Latest news with #VE80
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
VE Day 80 marked at Newport Castle with community tea party
Music, fancy dress and memories at historic Pembrokeshire event A SPECIAL afternoon of celebration took place at Newport Castle today (Friday, May 10) as part of nationwide events to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Beginning at 3:00pm, the VE Day Anniversary Tea Party was a nostalgic and family-friendly tribute to the end of the Second World War in Europe. Organisers have planned a full programme of entertainment and activities to bring the community together in remembrance and reflection. Highlights of the event included a performance by the renowned Cardigan RFC Choir, live music, face painting for children, and a 1940s fancy dress theme. Refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon. The castle grounds were transformed with Union Jack bunting and wartime memorabilia, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of street parties held across the UK in May 1945. Locals were encouraged to attend in vintage attire and join in singing songs that would have been familiar to those who celebrated the original VE Day eight decades ago. The event was free to attend and has been supported by local volunteers and community groups who have come together to ensure this milestone anniversary is marked in true Pembrokeshire spirit. Victory in Europe Day marks the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945, bringing an end to six years of war in Europe. The celebrations at Newport Castle continue a week of VE80 commemorations across the county.
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Final salute to the last of the many who fought for peace as WW2 heroes gather to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
THEY are the last of the many who won 80 years of peace for the world. More than six million men and women served in Britain's Armed Forces during World War Two — 3.5million of them in the Army — as we stood alone against Hitler. 9 VE Day saw the largest gathering of World War Two veterans to come together in one place to mark the 80th anniversary of their victory - sadly there were just 46 theere Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun 9 RAF engineer John Hindmoor, 104, shared his wartime story for the first time after being diverted to South Africa en route to Singapore Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun 9 Roy and Kathleen Lawrence, who both served in the RAF, are believed to be Britain's oldest veteran couple Credit: PA Today there are only a few thousand left and most of those are more than 100 years old. Yesterday saw one of the largest gatherings of World War Two veterans to come together — and be photographed — to mark the 80th anniversary of their victory. Sadly, there are only 46 of them in our picture. But what an incredible group they are — the youngest, such as Wilson Cotton and Tom Hill, are now aged 98. The eldest, Donald Rose, of Ilkeston, Derbys, who saw action in Africa, Italy, Normandy and Germany, is 110. They all attended a celebration at the National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, Staffs, organised by the Royal British Legion in their honour to mark VE80. READ MORE ON VE DAY 80 LEST WE FORGET King gives rousing speech at VE Day concert with tribute to WW2 fallen Before a service of remembrance led by Baroness Floella Benjamin, they posed together for what will become a historic picture. For in only a few short years the last of this greatest generation will be gone for ever. Al Carns MP, veterans minister and a former special forces soldier, met them all as they enjoyed afternoon tea before taking their places for the photograph. He told The Sun: 'Every one of these veterans represents selfless sacrifice. 'When the nation was on its knees and called upon the population, society stood up and stood together to defend the freedoms we enjoy. Burmese jungle 'It wasn't just the individuals who took up arms in the Navy, Army or Air Force. It was the whole of society, keeping the country afloat when every other country had capitulated. It's something to be really proud of.' King Charles, Kate & family showed raw emotion in historic balcony appearance for VE Day flypast, royal expert says Unbelievably, for some of those who had travelled to the Arboretum, it was the first time in 80 years they had told their wartime stories. Like RAF engineer John Hindmoor, who at age 104 decided now was the time to recall how he was on the way to Singapore when his ship was diverted to South Africa. Former steelworker John, of Crook, Co Durham, said: 'South Africa's Prime Minister Jan Smuts feared an uprising at home and appealed to Winston Churchill to send troops. 'As we docked near Cape Town a lady told me, 'That was the finest sight in the world. When we saw your blue uniforms come down from that ship we knew we were safe.'' Hydraulics expert John flew on missions with Royal Air Force test pilots — while RAF bomb aimer Frank Tolley flew 23 missions to Germany in a Lancaster bomber, including over Dresden, before dropping 600 tons of food to the starving in Holland. Frank, 103, from Evesham, Worcs, was on leave in Lincoln on VE Day and knew the war was over when he saw a group of British soldiers mingling with German prisoners of war who had been released. Roy and Kathleen Lawrence, who both served in the RAF, are believed to be Britain's oldest veteran couple. Lancaster bomber flight engineer Roy, 100, met RAF switchboard operator Kathleen at a dance after the war ended. Roy, from Manchester, said: 'I asked my father, 'Could I volunteer for the Air Force?' and they wouldn't let you in until you were 17 years and three months, so I waited until I was 17 years and three months. 