All articles tagged with #world war two
Ruth Bourne, a Jewish WWII codebreaker at Bletchley Park who helped decode the Enigma cipher and was awarded France's Legion of Honour, has died at 99. She contributed significantly to the Allied war effort and spent her later years sharing her experiences through volunteering and education.
Eighty years after VJ Day, UK leaders and veterans commemorated the end of WWII with a solemn ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum, including tributes, flypasts, and reflections on the cost of freedom, while similar events took place globally, highlighting the enduring significance of remembrance.
The last six surviving D-Day veterans participated in a poignant Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph in London, marking the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings. Among them was 101-year-old Joe Randall, who helped build airfields during the invasion. The event, attended by former prime ministers and current political leaders, highlighted the passage of time and the enduring significance of remembrance. The ceremony also included bereaved children of armed forces personnel, emphasizing the ongoing impact of military service on families.
Normandy is celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day with surviving veterans as the star attraction. The event honors the 150,000 Allied soldiers who landed in Nazi-occupied France on June 6, 1944, and changed the course of history. The ceremonies also reflect on current European conflicts, particularly Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the enduring importance of freedom and resistance.
President Biden visited a World War Two memorial in Pennsylvania to honor his uncle, who was shot down during the war. He criticized former President Trump for calling veterans "suckers" and "losers," and shared a family tradition of saying three Hail Marys at a gravesite. When asked about separate bills for Ukraine and Israel aid, Biden said he would be briefed on it before departing on Air Force One.
The 'Ghost Army' veterans, a secretive US Army unit, were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal 80 years after their special effects efforts saved lives during World War Two. The group's creative contributions to the war were highlighted, as surviving veterans and their families shared their stories.
Thousands of people in Plymouth have returned home after a World War Two bomb, weighing 500kg, was detonated following a large-scale evacuation. The unexploded bomb was discovered in a garden, prompting one of the largest UK peacetime evacuation operations. Residents expressed relief at the conclusion of the situation, with some highlighting the challenges and inconveniences faced during the evacuation. The bomb disposal operation involved transporting the device through a densely populated residential area to the sea for detonation, affecting over 10,000 people and 1,219 properties. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps commended the personnel involved in the operation and thanked the public for their patience and cooperation.
Archivists at The Box in Plymouth believe they have determined the date a World War Two bomb found in Keyham was dropped, pinpointing it to 22 or 23 April, 1941 based on "bomb maps" from the war. The 500kg (1,102lb) bomb led to the evacuation of over 1,200 properties and approximately 3,250 people in the area, with Plymouth Life Centre serving as an emergency rest area. Despite advisories, a "minimal" number of residents have chosen to stay in their homes, prompting ongoing conversations to ensure their safety.
Yoko Ono's childhood experiences during World War Two, including hunger and the power of imagination, heavily influenced her conceptual art. Her son, Sean Ono Lennon, discusses her artistic origins and collaborations with John Lennon. Ono's work, currently showcased at London's Tate Modern, invites viewers to engage in various activities and imagine a world through her eyes. Her influence on Lennon and their joint advocacy for world peace are also highlighted.
A World War Two bomb was safely detonated off the coast of Denmark after being discovered during a routine survey of the seabed. The bomb was successfully neutralized by experts, ensuring the safety of the surrounding coastal area.
A beatification Mass service has been held in Poland for the Ulma family, who were executed by Nazis in 1944 for hiding Jews during World War Two. This is the first time an entire family has been beatified, a step towards sainthood. The family, motivated by their Christian values, hid eight Jews in their farmhouse in Markowa. They were betrayed and shot by German gendarmes, along with the Jews they sheltered. The outdoor Mass was attended by Poland's president and over 30,000 pilgrims, and was led by Pope Francis' envoy. The beatification is seen as a recognition of the family's sacrifice and a reminder of the historical truth of Polish suffering and aid during the war.
The tiny Pacific island of Nauru has declared a state of disaster as Australian army sappers attempt to defuse a 500-pound World War Two-era bomb. Schools and workplaces will be closed, and residents within a 2 km radius of the bomb will be evacuated. Nauru's acting president has expressed concern for the safety of the island's population and vital infrastructure. The bomb was discovered during construction work, and while the risk of unintended detonation is low, precautions are being taken to protect residents and property.
Léon Gautier, the last surviving member of a French commando unit that participated in the D-Day landings during World War Two, has passed away at the age of 100. Gautier was among a small group of French nationals who took part in the historic invasion of Normandy in 1944. He later became a campaigner for peace and reflected on the devastating consequences of war.
Mimosa, a boat that was involved in Operation Dynamo during World War Two, had to be rescued by Cromer RNLI after its propeller got caught on a fishing buoy off the coast from Cromer. The lifeboat was able to free the boat from the line and escort it to Wells Harbour.
Mimosa, a boat that was involved in Operation Dynamo during World War Two, had to be rescued by Cromer RNLI after its propeller got caught on a fishing buoy off the coast from Cromer. The lifeboat was able to free the boat from the line and escort it to Wells Harbour.