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Press and Journal
25-04-2025
- General
- Press and Journal
Was your Aberdeen street hit by tragedy in WW2? Our map shows addresses of more than 1,000 victims
'At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember you.' The sombre line from poet Laurence Binyon is inscribed on the grave of Private James Napier – just one of the 2,955 men and women from Aberdeen who died in the Second World War. Almost every corner of the city lost a loved one or a neighbour as the conflict raged. In some cases, such as the Rubislaw Park Road home of Private Napier, there were multiple casualties. Eighty years later, the stories of the ordinary people on the city's roll of honour live on. Like James Napier, of the Gordon Highlanders, who died aged 31 in 1944. The map shows that he wasn't the only toll for the Aberdonian family living at the address. His brother Robert died a year later at the age of 25. There are nearly 3,000 people on Aberdeen's roll of honour, and the address is recorded for less than half – 1,312. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the war – commemorated across the country on Victory in Europe (VE) Day. For the occasion we have created an interactive map paying tribute to Aberdeen men and women who lost their lives as a result of the conflict. That includes nursing sister Christina Margaret Nicolson, of 51 Hilton Street. She died aged 22 on the sinking of SS Ceramic in 1942 – a year after becoming a registered nurse. The ship was on its way from Liverpool to Australia when it came under a torpedo attack in the middle of the Atlantic during a stormy night. Christina was one of 654 people who died. It was the second tragedy to hit the family within years. Her father, James Henry Nicolson, a Master in the Merchant Navy, died at the start of the war in November 1939. From sister to corporal, there are at least 13 women on the Aberdeen roll of honour. Find out the names of the Aberdeen Second World War victims who once lived in your neighbourhood or area by using the map below. Addresses from the list were matched up with map coordinates electronically, but were manually checked and corrected where needed. Additionally, only addresses within the north and north-east of Scotland were kept on the map. David Cameron, Lord Provost of Aberdeen, told us: 'It's as important as ever that we honour and remember the sacrifices made during the Second World War. 'The map provides a sobering view of the impact the war had on Aberdeen, reminding us that we're not immune to the effects of global crisis.' Each month of the war saw casualties among Aberdeen soldiers. But the Battle of France coincided with the biggest spike in deaths with 132 recorded in June 1940. Markedly, 44 of those deaths were recorded between June 10 and 12. A year before the end of the war there was another spike with 128 deaths in September 1944. However, the highest daily death toll for Aberdeen soldiers was recorded on September 21, 1944. All but one of the 25 soldiers were part of the same regiment – the Gordon Highlanders. The regiment stood out with a strong sense of identity, according to Jamie Hyde, curator at the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen. He said: 'I think that applies a lot to the Highland regiments, but the Gordon Highlanders were and, still are, particularly fond of their identity.' That includes the recognisable Gordon tartan and 'pretty iconic' cat badge with a stag. 'Above anything,' he added, 'it is their tenacity and also sometimes their kindness of rescuing German prisoners of war and bringing them back to health.' Almost a fifth of all the people on the roll of honour were under the regiment (18.1%). The most common rank was that of private. But there were 203 unique positions on the Aberdeen roll of honour. Including 71 roles only appearing once on the list such as carpenter or aircraftwoman 2. The Gordon Highlanders Museum strives to ensure the connection with the real life stories of the past. 'A big part of it is being as humanist as possible and retelling the story of ordinary people enduring unbelievable experiences,' Jamie added. 'These were normal people from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and that really resonates with people.' We could not include every Aberdeen roll of honour entry on our map due to missing address information. Nonetheless, each person on the roll of honour has a story worth remembering. So to show the full extent of loss Aberdeen saw in the Second World War, we created a digital memorial garden. 'It is important that as many people acknowledge what 80 years of the Second World War means and reflect on what the war represented,' Jamie added. '80 years wasn't that long ago, it is in living memory. 'I think it is vital to keep it in living memory with the lessons learned from it and the stories of the people who sacrificed themselves for what we have today.' It shows each Aberdeen war victim alphabetically as a poppy – with the size of the flower indicating when they died. Dr Claire Armstrong, chief executive of The Royal British Legion Scotland, urged people to take a moment this VE day to 'remember the fallen'. 