Research reveals poor public understanding of VE Day

07 May 2025

6 in 10 Gen Z have never heard of VE Day, according to new research from SSAFA ahead of VE Day 80.

• 3 in 10 UK residents have never heard of VE Day; awareness declines significantly among younger generations
• Even fewer know what it commemorates, with just under half of the population knowing it marks Victory in Europe in World War Two – just over 1 in 10 mistake it as a World War One event
• SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is calling for the British public to support veterans on VE Day 80, to show them they never battle alone

New research commissioned by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, shows that while most have heard of VE Day, the majority of people surveyed  in the UK don’t know what VE Day represents (51%). 

The research, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of SSAFA, comes as millions prepare to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, attending celebrations and commemorative events. SSAFA’s research unveils that despite a lack of understanding of what VE Day represents, approximately 20 million people in Britain will attend some form of VE Day event. 

Indeed, while fewer than half (48%) of Greater London residents surveyed have heard of VE Day – making it the UK region with the lowest awareness of the event – it is also home to the highest percentage of people planning to celebrate, with more than half (55% ) of Greater Londoners set to attend a celebration. 

This trend is also reflected generationally, with Gen Z and Millennials being the most likely to celebrate (42%, 53% respectively). Meanwhile, just 30% of Generation X, and a quarter of Baby Boomers and Silent Generation, have plans to celebrate. Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation intend to take a more contemplative approach, saying that while they do not plan to attend or host a celebration, they will reflect privately on the day (27%, 31%, respectively).

SSAFA conducted a similar survey for VE Day 70, which showed that 54% of 18-25-year-olds knew what VE Day marked in 2015. These latest results suggest a significant, continued decline in awareness amongst younger age groups.

Sir Simon Bollom, National Chair at SSAFA, commented: “World War Two saw a period of unending sacrifice across the Armed Forces in the pursuit of the freedom we maintain today. Their sacrifice was a success, but it was not without significant loss and lasting impacts. We want the last World War Two veterans to know that their sacrifice is recognised, and that we will not forget it. 

“It is heartening to see that the majority of people across the UK stand with the Armed Forces family as we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. But this research also indicates that we must work collectively, as a society, to address declining awareness of their sacrifices amongst younger generations.”

The research unearthed additional insights, including that while 7 in 10 (71%) know Winston Churchill was the British Prime Minister who declared victory on VE Day, only 40% of Generation Z knew the fact. A quarter (26%) of Generation Z said they weren’t sure, with Rishi Sunak and Tony Blair taking second and third place next to Winston Churchill of named Prime Ministers amongst the youngest generation of respondents. 

Regionally, Yorkshire and the Humber shows the strongest understanding of what VE Day is (55%), but people in Norwich have the highest awareness across the UK – with 9 in 10 (87%) having heard of the day.