'I wanted to be a Spitfire pilot but unfortunately I failed at navigation. 'They questioned me and suggested I might like to be on bomber command, so I said OK.' 9 George Durrant, 100, from Crawley, West Sussex told how he tried to procure beer serving in the Burmese jungle on VE day - finding a couple of admirers in the process Credit: Getty 9 A Spitfire and Hurricane fly over for the 46 World War Two veterans and 1,500 guests at the moving open-air VE Day remembrance service Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun 9 Veteran Dougie Hyde lays a wreath the service of Remembrance Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun His first mission was to drop bombs over the German city of Leipzig — and on VE Day Roy was on the 'bread run', dropping essential supplies into France. He said: 'It's very difficult. 'I remember those days and I remember the people, not by name because there were so many of them, that got killed. 'The present day needs to remember that had it not been for them, we would have all been speaking German.' George Durrant, 100, from Crawley, West Sussex, tried to procure beer while serving in the Burmese jungle on VE day. Grief too raw He said of Victory in Europe: 'I remember it being a big deal and everyone was so pleased. We heard it over the radio. 'We spent ages trying to get some beer and we managed to in the end. It wasn't a long celebration though, we didn't get any time off really. 'There was a Dakota aircraft that dropped off some beer. The war out where I was wasn't over yet, though.' Other veterans, though, have told their story to royalty — including RAF codebreaker Bernard Morgan, who sat beside the Princess of Wales in the VIP stand outside Buckingham Palace for the VE Day celebrations on Monday. After showing Catherine photos of himself during the war, former sergeant Bernard, from Crewe, asked the Princess if she was learning Welsh. He recalled: 'She told me, 'I know bore da and nost al — good morning and good night'. 'I told her, 'The one you'll have to learn is a little village with the longest number of letters in'.' Kate was stunned to learn Bernard was 101 years old. He added: 'She said, 'I thought you were about 75!' 'Then she brought her children one at a time, and the three of them shook hands with me.' Bernard still has the telex he was sent 48 hours before VE Day informing him that the war was over. He said: 'Then after two days we got another message, 'the German war is over'. The 46 veterans were joined by a con-gregation of 1,500 for the open-air service of remem-brance as a World War Two Spitfire and Hurricane fighter performed a dramatic fly-past. D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, 101, from Leeds, who sat next to Queen Camilla while he watched Monday's procession in London, wiped away a tear listening to the moving service at the Arboretum. Wartime evacuee Michael Goldstein told the service how his dad Jack died just 58 days before VE Day when his Lancaster bomber was shot down over Nuremberg. Royal British Legion volunteer Michael said: 'My dad was the only one of the seven-man crew who didn't make it. 'My mother, Sadie, refused to believe it. Her letters in June 1945 still breathe with hope. She scoured for news and nagged the Air Ministry, clinging to the thought he was still alive, wounded somewhere. 'Jack's crew mates told her my dad was shot dead while bailing out. They knew that wasn't true — he never got out of the burning plane. Perhaps they felt guilt in leaving my dad behind. "When they came to see my mum to pay their respects, she sent them packing. 'Her grief too raw, her anger deep. War in Europe had ended with great happiness in the streets, but for some it was also a reminder of those who didn't come home. 'Let us honour not just the victory but the price so many paid for it.' 9 The eldest of the veterans, Donald Rose, of Ikeston, Derbyshire, who saw action in Africa, Italy, Normandy and Germany, is 110 Credit: PA 9 RAF code breaker Bernard Morgan still has the telex he was sent 48 hours before VE Day, informing him that the war was over Credit: PA
The Sun
08-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Final salute to the last of the many who fought for peace as WW2 heroes gather to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
THEY are the last of the many who won 80 years of peace for the world. More than six million men and women served in Britain's Armed Forces during World War Two — 3.5million of them in the Army — as we stood alone against Hitler. 9 9 9 Today there are only a few thousand left and most of those are more than 100 years old. Yesterday saw one of the largest gatherings of World War Two veterans to come together — and be photographed — to mark the 80th anniversary of their victory. Sadly, there are only 46 of them in our picture. But what an incredible group they are — the youngest, such as Wilson Cotton and Tom Hill, are now aged 98. The eldest, Donald Rose, of Ilkeston, Derbys, who saw action in Africa, Italy, Normandy and Germany, is 110. They all attended a celebration at the National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, Staffs, organised by the Royal British Legion in their honour to mark VE80. Before a service of remembrance led by Baroness Floella Benjamin, they posed together for what will become a historic picture. For in only a few short years the last of this greatest generation will be gone for ever. Al Carns MP, veterans minister and a former special forces soldier, met them all as they enjoyed afternoon tea before taking their places for the photograph. He told The Sun: 'Every one of these veterans represents selfless sacrifice. 