'This VE Day roll of honour is the perfect example of respect, reflection and remembrance for the people of Aberdeen who sadly lost their lives during conflict,' she said. If you are looking for a specific soldier, or civilian, search the full table below. The victims came from all walks of life. Our Archives team has collected records of past employees who lost their lives during the Second World War – aged from 23 to 70. Andrew Webster, 70, died on the night Aberdeen faced the most prolonged attack of the war on April 21, 1943. High explosives, phosphorus, and cluster bombs rained across the city with more than 130 devices hitting in a single night. The 70-year-old is said to have helped his neighbours hide safely in the cellar of a house on Stafford Street before it was hit by two incendiaries. But he left the shelter when another explosive fell on the house. Andrew was a commissionaire according to the Aberdeen Journals roll of honour. Some of the men featured above also have a permanent tribute within the Press and Journal offices. Previously, we mapped out thousands of victims from Aberdeen's First World War roll of honour. In pictures: Aberdeen at war seen in colour for the first time I spent a week living on my Aberdeen grandma's wartime rations and recipes: Here's what I learned
The Independent
09-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
VE Day parade to go ahead after councillor suggested it would be ‘elitist'
A military parade will be held to mark VE Day at a council where a senior member suggested such an event would be 'elitist', Sir Ed Davey has announced. Liberal Democrat-led Dacorum Borough Council in Hertfordshire has overturned its decision not to hold an event to mark the end of the Second World War. Commemorations are being held across the country on May 8 to mark the end of the war, including a flypast in London and a service at Westminster Abbey with members of the royal family. While a Dacorum council meeting heard there would not be parade, in a statement released by the council on Wednesday, a spokesperson insisted no events have been cancelled and one will be held. The intention for the event to go ahead was first revealed by Sir Ed, national leader of the Lib Dems, during a local election campaign visit to Gloucester. 'There will be a VE parade, I'm delighted to say,' he said. 'The council wants that. It would be daft not to have one, absolutely daft. 'I'm really looking forward to VE celebrations, the 80th anniversary. 'I think apparently a council officer took a decision without talking to the politicians. 'The politicians are now really clear, the VE parade will go ahead.' Dacorum council cabinet member Caroline Smith-Wright had told a meeting on April 2 that there were no plans for a parade, suggesting such an event would be for the 'elite'. She said: 'We have decided at this point to enable communities to come together and have street parties, and I think… that's for the community, that's for everyone, that encompasses everybody, it doesn't just leave the elite and people to just, kind of, parade. 'This is about normal people celebrating in their communities, sharing food, sitting at a table celebrating, and I think that's a fine way to celebrate VE Day.' She added that the authority had 'done quite a bit of celebrating last year' to mark the council's 50th birthday. The move received significant backlash, with opposition councillors calling for a rethink. Conservative councillor Graeme Elliot said: 'I'm very dismayed about the lack of celebrations – my father fought in that war, I had an uncle that died in the Battle of France, that was the golden generation. 'You think that 50 years of a celebration of a council is far more important than the men and women that gave their lives so that we could stand here.' David Taylor, Labour MP for Hemel Hempstead, shared a statement on X joining the calls for a rethink. He said: 'I am disappointed by the Liberal Democrat-led council's decision to reject the proposal for a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. I believe a parade is what our armed forces deserve.' Dacorum Borough Council said in a statement: 'The Council has not cancelled its VE Day commemoration event or rejected calls for military parades as reported. VE Day belongs to all of us. We are absolutely committed to honouring the sacrifice of our armed forces and ensuring their memory lives on. 'The Council has a long and proud history of supporting commemorative events and our armed forces community.' They said the council will be holding a joint commemorative event with the Royal British Legion as planned, with a parade at the War Memorial. In addition, the council has purchased two 'Tommy Statues' and will be holding a celebratory Armed Forces Day event in June, a commemorative service for VJ Day in August and the annual Remembrance Parade on November 9 and Remembrance Day service on November 11.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
VE Day parade to go ahead after councillor suggested it would be ‘elitist'
A military parade will be held to mark VE Day at a council where a senior member suggested such an event would be 'elitist', Sir Ed Davey has announced. Liberal Democrat-led Dacorum Borough Council in Hertfordshire has overturned its decision not to hold an event to mark the end of the Second World War. Commemorations are being held across the country on May 8 to mark the end of the war, including a flypast in London and a service at Westminster Abbey with members of the royal family. However, Dacorum council initially said it had no plans for a parade. Sir Ed, national leader of the party, announced a formal ceremony will go ahead, as he made a local election campaign visit to Gloucester. 'There will be a VE parade, I'm delighted to say,' he said. 'The council wants that. It would be daft not to have one, absolutely daft. 'I'm really looking forward to VE celebrations, the 80th anniversary. 