When planning commenced for Scots in London to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, there was a clear intention that however the eventual commemorations would crystalise, they should be more than nostalgia. Certainly, there should be an honouring of, and thanksgiving for, a remarkable generation and the legacies of that time – three events, meeting in the former Drill Hall of the London Scottish Regiment, in proximity to their World War II memorial, was eloquent of that. But could there also be a search for lessons or insights to help us navigate our own troubling times?
Hence, in the week of the anniversary, Scots in London began with a panel discussion event: “VE Day: Then and Now? What do we remember and what do we need to learn?” Chaired by BBC’s diplomatic correspondent, James Landale, the panel comprised of politician, Sir Malcom Rifkind, social historian, Professor Lucy Noakes and Kirk minister and theologian, Professor David Fergusson, ranged over the experience/significance of the original VE Day (8th May 1945) and examined whether it might illuminate today’s circumstances.
Our VE80 panellists (left to right James Landale, Professor Lucy Moakes, Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Professor David Fergusson with Revd Angus MacLeod)
On the 8th May anniversary itself, the London Scottish Regimental Association hosted an evening reception. The Pipes & Drums gave a Beating of Retreat and there was an act of commemoration at the World War II regimental memorial. Designed by architect Oliver Hill, a protege of Lutyens, and himself a Great War vetern with the London Scottish, the memorial is constructed of Italian marble, to reflect the regimental service in the Italian Campaign, where the majority of casualties occurred. There are 382 names carved on the memorial. A further 144 names are in the memorial book, listing those who initially served as London Scottish, but when commissioned/posted elsewhere, died wearing a different cap badge. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Honorary Colonel, unveiled the memorial on 1st December 1952, while the minister (Revd Dr Scott), and choir of St Columba’s led the service of dedication.
Two days later,the same venue hosted the inaugural Peace in Europe Conference, with a full programme of speakers discussing a wide variety of histories - military, civilian, social and personal.
Edmund O'Sullivan, Chair of the newly formed Second World War Association and Conference organiser
These commemorations concluded with an Anniversary Service at St Columba’s on Sunday 11th May. In glorious sunshine the Pipes & Drums played on the entrance steps to welcome worshippers. We were honoured by the attendance of the Lord & Lady Mayor of London, and diplomatic representatives from Australia, Canada, Republic of Croatia, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Malawi, South Africa. The church was enhanced by two art installations created by pupils of Hill House International Junior School on the themes of “Friendship” and “Boats” – their tribute to the Royal Navy and the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS).
Those attending service received a copy of the Scots in London VE Day Anniversary publication, edited by St Columba’s members, Hugh Pym and Malcolm Noble and Jenny Rowland (Scots in London). The Lower Hall was full for lunch, serendaded by piano tunes of the era from Director of Music, Ben Lewis-Smith. The day concluded with an afternoon talk and readings, from actor David Robb and the minister, on the wartime chaplaincy of Fraser McLuskey, serving with the SAS behind the lines in France 1944. Very happily, Fraser’s eldest son, Revd Andrew McLuskey was in attendance, with family members. Of his father he concluded – “a fine minster, a fine man and a fine father”, while also paying tribute to his German mother who raised the family in wartime Britain, while Fraser was deployed.
Revd Andrew McLuskey holds a portrait of his father, the ‘parachute padre’ of WWII. With left to right Dr Andrew
Sleeman, Leading Cadet of the Australian Air Force Cadets, actor David Robb and Revd Angus MacLeod
And so a busy week of varied events came to a close – illustrating how much can be achieved by
collaborating with others. St Columba’s played a significant part in that offering, fulfilling one of the primary aims of Scots in London – “to enhance the life of the city where we reside.”