'When the nation was on its knees and called upon the population, society stood up and stood together to defend the freedoms we enjoy. Burmese jungle 'It wasn't just the individuals who took up arms in the Navy, Army or Air Force. It was the whole of society, keeping the country afloat when every other country had capitulated. It's something to be really proud of.' King Charles, Kate & family showed raw emotion in historic balcony appearance for VE Day flypast, royal expert says Unbelievably, for some of those who had travelled to the Arboretum, it was the first time in 80 years they had told their wartime stories. Like RAF engineer John Hindmoor, who at age 104 decided now was the time to recall how he was on the way to Singapore when his ship was diverted to South Africa. Former steelworker John, of Crook, Co Durham, said: 'South Africa's Prime Minister Jan Smuts feared an uprising at home and appealed to Winston Churchill to send troops. 'As we docked near Cape Town a lady told me, 'That was the finest sight in the world. When we saw your blue uniforms come down from that ship we knew we were safe.'' Hydraulics expert John flew on missions with Royal Air Force test pilots — while RAF bomb aimer Frank Tolley flew 23 missions to Germany in a Lancaster bomber, including over Dresden, before dropping 600 tons of food to the starving in Holland. Frank, 103, from Evesham, Worcs, was on leave in Lincoln on VE Day and knew the war was over when he saw a group of British soldiers mingling with German prisoners of wa r who had been released. Roy and Kathleen Lawrence, who both served in the RAF, are believed to be Britain's oldest veteran couple. Lancaster bomber flight engineer Roy, 100, met RAF switchboard operator Kathleen at a dance after the war ended. Roy, from Manchester, said: 'I asked my father, 'Could I volunteer for the Air Force?' and they wouldn't let you in until you were 17 years and three months, so I waited until I was 17 years and three months. 'I wanted to be a Spitfire pilot but unfortunately I failed at navigation. 'They questioned me and suggested I might like to be on bomber command, so I said OK.' 9 9 His first mission was to drop bombs over the German city of Leipzig — and on VE Day Roy was on the 'bread run', dropping essential supplies into France. He said: 'It's very difficult. 'I remember those days and I remember the people, not by name because there were so many of them, that got killed. 'The present day needs to remember that had it not been for them, we would have all been speaking German.' George Durrant, 100, from Crawley, West Sussex, tried to procure beer while serving in the Burmese jungle on VE day. Grief too raw He said of Victory in Europe: 'I remember it being a big deal and everyone was so pleased. We heard it over the radio. 'We spent ages trying to get some beer and we managed to in the end. It wasn't a long celebration though, we didn't get any time off really. 'There was a Dakota aircraft that dropped off some beer. The war out where I was wasn't over yet, though.' Other veterans, though, have told their story to royalty — including RAF codebreaker Bernard Morgan, who sat beside the Princess of Wales in the VIP stand outside Buckingham Palace for the VE Day celebrations on Monday. After showing Catherine photos of himself during the war, former sergeant Bernard, from Crewe, asked the Princess if she was learning Welsh. He recalled: 'She told me, 'I know bore da and nost al — good morning and good night'. 'I told her, 'The one you'll have to learn is a little village with the longest number of letters in'.' Kate was stunned to learn Bernard was 101 years old. He added: 'She said, 'I thought you were about 75!' 'Then she brought her children one at a time, and the three of them shook hands with me.' Bernard still has the telex he was sent 48 hours before VE Day informing him that the war was over. He said: 'Then after two days we got another message, 'the German war is over'. The 46 veterans were joined by a con-gregation of 1,500 for the open-air service of remem-brance as a World War Two Spitfire and Hurricane fighter performed a dramatic fly-past. D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, 101, from Leeds, who sat next to Queen Camilla while he watched Monday's procession in London, wiped away a tear listening to the moving service at the Arboretum. Wartime evacuee Michael Goldstein told the service how his dad Jack died just 58 days before VE Day when his Lancaster bomber was shot down over Nuremberg. Royal British Legion volunteer Michael said: 'My dad was the only one of the seven-man crew who didn't make it. 'My mother, Sadie, refused to believe it. Her letters in June 1945 still breathe with hope. She scoured for news and nagged the Air Ministry, clinging to the thought he was still alive, wounded somewhere. 'Jack's crew mates told her my dad was shot dead while bailing out. They knew that wasn't true — he never got out of the burning plane. Perhaps they felt guilt in leaving my dad behind. "When they came to see my mum to pay their respects, she sent them packing. 'Her grief too raw, her anger deep. War in Europe had ended with great happiness in the streets, but for some it was also a reminder of those who didn't come home. 'Let us honour not just the victory but the price so many paid for it.' 9 9 9
