West Lothian war veteran says 'too much happened' to celebrate VE day
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A West Lothian war veteran says that 'too much happened' during the Second World War for him to celebrate Victory in Europe day.
Hector McDonald, 99, is set to travel to London for the BBC's commemorative VE day 90 concert on Thursday. He served in the Royal Navy from October 1943 until September 1946, and braved the Atlantic Ocean.
Hector, from Livingston, said that VE day is a chance to remember the 'horror of war' - though he doesn't consider it a celebration. He added: "I'll never forget the day the war ended, there was such relief. We'd been through so much, and suddenly there was hope again."
Hector is visually impaired because of macular degeneration, and has found support through Sight Scotland veterans. He said the group 'is like a second family' to him'.
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Looking back on his time in the Royal Navy, he explained: "I was 18, and after just six weeks of training, I was sent to sea.
"I served from 1943 to 1946, taking part in the Arctic Convoys and then served in the Pacific, including in the Philippines and Japan. When victory in Europe was declared, we were given two bottles of beer, but the war wasn't over for us. We still had to fight on in the Pacific.
"We were just north of Tokyo when we heard the Japanese had surrendered. I attended victory parades in Sydney and Melbourne."
(Image: Sight Scotland)
Speaking on VE day, which is on May 8, he added: "It is hard to believe its 80 years ago since the war ended. VE day is a day to remember what happened and is a reminder to us all about the horror of war, but it is not a celebration.
"Too much happened to celebrate. I'll never forget the day the war ended, there was such relief. We'd been through so much, and suddenly there was hope again."
Hector will celebrate his 100th birthday in September, and is kicking off the celebrations early with his trip to London. He added: "I can't believe I'm getting this opportunity.
"When I heard about the offer, I was apprehensive at first, as I wasn't sure if I could manage the trip at my age.
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"But Sight Scotland Veterans have helped arrange everything with the BBC. I never imagined at my age I'd be heading to London for something like this. I'm incredibly excited and so thankful to everyone who's made this happen.
"Sight Scotland Veterans have been such a great support. They do so much for all of us, making sure we are not left feeling isolated at home. I love going to the Linburn Centre, it's like a second family to me, I go every Monday and Friday, and I really wouldn't miss it.
"Since I lost my sight, the support I've had from Sight Scotland Veterans really has been incredible. They've helped me stay active and connected and I've made some wonderful friends. I feel so privileged to have a place like the Linburn Centre to come to each week."
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