'I met my husband on train home from VE Day party 1945 - it was love at first sight'
Rita Harvey, 97, bumped into beloved husband Ken on the train home from VE celebrations in London on May 8, 1945 and said: "It was love at first sight - we were devoted to each other"
A pensioner has shared the heartwarming story of meeting her husband on VE Day 1945, saying it was 'love at first sight'.
Rita Harvey, 97, said it was love at first sight when she bumped into soldier Ken on a train after a day of celebrating in London on May 8, 1945. Recalling that special moment, Rita told the Mirror: "[I] went to back to Waterloo [station] to get the train home, and the carriages were packed. Then, this lovely young man offered me his seat. That lovely young man was Ken, and it was love at first sight. We hit it off and he asked if we could exchange addresses and stay in touch. It was the start of a wonderful relationship and we were devoted to each other.'
The couple married in East Molesey, Surrey, in 1951 and lived happily together until Ken died in 1993. Rita, who has dementia and lives at Royal Star and Garter, a care home for veterans and their partners in Surbiton, Surrey, shared her story as the nation celebrates the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany surrendering.
It meant an end to nearly six years of a war that had cost the lives of millions, destroying families, homes and cities. The nation rejoiced in the news and marked the occasion with street parties, dancing and singing. Rita had spent the day partying in the capital with her best pal before locking eyes with Ken on the journey home.
She said: 'I wanted to go up to London to join in the VE Day celebrations, but I wanted some company so I asked a very good friend if she wanted to join me. I wanted to see what was happening. We were drinking champagne and dancing in central London, and we had a wonderful day."
Ken served in the Army which allowed Rita to join Royal Star and Garter as a resident. The organisation offers nursing and dementia care at homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe and Worthing.
On Thursday, residents will join the King, Queen and other members of the Royal family for service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey to mark the anniversary. PM Keir Starmer is also expected to attend the service, which will be broadcast live on BBC One.
On May 9, 1945, some 25,000 people packed out Westminster Abbey for hourly services throughout the day, to give thanks for Allied victory in Europe. Exactly 80 years later, there will be just over 1,000 worshippers, including more than 70 World War Two veterans.
A military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace took place on Bank Holiday Monday, with the Royal Family taking to the balcony. It featured a display of pageantry by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, showcasing ceremonial traditions of the British Armed Forces.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
6 hours ago
- The Independent
Second World War bomber returns home for 80th anniversary
A Second World War bomber has returned to its birthplace 80 years after it was built. The Avro Lancaster performed flypasts over Broughton, North Wales, alongside Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane fighters before landing at the Airbus wing building factory on Friday evening. The aircraft was built in May 1945 during the Broughton site's early years as a shadow factory for manufacturing bombers. The Lancaster PA474, which is owned and operated by the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, was the star of the recent VE Day celebrations, leading the ceremonial flypast over London. The Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, said: 'Our flying season so far this year has been memorable with the VE Day celebrations, but this is one of the highlights of the year in a visit that takes our incredible aircraft back to her birthplace.'
North Wales Live
6 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Thousands join celebrations to mark Bangor's 1,500th anniversary
Bangor city centre was a sea of flags and cheers as thousands of residents and visitors lined the streets to witness a grand military parade. It was a highlight of the city's 1,500th anniversary celebrations. The event gathered service personnel, veterans, cadets, and community groups, showcasing a vibrant display of civic pride and heritage. Led proudly by Shenkin IV, the iconic goat mascot of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh, the parade showcased an impressive array of regimental units. Guest of honour was Betty Roberts, aged 101, who played a vital role in the RAF communications in WWII. Others in Thursday's parade included troops from The Royal Welsh, the Welsh Guards, RAF Valley, and 106 Squadron medical reservists. They were joined by the renowned British Army Band from Catterick, who gave a rousing performance as the parade marched through the streets of Bangor. Veterans and more than 100 cadets, some travelling from as far as Birkenhead and South Shropshire, participated in the impressive procession, demonstrating the broad support for the city's historic milestone. Dr Martin Hanks, Bangor City Director, expressed his gratitude to the community: 'We were thrilled to see such an incredible turnout for the military parade. It was a powerful reminder of Bangor's enduring spirit and the pride we all share in our city's remarkable history. "Thank you to everyone who came out to support this event. This is just one of many events planned throughout 2025 to mark our 1,500th anniversary. "We encourage everyone to join us in the coming months as we continue to celebrate Bangor's rich heritage and vibrant community.' The parade is part of a year-long programme of events organised by Bangor City Council in collaboration with local organisations, schools, and community groups. Betty Roberts, who celebrated her 101st birthday this month, represents a living link to the city's wartime past. Enlisting in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) in 1943, Betty served as a teleprinter operator at RAF Blackbrook during the Second World War, where she played a vital role in the RAF's communications network. After the war, she married High-Speed Telegraphist Joe Roberts and settled in Bangor, where she has remained a cherished member of the community ever since. Betty recently reflected on VE Day and her wartime service, saying: 'I never imagined the messages I typed would have such importance. We were just doing our duty.' Her quiet bravery and long-standing ties to Bangor made her the perfect guest of honour. * Other events to mark Bangor's 1,500th anniversary this year will include the Bangor Summer Festival, History Festival, artistic performances, and a spectacular firework display, all designed to honour the city's past, present and future.
Leader Live
8 hours ago
- Leader Live
Second World War bomber returns home for 80th anniversary
The Avro Lancaster performed flypasts over Broughton, North Wales, alongside Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane fighters before landing at the Airbus wing building factory on Friday evening. The aircraft was built in May 1945 during the Broughton site's early years as a shadow factory for manufacturing bombers. The Lancaster PA474, which is owned and operated by the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, was the star of the recent VE Day celebrations, leading the ceremonial flypast over London. The Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, said: 'Our flying season so far this year has been memorable with the VE Day celebrations, but this is one of the highlights of the year in a visit that takes our incredible aircraft back to her birthplace.'