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Final salute to the last of the many who fought for peace as WW2 heroes gather to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
THEY are the last of the many who won 80 years of peace for the world. More than six million men and women served in Britain's Armed Forces during World War Two — 3.5million of them in the Army — as we stood alone against Hitler. 9 VE Day saw the largest gathering of World War Two veterans to come together in one place to mark the 80th anniversary of their victory - sadly there were just 46 theere Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun 9 RAF engineer John Hindmoor, 104, shared his wartime story for the first time after being diverted to South Africa en route to Singapore Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun 9 Roy and Kathleen Lawrence, who both served in the RAF, are believed to be Britain's oldest veteran couple Credit: PA Today there are only a few thousand left and most of those are more than 100 years old. Yesterday saw one of the largest gatherings of World War Two veterans to come together — and be photographed — to mark the 80th anniversary of their victory. Sadly, there are only 46 of them in our picture. But what an incredible group they are — the youngest, such as Wilson Cotton and Tom Hill, are now aged 98. The eldest, Donald Rose, of Ilkeston, Derbys, who saw action in Africa, Italy, Normandy and Germany, is 110. They all attended a celebration at the National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, Staffs, organised by the Royal British Legion in their honour to mark VE80. READ MORE ON VE DAY 80 Before a service of remembrance led For in only a few short years the last of this greatest generation will be gone for ever. Al Carns MP, veterans minister and a former special forces soldier, met them all as they enjoyed afternoon tea before taking their places for the photograph. He told The Sun: 'Every one of these veterans represents selfless sacrifice. Most read in The Sun 'When the nation was on its knees and called upon the population, society stood up and stood together to defend the freedoms we enjoy. Burmese jungle 'It wasn't just the individuals who took up arms in the Navy, Army or Air Force. It was the whole of society, keeping the country afloat when every other country had capitulated. It's something to be really proud of.' King Charles, Kate & family showed raw emotion in historic balcony appearance for VE Day flypast, royal expert says Unbelievably, for some of those who had travelled to the Arboretum, it was the first time in 80 years they had told their wartime stories. Like RAF engineer John Hindmoor, who at age 104 decided now was the time to recall how he was on the way to Singapore when his ship was diverted to South Africa . Former steelworker John, of Crook, Co Durham , said: 'South Africa's Prime Minister Jan Smuts feared an uprising at home and appealed to Winston Churchill to send troops. 'As we docked near Cape Town a lady told me, 'That was the finest sight in the world. When we saw your blue uniforms come down from that ship we knew we were safe.'' Hydraulics expert John flew on missions with Royal Air Force test pilots — while RAF bomb aimer Frank Tolley flew 23 missions to Germany in a Lancaster bomber, including over Dresden, before dropping 600 tons of food to the starving in Holland . Frank, 103, from Evesham, Worcs, was on leave in Lincoln on VE Day and knew the war was over when he saw a group of British soldiers mingling with German prisoners of war who had been released. Roy and Kathleen Lawrence, who both served in the RAF, are believed to be Britain's oldest veteran couple. Lancaster bomber flight engineer Roy, 100, met RAF switchboard operator Kathleen at a dance after the war ended. Roy, from Manchester , said: 'I asked my father, 'Could I volunteer for the Air Force?' and they wouldn't let you in until you were 17 years and three months, so I waited until I was 17 years and three months. 'I wanted to be a Spitfire pilot but unfortunately I failed at navigation. 'They questioned me and suggested I might like to be on bomber command, so I said OK.' 9 George Durrant, 100, from Crawley, West Sussex told how he tried to procure beer serving in the Burmese jungle on VE day - finding a couple of admirers in the process Credit: Getty 9 A Spitfire and Hurricane fly over for the 46 World War Two veterans and 1,500 guests at the moving open-air VE Day remembrance service Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun 9 Veteran Dougie Hyde lays a wreath the service of Remembrance Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun His first mission was to drop bombs over the German city of Leipzig — and on VE Day Roy was on the 'bread run', dropping essential supplies into France . He said: 'It's very difficult. 'I remember those days and I remember the people, not by name because there were so many of them, that got killed. 'The present day needs to remember that had it not been for them, we would have all been speaking German.' George Durrant, 100, from Crawley, West Sussex, tried to procure beer while serving in the Burmese jungle on VE day. Grief too raw He said of Victory in Europe: 'I remember it being a big deal and everyone was so pleased. We heard it over the radio . 