VE Day 80: Serving personnel reflect on family legacies forged in Second World War

As the UK marks VE Day 80, three service personnel reflect on the relatives who fought in the Second World War – and how their stories continue to resonate across generations.

In this special montage, Lieutenant Ben Streeter (Royal Navy), Lance Corporal Ian Burns (British Army Band, Tidworth), and Signaller Joseph Bevan (16 Signal Regiment) pay tribute to the men in their families who served, survived, and suffered deep losses during the war.

Each recalls the impact those stories had on their own choice to join the military – and how remembering them brings a sense of continuity to their role today.

• Queen felt VE Day 1945 was 'one of the most memorable nights' of her life
• Why VE Day 80 is far more than just another date in the commemorative calendar
• A splendid occasion: Veterans describe how it felt to celebrate VE Day in 1945