Women's Air Force veteran celebrates 104th birthday on VE Day

A Scottish Women’s Air Force veteran is celebrating her 104th birthday as the UK celebrates VE Day.

On May 8, 1945, at 3pm, Winston Churchill announced World War Two in Europe had come to an end.

VE Day was declared after Britain and its allies formally accepted Nazi Germany’s surrender after almost six years of war.

For Maisie Milne, VE Day was a double celebration as she marked her 24th birthday.

Ms Milne is a Women’s Auxiliary Air Force veteran and was stationed at Upavon RAF base in Wiltshire during the war.

Now, 80 years later, she’s celebrating her 104th birthday at home in Broughty Ferry with family and friends.

Ms Milne recalled the historic day, saying: “The whole camp went mad. There was just dancing and being happy about it.”

She came home after the war and went back to the solicitors’ office where she previously worked.

“After that, I wanted a change so went to a quantity surveyor’s office,” she said.

The war against Japan did not end until August 1945, and the political, social, and economic repercussions of the Second World War were felt long after Germany and Japan surrendered.

The King led the nation in honouring the sacrifices of those who brought peace to Europe 80 years ago, as a service marking VE Day began.

Charles left a floral tribute at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, close to Westminster Abbey’s west door, on behalf of the nation and Commonwealth, during a poignant moment.

A handwritten message from the King, recognising those who fought and died in the Second World War, read: “We will never forget.”

A national two-minute silence was observed before the simple ceremony, and among the congregation were veterans of the conflict who helped to defeat fascism on the continent during a war that lasted almost six years.