'I think apparently a council officer took a decision without talking to the politicians. 'The politicians are now really clear, the VE parade will go ahead.' Dacorum council cabinet member Caroline Smith-Wright had told a meeting on April 2 that there were no plans for a parade, suggesting such an event would be for the 'elite'. She said: 'We have decided at this point to enable communities to come together and have street parties, and I think… that's for the community, that's for everyone, that encompasses everybody, it doesn't just leave the elite and people to just, kind of, parade. 'This is about normal people celebrating in their communities, sharing food, sitting at a table celebrating, and I think that's a fine way to celebrate VE Day.' She added that the authority had done 'done quite a bit of celebrating last year' to mark the council's 50th birthday. The move received significant backlash, with opposition councillors calling for a rethink. Conservative councillor Graeme Elliot said: 'I'm very dismayed about the lack of celebrations – my father fought in that war, I had an uncle that died in the Battle of France, that was the golden generation. 'You think that 50 years of a celebration of a council is far more important than the men and women that gave their lives so that we could stand here.' My statement on why I disagree with the Lib Dem decision to reject a VE Day Parade in my area 🇬🇧 — David Taylor MP (@DavidTaylor85) April 8, 2025 David Taylor, Labour MP for Hemel Hempstead, shared a statement on X joining the calls for a rethink. He said: 'I am disappointed by the Liberal Democrat-led council's decision to reject the proposal for a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. I believe a parade is what our armed forces deserve.' Dacorum Borough Council and council leader Sally Symington have been approached for comment.
Telegraph
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Council backtracks after rejecting ‘elitist' VE Day anniversary parade
A council has backtracked after it rejected a planned military parade to mark the eightieth anniversary of VE Day as 'too elitist'. Dacorum borough council in Hertfordshire caused outrage by refusing to hold a military march on May 8 – despite holding a 'spectacular' parade through Hemel Hempstead to mark the council's 50th birthday last year. Critics argued that the decision showed disrespect to those who served in the Second World War and their families. But now the council has said it would 'do whatever it takes to put on a parade'. Sally Symington, the new Liberal Democrat leader of the council, said: 'I am deeply proud of our community's role in the Allied victory in Europe eighty years ago, and in our armed forces heritage. 'That's why I and my cabinet have asked council officers to look again at their decision and do whatever it takes to put on a parade, as well as the street parties I hope lots of neighbourhoods take part in. 'VE Day is a time to bring Hertfordshire and the country together, especially in this era of uncertainty and division. That's why I have taken action in this case.' A source said the original decision had been made on cost grounds and that the leader of the council had now written to the administration requesting that a VE Day parade be held. The climbdown comes after Ms Symington's colleague Caroline Smith-Wright told a council meeting on April 2: 'We have decided at this point to enable communities to come together and have street parties and I think that is for the community, that is for everyone, that encompasses everybody – it doesn't just leave the elite and people to just, kind of, parade. 'This is about normal people celebrating in their communities, bringing people together, sharing food, sitting at a table, celebrating and I think that's a fine way to celebrate VE Day'. The decision was condemned by opposition councillors on all sides. Graeme Elliot, a Tory councillor, said: 'I'm very dismayed about the lack of celebrations. My father fought in that war. I had an uncle who died in the Battle of France. That was the golden generation. So you think 50 years of a council is far more important than the men and women who gave their lives?' Pete Hannell, a Labour councillor, said the council should reconsider its position to honour the 'sacrifices' made, adding: 'My children and grandchildren are facing a war in Europe now where the aggressor is being appeased in the way that Chamberlain was arguably appeasing Hitler in 1938.' Jan Maddern, an independent, added: 'I'm quite dismayed by this as well. We missed in effect the 75th anniversary of VE Day because we were in Covid. I can remember having street parties where we all sat on our drives in my cul-de-sac, safe distancing from everyone else. I think we should do better.' The Liberal Democrats took control of the council last May but have been mired by controversy after two council leaders were forced to stand down amid allegations of misogyny and bullying. Eight female Liberal Democrat councillors accused the leadership of failing to adequately deal with the claims and went independent, leaving the council with no overall control.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The remarkable life of 'Paddy' John Hemingway, the last Battle of Britain pilot
