On Victory’s Dawn

As Europe remembers VE day, Claire Rice remembers how British Gypsy and Travellers fought to rid Europe of fascists only to have their sacrifices forgotten.

Survivors of the Auschwitz concentration camp walk out of its infamous gates. Gypsy and Traveller servicemen fought bravely to rid Europe of fascism only to have their sacrifices forgotten.

On Victory’s dawn, the bells did ring,

For peace hard-won and war’s cruel sting.

The skies, once choked with ash and flame,

Now whispered home each soldier’s name.

They came from fields, from towns, from roads,

With heavy hearts and silent oaths.

Some bore no flag, no welcome sign,

But still they stood on freedom’s line.

Remember now the quiet pride

Of those who fought and bled and died—

The Romany lads, the Traveller men,

Who vanished into war, and then—

Came back to find no hero’s cheer,

Just silence where there should be tears.

Yet still they marched, heads held up high,

Beneath the same wide, open sky.

Their wagons paused, their wheels stood still,

For honour’s call, they climbed the hill.

Through mud and blood, they faced the fight,

For country, kin, and what was right.

So let this day not pass unknown,

Their sacrifice is carved in stone.

Not just in monuments or lore,

But in the peace we’re living for.

Raise up the names, forgotten long,

Include them in the victor’s song.

Gypsy and Traveller, brave and true,

This day of peace belongs to you.