Latest news with #Wrens
Metro
08-05-2025
- General
- Metro
The centuries-long Navy rum tradition the Wrens were allowed to join on VE Day
Something unheard of happened in Mabel Kidney's Navy barracks on May 8 1945 – she was given rum. The Women's Navy veteran had never had a lick of the alcohol in her life before VE Day 1945. But that all changed at the end of the Second World War, when she and her fellow Wrens participated in a renowned Navy tradition. Mabel had joined the Women's Royal Naval Service, affectionately called the Wrens, when she was just 17. 'I felt I had to do something to help the war effort,' the now 99-year-old told Metro. 'I came from a Navy family, joining the Navy is what you did.' Her life during the war had not been easy as a young teenager. Mabel's hometown of Fratton was mercilessly targeted by the Germans looking to destroy a nearby dockyard before she moved to HMS Daedalus barracks in Lee-on-the-Solent. When the whole country was going mad with celebration on May 8 1945, the vibe was different to begin with in her Navy barracks. On the day Germany formally surrendered, HMS Daedalus was 'eerily quiet'. She added: 'There was nobody out. 'We were all relieved more than anything else, because you never knew what Hitler was going to do next. Everybody felt relieved.' Mabel's role was in the canteen and it was during food service when she was allowed to do something they had never done before – drink with the men. It might seem unusual now, but sailors in the Royal Navy had a daily allowance of rum, called a 'tot' and equivalent to about two shots. But on special celebratory occasions, the order was given to 'splice the mainbrace' and extra tot of rum was handed out. And on the day of national celebrations, VE Day 1945, Wren's were allowed to get in on the fun. 'The Chief Wren put a mug on the counter for each of the sailors as they came along. 'Then the Wrens were given a tot of rum too. We had to split it between four of us. 'That was the first time I had rum, that day. We knew there was not going to be war on our land anymore.' The day did then unsurprisingly pick up after that first alcohol beverage. She remembers how 'you got drawn into a crowd wherever you were' in Portsmouth. The veteran left the Wrens soon after, but ended up marrying a Navy sailor. She now lives at Admiral Jellicoe House care home run by The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust. Mabel recalled to Metro how she witnessed the wild VE Day scenes from London on TV and radio. 'It was madness. Half were naked, half did not know what they were doing. 'There were sailors and servicemen with other countries, all mixed up there. Everybody was kissing and cuddling everybody.' Joining the unhinged celebrations on that day, but from half way around the world, was D-Day hero John Roberts. Now a 101-year-old Rear Admiral, the then 21 Sub-Lieutenant was in Montreal, Canada, when news of Germany's surrender in Europe spread. John had been in one of the support ships for the Normandy landings, bombarding Sword Beach before the invasion began. But he was in Canada training to be a pilot when all hell broke loose in Montreal – and when a fire engine swooped by at the perfect moment. He told Metro: 'For two or three months we could all tell the Germans were getting beaten. I knew it was going to end quite soon. 'But when it came, Montreal was just as excited as London was. 'I hopped on a fire engine and I went around the town on it. 'Thousands of people were on the streets – all pointing and laughing at us. 'The firemen were happy we were celebrating with them. It was a great day.' John and his other fellow Navy mates rode the fire engine for about 15 minutes when they were eventually kicked off. The fun did not stop there, John added: 'I think we then went to the nearest bar. 'During the week when we were flying we did not drink at all, but being from abroad we had more coupons than other people.' It might all seem like joyous celebration, but the World War Two veteran was actually very melancholy at points too. 'On VE Day I was very conscious of the numbers of people who lost their lives. Many people were sad, they could have lost a husband or a father.' John himself witnessed an Norwegian destroyer be torpedoed before his very eyes during the D-Day landings, when half the ship's crew died. He had an very close shave too: 'Soon after that we received a signal that a torpedo was approaching our ship, so we all braced ourselves, which meant that we bent our knees to absorb the shock of the impact.' But the missile missed, and John was alive to think of fallen friends at the end of the war. After the mixed emotions of that day, he was back to base shortly after to prepare to fight the Japanese. The Allies battle against the Japanese Empire lasted three more months, until they surrendered in August 1945. John stayed in the Navy until April 1978, by which time he had become Captain of the Ark Royal and had been promoted to Rear-Admiral. The 101-year-old has regularly returned to the scenes of his former battles through the work of the Royal British Legion. More Trending The charity runs countless events for veterans, and their Tea Party at the National Memorial Arboretum is likely to be the largest gathering of Second World War veterans on VE Day. Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said: 'This is one of the last chances the nation will have to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, and to thank the small number of veterans still with us today. 'Victory would not have been possible without the contribution of Allied Forces from the Commonwealth and beyond. 'By bringing the nation together to celebrate the entire Second World War generation on this momentous occasion, we can hear their stories and learn more about how that diversity of contribution from Commonwealth countries led to Victory in Europe.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: VE Day 1945 live: World wakes up to victory after Germany surrenders to the Allies MORE: I lived in a post-war 'flatpack' home – prefabs were built for heroes MORE: How the royals celebrated VE Day back in 1945
