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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 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
TODAY'S TV WITH SARA WALLIS: BBC's Marie Antoinette is a lavish, feminist take on a scandalous slice of history
From thrilling new dramas and gritty documentaries through to glossy entertainment shows, reality binge-watches, returning series and all the best soaps, there's always something to keep us glued to the small screen. If you're wondering what to watch tonight, I've handpicked the best of the box, selected from all the traditional networks like BBC and ITV, as well as streamers like Netflix, Prime, Disney+ and Apple TV. Tonight, there's a VE Day celebration to remember, something terrible is about to happen in Emmerdale and an iconic Judy Blume novel is adapted for the small screen. See below for my top telly picks. Pick Of The Day... MARIE ANTOINETTE, BBC2, 9pm With plenty of plotting and pomp - and excellent corsets and wigs, this period drama returns for another round of French scandal. Emilia Schule plays the titular Marie Antoinette, a woman who was sent off from Austria to be married off to the future King of France. In the first season, she emerged as a strong-willed force to be reckoned with in the oppressive royal court of Versaille. Rising from naive teenage bride to Queen, after her husband became Louis XVI, she has now been on the throne for ten years. She's done her duty and provided a male heir. She's won the hearts of the nation. Everything should be smooth sailing now. But powerful enemies are gathering in Versailles and Paris and Marie Antoinette is about to enter a deadly battle for her reputation. Plenty of people want to oust Louis, either replacing him or banishing the monarchy all together, so now she is a target. The scandalous 'Affair of the Necklace' becomes another chance to discredit her. Meanwhile Louis is keeping everyone in the dark about the dire state of the nation's finances. The nobility and clergy are alarmed at rumours they will be taxed. But it is the effect of some extreme weather that adversely affects the French people in general. Discontent is brewing… and a revolt rumbles. It's a lavish series, told from a feminist perspective, with plenty of comedy and caricature to keep it from being a stuffy serious period drama. Best Of The Rest... VE DAY 80: A CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER, BBC1, 8pm After a week of VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, everything culminates with this spectacular live concert from Horse Guards Parade in London. Presented by Zoe Ball, a star-studded lineup features performances from celebs including Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Victor Ray, Freya Ridings, Keala Settle, alongside renowned cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Calum Scott, The Darkness, Toploader, Tom Walker and classical singer Sir Willard White. Dazzling Strictly Come Dancing professionals Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Lauren Oakley, and Kai Widdrington bring the stage to life with breathtaking choreography to accompany Fleur's opening. Dames Joan Collins, Mary Berry, and Sheila Hancock will also lend their voices to the commemoration, while actor Brian Cox delivers a powerful reenactment of Winston Churchill's iconic wartime speech. Veterans also tell their stories of love, loss and resilience, and no VE Day concert would be complete without special performances of The White Cliffs of Dover and We'll Meet Again. VE Day saw millions celebrate while this British Paratrooper unearthed Nazi Germany's darkest horrors FOREVER, NETFLIX If you're a certain age, you will remember giggling and passing around a copy of Judy Blume's iconic novel. Or maybe you were reading it secretly late at night, or just heard the rumours… Controversial at the time, the coming-of-age story, first published in 1975, featured a detailed sex scene, and told teens everything they needed to know about first love. Now adapted for this 12-part series, Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr star as Keisha and Justin, the couple grappling with all the big firsts. Keisha is a driven track star with dreams of going pro and he's an academic hiding behind a front. When they meet, sparks fly. The chemistry sizzles as the pair move from crush to relationship as they deal with messy lives and big, confusing feelings. It's not just a series for teens, it appeals as a nostalgia hit for everyone… especially if you read that Judy Blume book cover to cover. EMMERDALE, ITV1, 7.30pm Charity is clearly up to something and Noah is blindsided after she outlines her revenge plot and the dark motivation for it. Noah struggles to process the implications of Joe being the person who drugged him and left the deaths of three people on his conscience. A glamorous surprise birthday party for Lydia is staged up at Home Farm, but is it the right time for the village to be celebrating? As the party guests gather, something bad is looming… EASTENDERS, BBC1, 7.30pm It's the 80th anniversary of VE Day and Nigel is excited to celebrate the historic day - but it soon becomes apparent that he believes it's 1995. Jean and Phil prepare to talk to Nigel, but Jean bottles it. Linda remains firm that The Vic is closed, until she hears the market traders buzzing about VE Day. She decides to open the pub doors to honour those who have fallen - including their very own Martin. Ross tries to make amends with Vicki.
