Ep 19. VE Day Special

Antiques Roadshow UK season 42 episode 19 is a special VE Day episode that showcases historical items linked to the World War II era. The episode begins with an introduction to the theme by the show's presenter Fiona Bruce. It then introduces three expert valuers from the show - Marc Allum, Lisa Lloyd, and Paul Atterbury - who will assess the antiques brought in by the guests.

The guests are a mix of collectors and family members of World War II veterans. They bring in a variety of items such as medals, maps, ration books, photographs, and letters. Each item has a story behind it that relates to the war and VE Day - Victory in Europe Day, which was celebrated on May 8, 1945, to mark the end of World War II in Europe.

The first item that we see is a set of war medals brought in by a veteran's son. The expert valuers assess the medals and share some insights into their significance. They also discuss the rarity of certain medals and how they were awarded. Next, we see a collection of hand-drawn maps brought in by a collector. The maps were used by the British forces during the war, and the experts talk about their historical importance and value.

One of the emotional segments of the show features a family who bring in their grandfather's diary. The diary was written during his time as a prisoner of war and contains details of the harsh conditions that he endured. The experts offer their sympathy and understanding to the family, and they discuss the historical importance of such war diaries.

The show also features a segment on propaganda posters that were used during the war to motivate and encourage people. The posters were brought in by a collector who discusses the unique style of each poster and the message they conveyed. The experts talk about the impact of the posters on the morale of the citizens and the soldiers during the war.

Another interesting item that we see is a gas mask brought in by a family whose grandfather was a bomb disposal officer during the war. The experts explain the significance of gas masks during the war and how they were used to protect the citizens. They also talk about the rarity of certain types of gas masks and their value to collectors.

The final item that we see is a letter brought in by a woman whose father was a soldier during the war. The letter was written by her father on the day that he learned that the war had ended. The emotional impact of the letter is evident, and the experts offer their condolences and understanding to the woman.

Overall, the VE Day special episode of Antiques Roadshow UK season 42 episode 19 is a poignant tribute to the World War II era. The various items showcased in the episode offer a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers and citizens of that time. The expert valuers offer their insights and knowledge on the historical significance and value of each item, making this an informative and engaging episode for anyone interested in history and antiques.