04-05-2025
Former D-Day pilot from Stourbridge featured in VE Day exhibition by Blind Veterans UK
A former D-Day pilot is one of 13 partially-sighted or blind veterans who have had their memories of VE Day brought back to life in an exhibition.
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.
D-Day pilot John Haddock, 102, from Stourbridge in the West Midlands, who was stationed in Scotland when it was announced the conflict would end, remembered the celebrations of his sozzled squadron.
Mr Haddock said his commanding officer – Max Aitken, the son of the wartime aircraft production minister Lord Beaverbrook, got into a water dinghy and 'launched' himself into the airfield's static water pool, while his men splashed him.
He added: 'It was all very schoolboy but provided much hilarity at the time.'
Three days later, his squadron flew Crown Prince Olav to Norway after five years in exile, he said.
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.
'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.
