British Army's youngest recruits mark VE Day 80 with help from Band of Brothers
While most of the nation paused briefly to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, the commemoration was folded into daily life for the British Army's youngest recruits.
Between early-morning drills and late-night study, phase one trainees were given a short, meaningful pause in their packed schedules to reflect on the significance of Victory in Europe Day – a moment that marked the end of the Second World War in Europe in May 1945.
As part of the commemorations, the college observed the national two-minute silence, followed by a themed lunch that helped bring history to life.
On the menu: a full World War Two-style spread prepared by chefs, evoking the rations and dishes of the 1940s.
"Although it's been a small affair, it's to commemorate the soldiers that we lost and to celebrate the victory over Germany during the Second World War," said Junior Soldier Arun Thompson, who will be joining the 2nd Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment.
His sentiments were matched by those of Junior Sergeant Ewan Hill, who's heading into the Grenadier Guards.
"It's a shame that not a lot of people today are able to celebrate with us who were actually there on VE Day in 1945," the Junior Sergeant said.
The Army Foundation College is where junior soldiers, some as young as 16, begin their military careers.
Yet while the pressures of a busy training programme often provide little let-up, permanent staff were determined to ensure the recruits could still take part in this national moment of reflection.
"It's nice to be able to take part in the things that the rest of the nation would, and the Field Army too; it's nice to be able to do that here," added Private Lillie Kershaw, joining the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.
For many of these young soldiers, understanding the scale and human cost of the Second World War means more than textbooks and ceremonies.
All junior soldiers at the college spend part of their training studying conflict, with some even travelling to Normandy on a battlefield tour to see the historic sites for themselves.
But others turned to television to deepen their awareness, citing the acclaimed miniseries Band of Brothers as a powerful resource.
"We went to Leeds Armouries and did a presentation on all we'd learned," said Pte Kershaw, adding, "and we watched Band of Brothers as well. It was a good insight into what life in the war was like."
As well as the lunch and the observing of the national two-minute silence, some of the recruits are set to participate in a small service at a monument to Harrogate's war dead, while others will attend a church service on Thursday evening.
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