VE Day 75th anniversary

Friday 8 May marks the 75th anniversary of the Victory in Europe. It’s an important day for Queen Victoria Hospital which played a key part in the pioneering surgery and rehabilitation of many wounded WWII airmen under the guidance of surgeon Archibald McIndoe.

Back then we celebrated the news that 3.8 million British servicemen and 400,000 British servicewomen could begin to return to their homes and families.

This time the commemorations are different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Queen Victoria Hospital has been nominated to take part in a special Spitfire fly past on Friday 8 May, at approximately 1.02pm (subject to flexibility either side of that time depending on weather conditions), organised by the Daily Mail. Whilst this will be an incredible sight to see we are asking that people please do not come to the hospital to watch. We must adhere to the Government’s social distancing rules and protect our patients and staff. Anyone who does approach the hospital grounds to watch will be politely asked to leave.

We have introduced a series of measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 on our hospital site. Although Friday is a Bank holiday, we are still very much open and looking after patients.

Please do enjoy the spectacle of the Spitfire from your own garden or street if you are able to. And join us in remembering all of the men and women who lost their lives in WWII.