As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day—the moment the Allies accepted Germany’s unconditional surrender, bringing World War II in Europe to an end —we reflect on Henry Poole’s contributions during one of history’s most turbulent periods.
The West End of London suffered widespread destruction during the Blitz, with Savile Row sustaining considerable damage. Oil-filled incendiary bombs falling on the roof resulted in the fire brigade pumping thousands of gallons of water onto Henry Poole & Co’s premises, resulting in considerable secondary damage, notably to the firm’s historic ledgers, most of which survived with varying degrees of water damage.
Yet despite the constant threat work never ceased as the firm produced uniforms for all three branches of the Armed Services, as well as for senior figures in the French and Polish resistance movements. The photo on the left captures our tailors hard at work during wartime. If you look closely, in the top bench, middle right, a tailor is meticulously sewing the rank lace of a commander to the cuffs of a naval reefer; below and to the left, another is working on an RAF tunic.
We are proud to have served numerous political figures during this pivotal era, including the man who led Britain into the war, Neville Chamberlain, and the one who saw it through to victory, Sir Winston Churchill. Another notable client was Charles de Gaulle, he led the Free French forces in resisting German occupation and became provisional president of France in the immediate aftermath of the war. Despite a famously strained relationship, the two statesmen shared a rare agreement in their choice of tailor: Henry Poole & Co.
As we remember VE Day and the lives lost and changed by war, we are reminded of the many forms service can take. At Henry Poole & Co., our contribution may not have been on the front lines, but it was no less heartfelt. We stitched into our garments the dignity, confidence, and courage required by those facing unimaginable challenges. Whether for a soldier heading to the front, an officer preparing for a state function, or a statesman navigating the uncertain future of a war-torn world, our tailoring served as a symbol of continuity and pride.
Eighty years on, we remain humbled to have played even a small part in that shared history—and we honour the memory of those times with deep respect and reflection.
How to donate:
If you would like to make a donation, please follow the link below to The Royal British Legion, which supports members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, as well as veterans and their families.