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Northern Ireland to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
Northern Ireland will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a series of events to commemorate the end of fighting in Europe in World War Two. A number of activities, including historical talks, parades and services, are being held across Northern Ireland. Thursday will have particular significance for Jill Weggery who is visiting Northern Ireland for the first time in the hope of learning more about her mother. Jill's mother, Castledine Howard from west Yorkshire, joined the Wrens (Women's Royal Navy Service) with her sister - Pearl - four years into the war, when she turned 18. She was posted to HMS Belfast until the war ended in 1945, and was based in barracks nearby. "I would love to find somewhere just to stand in quiet and think about mum, but also to think about the happy times, knowing that there'd been victory in Europe and that war would be coming to an end," she said. "On VE Day I know she was out with the Americans celebrating with her sister and everybody, and having just a great time." Jill, who has lived in New Zealand for more than 20 years, believes VE Day is an important reminder of the devastation of war. "If people don't remember what happened I think it diminishes what they had to do. "It's really good now that people are celebrating the strength of the people who went through it," she said. Jill looks at a programme in the war museum in Belfast and says her mum had fond memories of celebrating VE Day [BBC] What's happening across Northern Ireland? Belfast will mark the anniversary with a series of events at City Hall, including guided walking tours, as well as a tea dance hosted by Hugo Duncan. There are events at PRONI and church services. City Hall was lit up red on Wednesday night, and will be again on Thursday. Belfast City Hall was lit up red on Wednesday night [BBC] Many locations including Bangor, Ards and Ballyhalbert, Lisburn, Armagh, Enniskillen, Coleraine, Londonderry and Carrickfergus will light beacons as symbols of hope for future generations. Riders and spectators at the North West 200 will observe a minute's silence. To search for an event in your local area, visit your council website or use the Commentator Lt. Commander Harry McMullan with Samuel Megraw, a shipyard worker and Lt. Commander J.M. Sowry, RNVR, broadcasting in Northern Ireland's contribution to Victory Report from Pollock Dock, Belfast [BBC] Replica spitfire on show On Wednesday night, a special event was held at Belfast City Hall to commemorate VE Day, chaired by comedian Tim McGarry and historian, Dr David Hume. A replica Supermarine Spitfire, used extensively by the Allied Forces during World War Two, was also on display. Nina Smyth says it's important to carry memories forward [BBC] Nina Smyth, who attended the event, said: "My mum would tell me stories that my grandparents told her about the war. I think it's important to carry the memories forward." Philip Hall attended the event with his nine-year-old son Keagan. "I've an interest in history and I think unfortunately the younger generation aren't aware of history in general. I want my son to learn about history, and the importance of VE Day." Philip Hall wants his soon Keegan to learn about history [BBC] James Bunting, husband of councillor Sara Bunting, said: "It's good to remember our past. If you forget your past then there's a chance it'll happen again." He said the men who served in the war "gave their todays for our tomorrows". James Bunting says "it's good to remember our past" [BBC] Civic service in Londonderry Meanwhile, a civic service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day took place at Saint Columb's Cathedral in Londonderry on Wednesday evening. The Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry, Ian Crowe, says it was special to be part of the service [BBC] The Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry, Ian Crowe, said it was a very special service to be a part of and said it was very important to highlight the city's historic links to VE Day. It was on 14 May 1945 that the first of the German U-boats made their way up the Foyle to the port of Lisahally where they were formally ordered to surrender. "It's pivotal that Derry was a part of that story," Lord Lieutenant Ian Crowe said. VE Day 'hugely significant' for NI Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum collections officer James O'Neill says VE Day in 1945 was hugely significant for Northern Ireland [BBC] The Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum has been involved in VE Day commemorations throughout the week. Collections officer James O'Neill said VE Day in 1945 was hugely significant for Northern Ireland. "VE Day came after almost six years of warfare," he told BBC News NI. "There's footage that shows thousands of people flooding the streets. And for many, it's just a release of the worry that would naturally fill your mind," he said. "Northern Ireland had been used as a training base for thousands upon thousands of troops, it had been heavily militarised, there were airfields built, there were naval stations built, the war very much wasn't just somewhere