The last surviving pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain has died. Group Captain John "Paddy" Hemingway, who was from Dublin, died on St Patrick's Day at the age of 105. The Royal Air Force (RAF) said Hemingway "passed away peacefully" on Monday, the last of "The Few", the name coined by then prime minister Winston Churchill to describe the Battle of Britain pilots. Churchill had said: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." The current prime minister Sir Keir Starmer was among those to pay tribute to Hemingway, who was shot down four times during the Second World War. In an interview with the BBC in 2023, Hemingway said: "I was shot down many times but I'm still here. So many others were shot down first time and that was the end of them. I was lucky. And I'm still lucky." Hemingway was born on 17 July 1919 in Dublin and as a child attended St Patrick's Cathedral Choir School and St Andrew's College. Hemingway was accepted into the Royal Air Force and began training in Brough, East Riding of Yorkshire, in January 1939, before being appointed a pilot officer two months later. Hemingway flew his single-seater Hurricane fighter aircraft in the Battle of France, providing cover in the form of dogfights and patrols to the allied troops as they retreated to the beaches of Dunkirk. During an 11-day period in May 1940, Hemingway's No. 85 Squadron shot down 90 enemy Luftwaffe aircraft. On 10 May, he was recorded as destroying a He 111 bomber and the next day he took down a Do 17 fighter, but his Hurricane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and he had to make a forced landing, before all Allied pilots, aircraft and crews returned to the UK. Hemingway played a key role in the three-month Battle of Britain between July and October 1940, under No. 85 Squadron's new commanding officer, Peter Townsend, who would later go on to have a romance with Princess Margaret, the sister of Queen Elizabeth II. Hemingway said of Townsend: "He was a very nice person and a very good leader. He always went in first." Their squadron became one of those on the front line of the 11 Group (Fighter Command) responding to daily attacks from Nazi aircraft. He was twice forced to bail out of his Hurricane in dogfights in August 1940, once landing in the sea off the coast of Essex and in marshland on another occasion. The wreckage of his Hurricane was recovered decades later in 2019 with the control column and the gun-button still set to "fire". Hemingway said of dogfights: "There were two of you. One of you was going to be dead at the end. You thought: 'Make sure that person was not you.' "Every day, off you went. When you took off you knew some of you would come back - and some of you wouldn't." A photo of Hemingway looking skyward was published in the US magazine Life. On 1 July 1941, Hemingway was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, given to RAF personnel for acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty while flying on active operations. While on his way to London to receive his medal from the King, he was forced to abandon his Blenheim aircraft after it crashed during take-off. In the same year, while flying a Havoc night fighter with No. 85 Squadron based at RAF Hunsdon, Hemingway had to bail out at 600ft because of instrument failure in bad weather, and broke his hand on the tail section. His parachute failed to open properly and he was spared further injury when his chute caught on the branches of a tree. In January 1944, Hemingway was made a temporary squadron leader and served as an air traffic controller during the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day. He had to bail out a fourth time in April 1945 while serving in the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces and fighting near Ravenna in Italy. His Spitfire was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire and he parachuted into enemy territory, but managed to contact Italian partisans who helped him find his way back to his squadron. Hemingway retired from the RAF in 1969 as a Group Captain. Hemingway said two years ago he put his long life down to "Irish luck". He told the BBC: "I'm not a great man - I'm just a lucky man. I don't think we ever assumed greatness of any form. We were just fighting a war which we were trained to fight. "We were doing a job we were employed to do. We just went up and did the best we could." Hemingway became the last surviving member of The Few in May 2020, following the death at the age of 101 of former radar operator Terry Clark. Hemingway spent the last few years of his life back in Dublin, living in a care home. Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, head of the RAF, said: "It is with great sadness that I heard of the passing of John 'Paddy' Hemingway. I am thankful that I was able to meet and spend time with him in Dublin, most recently in January this year. "Paddy was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force. Throughout his life he inspired those he knew and served with." The Prince of Wales said: 'I was sad to hear about the passing of John 'Paddy' Hemingway this morning, the last of 'The Few'. 'We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them.' Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'Eighty years ago, the courage and determination of Paddy and all our brave RAF pilots helped bring an end to the Second World War. 'They fearlessly flew over enemy territory to protect the UK and its Allies, risking their lives. 'He never considered himself a hero and often referred to himself as the 'Lucky Irishman', a man simply doing his job, like so many others of his generation." Defence secretary John Healey said: 'Paddy came from a generation who understood the importance of freedom and sacrificed so much to achieve it. 'The last known Battle of Britain pilot, he embodied the deep courage of that incredible generation.'
