04-05-2025
Partially sighted and blind North East veterans have VE day memories brought to life
A North East veteran has become one of 13 partially sighted former servicemen and women to have their VE Day memories brought to life as the country marks 80 years since the end of WW2.
Charity Blind Veterans UK has released the illustrations, stories and photographs as part of its After the Darkness campaign, which looks to recognise their service and raise funds for war heroes living with sight loss.
Among the veterans' memories of VE Day were humorous drunken tales — including a commander in a dinghy and a sailor stripping off on a crane — alongside more poignant stories, such as a fatal flight after the war ended.
Ken Smith, from Houghton Le Spring, who was drafted to Aberdeen just before Churchill announced the end of the war. (Image: Collect/Blind Veterans UK/PA Wire) One of the members included is Kenneth Smith, 98, of Houghton-le-Spring near Sunderland, who was a young Royal Navy stoker when the war ended.
Ken was drafted to Aberdeen and remembered that everyone was so 'merry and happy – they were celebrating in the streets'.
Mr Smith recalled hanging out of a window and waving a flag, probably with a drink in his hand.
The next day, he was sent off to board a ship, taking newly liberated prisoners of war home to their families, and he recalled some 'terrible sights'.
Ken Smith, from HOughton Le Spring, who was drafted to Aberdeen just before Churchill announced the end of the war. (Image: Richard Cannon/Blind Veterans UK/PA Wire) Mr Smith said: 'My worst experience was seeing the poor state those poor devils were in. How people can be so cruel in this world, I do not know.'
He added: 'On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, I'll be thinking of my old mates who are no longer hanging about – the people I had trust in and who trusted me.'
Ken's VE memories brought to life. (Image: Martin Impey/Blind Veterans UK/PA Wire) Another veteran to share his story was Arthur Harkness, 98, of Whitley Bay in Tyne and Wear.
Arthur started training in the Royal Army Service Corps days before VE Day and remembered celebrating in Sheffield, where he first met Nancy, his wife of 71 years.
Mr Harkness said: 'It was just a chance meeting, but that's when it all started.'
He added: 'I'll be thinking about her this VE Day.'
98-year-old Arthur Harkness, from Whitley Bay. (Image: Richard Cannon/Blind Veterans UK/PA Wire) Matt McKinnon-Pattison, 100, from Penrith in Cumbria, said he was behind enemy lines in the mountains of northern Italy when the war ended.
He said: 'These things you didn't get told. It came through in drips and drabs, one way or another. Somebody would have a radio set and pick up a bit of news and then it would be passed down to you.
'There was no Army Colonel calling us all together and telling us, 'The war is now over'. That didn't happen.'
The VE day memory of 98-year-old Arthur Harkness, from Whitley Bay. (Image: Martin Impey/Blind Veterans UK/PA Wire) He later joined the SAS, and his regiment was given an order to find Benito Mussolini and take him to a British base, but the Italian dictator had been killed before they got to him.
The watercolour illustrations were created by Martin Impey, known for his artwork interpreting one of Wilfred Owen's war poems, who said he 'jumped at the chance' to get involved.
He went on: 'It's so important that we commemorate this moment as one of the last times as a nation that we can show love, respect, and appreciation to a generation who gave so much for us all. It was an honour to connect with these heroes and to illustrate their memories of VE Day.'
Claire Rowcliffe, director of engagement at Blind Veterans UK, said: 'As darkness descends and veterans find themselves losing their independence, they can often feel isolated, helpless, and unable to cope.
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'Luckily, our charity is here to help them regain their confidence and independence so they can live the fulfilled, meaningful lives they so deserve.
'Each story is unique and not necessarily what one would expect. Yes, there was joy, jubilation, and partying in the streets, but there was also mourning for those who had been lost, quickly changing societal roles, and fear of the dreaded war in the Pacific.'
The thirteen veterans' stories, illustrations, and portraits are featured in a special exhibition at The Cartoon Museum in London, which runs until June 29.
