VE Day 80 Celebrations with ‘The Not Forgotten’

Throughout the month of May, all proceeds from the sales of our ‘Fish Bites & Chips’ will go to veterans charity The Not Forgotten to help them provide vital support to veterans and service personnel around the country living with injury, illness, or isolation.

We are commemorating 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day, remembering all those that gave their all for our freedom and celebrating the role fish and chips played in the war.

Further to this, on VE Day itself (8^th May), Poppies will be selling ‘Fish Bites & Chips’ at the 1945 price of 13p, or for a donation to The Not Forgotten, with the intention of making Britain’s favourite food accessible to all, just as it was during the war.

Fish & chips keeping morale high

Throughout World War II, fish and chips were one of the only foods not rationed, a decision made by the Government to keep morale high. This sentiment was confirmed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill who described fish and chips as “the good companions”.

It wasn’t just at home, fish and chips also played a vital role on the front line, with British troops identifying allies by shouting out ‘fish’ and awaiting the reply ‘chips’ to confirm the presence of other British soldiers.

We hope this classic British dish will raise spirits and fuel the VE Day celebrations of all those heading to London whilst also raising money that will support veterans across the country. We want all veterans to know they are not forgotten, we truly appreciate their sacrifices and will do whatever we can to ensure their lives are full of community, camaraderie and confidence. 

The anniversary of VE Day is a poignant moment when our nation turns to remembering the sacrifices made by so many individuals and families during the Second World War. It is almost impossible to imagine the joy and relief they must have felt at the announcement of an end to the conflict. This 80th anniversary holds special significance as it represents the ‘handing over of the baton’ between the Second World War generation, of whom just a special few remain, and those who follow. We are thrilled and hugely grateful that Poppies have chosen to support us as part of their commemorations – every penny raised will help fund our vital programme of events and support for injured and isolated veterans. Support that is needed now more than ever, eight decades on.

Col. (Retd.) Richard Walker, OBE | Chief Executive | The Not Forgotten

The details:

• Poppies ‘Fish Bites & Chips’ cost £6 and are available from all four branches of Poppies as a takeaway.
• Throughout May all proceeds from sales will be donated to The Not Forgotten. On the 8 May 2025,
• the cost will be reduced to just 13p as it would have been in 1945.

Links:

The Not Forgotten Website @thenotforgotten