This project formed part of the VE and VJ Day 80 commemorations
English (UK)In partnership with Imperial War Museums, Letters to Loved Ones invited people to get involved with the 80th anniversary commemorations of VE and VJ Days in 2025.
Over 450 letters, postcards and photographs were shared by relatives of the VE and VJ Day generations, along with stories about their relatives’ role in the Second World War.
During the Second World War, letter writing helped to ease the pain of separation between soldiers and other displaced people, and their loved ones.
Receiving letters from family and friends was also vital for morale, keeping men and women connected to the homes they had left behind.
Letters written to family and friends are today a fascinating source of information about everyday life in wartime Britain.
Letters contributed to the project were the basis for a one-of-a-kind multimedia performance at IWM North that brought the personal stories of those who lived through the war to life and explored our understanding of the war today.
Inspired by the letters, DCMS hosted an immersive experience at Outernet’s Now Trending media space in London. A short film brought to life six real-life stories of those who served in the Far East during the Second World War. A version ran on Piccadilly Lights at 12:30pm on VJ Day.
The real handwriting, personal reflections and hopeful sentiments shared with loved ones more than 80 years ago were showcased and narrated by ancestors of those featured in the film. Their heartfelt words remain relevant today, reminding us of our shared humanity.
Watch Brian speak about his father, John’s wartime experience in the Navy
Listen to Anna speak about her grandmother’s letter reflecting upon the British celebrations that took place on VJ Day, 1945.