The Irish Sun
05-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
I felt sad that late Queen Elizabeth was not on VE Day balcony – WW2 veterans adored her & regarded her as one of them
WHEN I looked up at the Buckingham Palace balcony and saw the King with all the royal family, I thought how sad that our late Queen was not there. Ever since May 8, 1945 — when Princess Elizabeth and sister Margaret slipped to join the VE Day celebrations — she was regarded by veterans as one of them. 2 Royals look to the skies to watch the fly past featuring the Red Arrows Credit: PA 2 The late Queen, Queen Mother and Princess Margaret watch a procession of vintage planes fly over Buckingham Palace for the 50th anniversary of VE Day Credit: PA For that incredible Tuesday she and her sister had been just like the rest of those remarkable men and women, who were just relieved that this awful war was over. No more living in fear of bombs and snipers. No more putting up blackouts and a return to simple things like listening to the weather forecast. World War II veterans adored Queen Elizabeth — she was one of the great generation — and wherever she met them, the world over, they had a special bond with their monarch. READ MORE ON VE DAY I'm sure many of the King Charles, Kate & family showed raw emotion in historic balcony appearance for VE Day flypast, royal expert says
Scottish Sun
05-05-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
UK weather: Met Office warns of ‘chilly start' to VE Day celebrations as temperatures plunge after May Day scorcher
Temperatures have flipped from above May Day average to below COOL IT UK weather: Met Office warns of 'chilly start' to VE Day celebrations as temperatures plunge after May Day scorcher Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) VE DAY celebrations are kicking off with a chill as temperatures drop after the warm weekend, the Met Office warns. Brits are packing away their barbecues after soaking up the 29C sun last week with a bright but brisk weather on the way. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Sunseekers in London were lapping up the rays by the riverside Credit: Alamy 4 Seagulls flocked around holidaymakers in Dorset over the weekend Credit: Alamy 4 Oxford faced a chilly morning with the day kicking off at 3C Credit: Rex 4 The Met Office warns that temperatures are set to plummet The Met Office predicted temperatures would plunge from the near-30s down to the single digits on the bank holiday. Monday starts off at a bitter 3C in both Southampton, Aberdeen, and Oxford with other parts of the UK not straying too far. Norwich and Hull stand at 5C and Manchester and Newcastle only just bump up to 6C. This will come as a shock to Brits after enjoying the hottest recorded May Day - and meteorologists warn "cooler weather" and "showers" are on the way. The Met Office said: "After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK, higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend, with cooler weather and isolated showers on the way for some." "A dry and bright start for many on Bank Holiday Monday :sunny: A little cloudier across southeast England with scattered showers. "After a chilly start, temperatures will rise to around average through the day." Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson added: 'The recent very warm weather for the time of year is subsiding over the weekend as a weak cold front moves over the UK. "We expect cooler temperatures as the front pushes south. This cooler air will also help introduce isolated showers across eastern parts, but it should stay drier further west." Tony explained that the contrast will give the chill that extra bite as temperatures have flipped from above the Spring average to below. Temperatures will struggle to push past the single-digit mark despite it being sunny in places. The Met Office forecasts temperatures will reach a maximum of 15C or 16C on the south coast of England today but said northern parts of the UK would barely jump into double figures. No rain forecast as Met Eireann pinpoint exactly where warmest temps to hit over the bank holiday weekend Thousands of people are expected to line the streets for the spectacle which includes a Churchill speech performance by actor Timothy Spall, a flypast including the Red Arrows, and a military procession of 1,300 members of the armed forces. It was predicted the morning would start "bright for many", with showers across Lincolnshire and down into south-east England. But in the afternoon most areas will be "dry with sunny spells", with more sun around for eastern and northern parts of the country compared to Sunday. There is a slim chance of some rain on Monday in central London for the VE Day procession. Street parties, picnics and community celebrations will also take place across the UK on Monday ahead of the anniversary on May 8. The King, the Queen, the Prime Minister and Second World War veterans will watch the festivities from a platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. Thankfully, after a bit of bank holiday briskness, it'll start to warm up, with any drizzle starting to dry up as well. Temperatures will bump up to average from Monday and slowly rise from then. If you're in eastern England there's a chance of a few light showers but elsewhere, it's all calm and cosy with clear skies on the cards. Those in Northern Ireland or western Scotland, keep an eye out for a few sneaky fog patches rolling in. "From Tuesday onwards, we're likely to see a very gradual increase in temperatures day on day, though not to the levels of warmth we've seen recently," Tony concluded. "High pressure will continue to dominate the UK weather next week, bringing largely dry weather and variable cloud amounts." Most of us will soak up the sunny spells on Tuesday, but northern Scotland and parts of southeast England might feel a bit left out with cloudier skies and scattered showers. Winds will stay gentle for most, but it'll be a bit brisker down in the southeast. By the time next weekend swings by there is a chance Brits will be basking in the low 20s once again.