'We spent ages trying to get some beer and we managed to in the end. It wasn't a long celebration though, we didn't get any time off really. 'There was a Dakota aircraft that dropped off some beer. The war out where I was wasn't over yet, though.' Other veterans, though, have told their story to royalty — including RAF codebreaker Bernard Morgan, who sat beside the Princess of Wales in the VIP stand outside Buckingham Palace for the VE Day celebrations on Monday. After showing Catherine photos of himself during the war, former sergeant Bernard, from Crewe, asked the Princess if she was learning Welsh. He recalled: 'She told me, 'I know bore da and nost al — good morning and good night'. 'I told her, 'The one you'll have to learn is a little village with the longest number of letters in'.' Kate was stunned to learn Bernard was 101 years old. He added: 'She said, 'I thought you were about 75!' 'Then she brought her children one at a time, and the three of them shook hands with me.' Bernard still has the telex he was sent 48 hours before VE Day informing him that the war was over. He said: 'Then after two days we got another message, 'the German war is over'. The 46 veterans were joined by a con-gregation of 1,500 for the open-air service of remem-brance as a World War Two Spitfire and Hurricane fighter performed a dramatic fly-past. D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, 101, from Leeds , who sat next to Queen Camilla while he watched Monday's procession in London , wiped away a tear listening to the moving service at the Arboretum. Royal British Legion volunteer Michael said: 'My dad was the only one of the seven-man crew who didn't make it. 'My mother, Sadie, refused to believe it. Her letters in June 1945 still breathe with hope. She scoured for news and nagged the Air Ministry, clinging to the thought he was still alive, wounded somewhere. 'Jack's crew mates told her my dad was shot dead while bailing out. They knew that wasn't true — he never got out of the burning plane. Perhaps they felt guilt in leaving my dad behind. "When they came to see my mum to pay their respects, she sent them packing. 'Her grief too raw, her anger deep. War in Europe had ended with great happiness in the streets, but for some it was also a reminder of those who didn't come home. 'Let us honour not just the victory but the price so many paid for it.' 9 The eldest of the veterans, Donald Rose, of Ikeston, Derbyshire, who saw action in Africa, Italy, Normandy and Germany, is 110 Credit: PA 9 RAF code breaker Bernard Morgan still has the telex he was sent 48 hours before VE Day, informing him that the war was over Credit: PA 9 Al Carns MP, veterans minister and former special forces soldier, met the veterans as they enjoyed afternoon tea before coming together for a group photograph Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders fans in tears as soap airs VE Day episode
EastEnders fans were left in tears following tonight's trip to Albert Square as the soap aired a special episode to commemorate veterans on VE Day EastEnders fans were left in tears watching tonight's episode, as the soap paid a moving tribute to World War II veterans, marking 80 years since VE Day. To celebrate the day, the residents through a party in the newly opened Queen Vic, despite being hesitant to celebrate in there so soon after Martin Fowler's tragic death. As well as showing the residents celebrating, tonight's EastEnders also featured black and white footage from the real-life war effort at home, with the episode also starting in black and white. In an emotional ending, the residents were seen singing and dancing in the Vic, as the soap played Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again while panning to a picture of Martin Fowler. However, it was a heartbreaking episode for Nigel Bates, who is suffering from dementia was under the impression that it was 1995, and the Square were celebrating the 50th anniversary of VE Day. Throughout the episode, he could be heard speaking about late characters, including Peggy Mitchell and Arthur Fowler, who he believed were throwing the party. Upon entering the Vic, Nigel planted a kiss on Jean Slater, as he was under the impression she was his first wife, Debbie who was killed in a hit and run accident in 1995. Fans were left teary eyed after the emotional episode, as they took to X, formerly known as Twitter to praise the soap for the special episode. "Lovely episode tonight #EastEnders," said one, while another penned: "Massive well done to @bbceastenders for their 80th anniversary of VE Day episode! Fabulous! Deserves a @BAFTA. #EastEnders #VE80". "Really emotional ep of #EastEnders today commemorating VE day," wrote another. "Was a really touching episode and got me thinking." A fourth emotional fan tweeted: "absolutely beautiful episode today. it had me sobbing by the end. what a way to celebrate VE Day." Another fan said: "Absolutely brilliant episode nobody does a look back better. Enjoyed all the montages and looking back, fitted it into today so well. "We will remember them" #EastEnders #VEDay." Elsewhere in tonight's episode, it was a close call for Harvey and Kathy as Jean walked in while Harvey hugged and comforted Kathy after a row with Cindy. Luckily, Jean was none the wiser as they managed to play it off, but for how much longer? If you need support, please contact our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456, or visit
