 1945, bringing an end to nearly six years of conflict in Europe. It is a day that stands as a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and the resilience of free peoples in the face of tyranny.
The people of the Falkland Islands are proud of our community’s contributions to the Allied war effort.
On 3 September 1939, Governor Sir Herbert Henniker-Heaton issued the mobilisation order for all members of the Falkland Islands Defence Force (FIDF), who responded with a total strength of 8 officers and 267 other ranks, formed into units of Coastal Artillery, Infantry, and Mounted Infantry.
In 1942, the Islands were further reinforced by the 11th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s Own) and the 359th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery, Royal Artillery. The FIDF worked closely with the West Yorkshire Regiment until their replacement by the Royal Scots and 132 Force in 1944. These partnerships were key in safeguarding the Islands during a time of global uncertainty. From a population of then just over 2,300 people, 150 men and women joined uniformed services, medical services, and supported the war effort in other capacities. The Falkland Islands Government also funded the purchase of ten Spitfires, with a further aircraft purchased by community fundraising, – these Spitfires all proudly bore the Falkland Islands name.
This morning, in a gesture of remembrance and recognition, MLA Gavin Short, Commanding Officer of the FIDF Dan Biggs, and Second in Command Trevor Law visited Mr William May—one of the last surviving FIDF members who served in the Falklands during the Second World War.
He was presented with plaques from both the Falkland Islands Government and the FIDF in thanks for his service and lasting contribution. We remain deeply grateful to all those who served, both on the front lines and at home. We especially honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of freedom and peace.
Eighty years on, we continue to value and uphold the principles that were fought for during the Second World War—democracy, self-determination, human rights, and the rule of law. These principles remain at the heart of our society and our identity.
Office of the Legislative Assembly Gilbert House On this solemn anniversary, we encourage everyone in our community to pause and reflect on the legacy of VE Day, to honour those who came before us, and to recommit ourselves to preserving peace, defending democratic values, and respecting the rights of all people.
Lest we forget. We would also like to remind the public that there will be a VE Day Celebration Event at the Historic Dockyard Museum at 8pm this evening. Entry is free, and there will be 1940s music, a performance from the community choir, and food for sale. At 9:20pm there will be a 2 minutes silence to Honour those who lost their lives in WWII, marked with the saluting gun being fired on Victory Green. A beacon will also be lit at 9:30pm to coincide with beacons lit across the Commonwealth.
Photo: MLA Gavin Short, Chair of the Assembly; Commanding Officer of the FIDF Dan Biggs; and Second in Command Trevor Law with Mr William May.