else, it was here and this affected everyone across the province," he said. What is VE Day - or Victory in Europe Day? VE Day cups from 1945 in The Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum [BBC] Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 1945 saw Britain and its Allies formally accept Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender after almost six years of war. At 15:00, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end, following Germany's surrender the day before. Spontaneous celebrations broke out across the country, and the late Queen Elizabeth II - then Princess Elizabeth - and her sister Princess Margaret ventured out with a group of friends to experience the excitement in London. Further celebrations will take place in August to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), which marked the end of World War Two. More on this story [BBC]
BBC News
07-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
VE Day: Northern Ireland to mark 80th anniversary
Northern Ireland to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day 6 minutes ago Share Save Share Save BBC A replica Supermarine Spitfire was on display outside Belfast City Hall on Wednesday evening Northern Ireland will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a series of events to commemorate the end of fighting in Europe in World War Two. A number of activities, including historical talks, parades and services, are being held across Northern Ireland. Thursday will have particular significance for Jill Weggery who is visiting Northern Ireland for the first time in the hope of learning more about her mother. Jill's mother, Castledine Howard from west Yorkshire, joined the Wrens (Women's Royal Navy Service) with her sister - Pearl - four years into the war, when she turned 18. She was posted to HMS Belfast until the war ended in 1945, and was based in barracks nearby. "I would love to find somewhere just to stand in quiet and think about mum, but also to think about the happy times, knowing that there'd been victory in Europe and that war would be coming to an end," she said. "On VE Day I know she was out with the Americans celebrating with her sister and everybody, and having just a great time." 1:42 'If people don't remember them, it diminishes what they had to do' Jill, who has lived in New Zealand for more than 20 years, believes VE Day is an important reminder of the devastation of war. "If people don't remember what happened I think it diminishes what they had to do. "It's really good now that people are celebrating the strength of the people who went through it," she said. Jill looks at a programme in the war museum in Belfast and says her mum had fond memories of celebrating VE Day What's happening across Northern Ireland? Belfast will mark the anniversary with a series of events at City Hall, including guided walking tours, as well as a tea dance hosted by Hugo Duncan. There are events at PRONI and church services. City Hall was lit up red on Wednesday night, and will be again on Thursday. Belfast City Hall was lit up red on Wednesday night Many locations including Bangor, Ards and Ballyhalbert, Lisburn, Armagh, Enniskillen, Coleraine, Londonderry and Carrickfergus will light beacons as symbols of hope for future generations. Riders and spectators at the North West 200 will observe a minute's silence. To search for an event in your local area, visit your council website or use the Commentator Lt. Commander Harry McMullan with Samuel Megraw, a shipyard worker and Lt. Commander J.M. Sowry, RNVR, broadcasting in Northern Ireland's contribution to Victory Report from Pollock Dock, Belfast Replica spitfire on show On Wednesday night, a special event was held at Belfast City Hall to commemorate VE Day, chaired by comedian Tim McGarry and historian, Dr David Hume. A replica Supermarine Spitfire, used extensively by the Allied Forces during World War Two, was also on display. Nina Smyth says it's important to carry memories forward Nina Smyth, who attended the event, said: "My mum would tell me stories that my grandparents told her about the war. I think it's important to carry the memories forward." Philip Hall attended the event with his nine-year-old son Keagan. "I've an interest in history and I think unfortunately the younger generation aren't aware of history in general. I want my son to learn about history, and the importance of VE Day." Philip Hall wants his soon Keegan to learn about history James Bunting, husband of councillor Sara Bunting, said: "It's good to remember our past. If you forget your past then there's a chance it'll happen again." He said the men who served in the war "gave their todays for our tomorrows". James Bunting says "it's good to remember our past" Civic service in Londonderry Meanwhile, a civic service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day took place at Saint Columb's Cathedral in Londonderry on Wednesday evening. The Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry, Ian Crowe, says it was special to be part of the service The Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry, Ian Crowe, said it was a very special service to be a part of and said it was very important to highlight the city's historic links to VE Day. It was on 14 May 1945 that the first of the German U-boats made their way up the Foyle to the port of Lisahally where they were formally ordered to surrender. "It's pivotal that Derry was a part of that story," Lord Lieutenant Ian Crowe said. VE Day 'hugely significant' for NI Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum collections officer James O'Neill says VE Day in 1945 was hugely significant for Northern Ireland The Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum has been involved in VE Day commemorations throughout the week. Collections officer James O'Neill said VE Day in 1945 was hugely significant for Northern Ireland. "VE Day came after almost six years of warfare," he told BBC News NI. "There's footage that shows thousands of people flooding the streets. And for many, it's just a release of the worry that would naturally fill your mind," he said. "Northern Ireland had been used as a training base for thousands upon thousands of troops, it had been heavily militarised, there were airfields built, there were naval stations built, the war very much wasn't just somewhere else, it was here and this affected everyone across the province," he said. What is VE Day - or Victory in Europe Day? VE Day cups from 1945 in The Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 1945 saw Britain and its Allies formally accept Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender after almost six years of war. At 15:00, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end, following Germany's surrender the day before. Spontaneous celebrations broke out across the country, and the late Queen Elizabeth II - then Princess Elizabeth - and her sister Princess Margaret ventured out with a group of friends to experience the excitement in London. Further celebrations will take place in August to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), which marked the end of World War Two.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
I partied outside Buckingham Palace on VE Day
A great-grandmother who partied outside Buckingham Palace on VE Day says people will "never understand" what the day was like. Margaret Johns, 99, was working as a nurse in London when Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies, ending almost six years of conflict in Europe, on 8 May 1945. Mrs Johns caught the Tube to central London and partied outside the palace, staying up late into the night. "They should have given us the day off the next day," said Mrs Johns, from Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire. Mrs Johns' education had come to an abrupt end at the age of 16, despite being a good student. For two years, at the peak of World War Two, she worked at the RAE in Aberporth, Ceredigion, testing ammunition. She then went to London in 1944 for her nurse's training and worked through blackouts and bombings in London hospitals for five years before returning to Wales, continuing to work into her 80s. Mrs Johns recalled VE Day [Victory in Europe Day], which saw her catch the Tube to central London and go to Buckingham Palace. "You can never understand what VE Day was like unless you experienced it," she said. 'It's the end - we're going home' Jean Rees, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service, also partied in London on VE Day [Royal Navy/BBC] Jean Rees was part of the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) - known as the Wrens - stationed in Eastleigh, Hampshire, during World War Two. The 101-year-old, who now lives in Swansea, was conscripted at the age of 19 and her job was to welcome the new recruits, issue their uniforms and offer support to the often terrified young people. Mrs Rees remembered being known as the "rum boson" onboard HM Raven as she had control over which of "the boys" could have a tipple, and which were underage. "The Wrens didn't get it... which wasn't fair," she said. "But life in the Wrens was wonderful." She met her late husband - Bill Rees from Swansea who was in the Royal Air Force - in an officer's club and he proposed the same evening. The pair got married the following year and lived happily together until his death in 2015. Mrs Rees said she had vivid memories of the war, such as the black skies of D-Day in June 1944 and helping returning soldiers find clothes, food and somewhere to stay. But she also recalled the elation on VE Day, adding: "News went round the camp very quickly and we were given leave to celebrate, so it was up to London. "When we got there, there were thousands [of people], of all nationalities. Everybody was singing. "After that, we all went back and began to think 'it's the end, we're going home'." 'I was no hero' Joseph Gibson recalls being in the desert on VE Day, celebrating with a can of beer and a tin of cigarettes [BBC] Joseph Gibson, a great-grandfather who lives in Hawarden, Flintshire, was a so-called Desert Rat during the war - a group of British soldiers who helped defeat the Germans in North Africa. His tour of duty took him to Egypt and he later served in the Middle East. Mr Gibson, 99, said the conditions - particularly the heat - were extremely difficult, adding he was "frightened to death". He recalled being in the desert on VE Day and being given "a can of beer and a tin of cigarettes" to celebrate. He said it was "wonderful" to return home, but tinged with the sadness of knowing many friends he made along the way were not so lucky. "I was just a soldier, a normal soldier, like thousands and thousands of others," he said. "I was no hero." 'The forgotten conscripts' Emrys Hughes says he got little recognition for a "very dangerous" role in the war effort [BBC] But VE Day did not mark the end of wartime service for everyone. Emrys Hughes, 98, was one of the 48,000 so-called Bevin Boys - young men conscripted to work down the mines to help the British effort for coal, instead of being called up for military service. Dubbed the "forgotten conscripts", they worked long days doing dirty, hard labour. But Mr Hughes said he received little respect from the general public, who often treated the Bevin Boys as though they were dodging the war. "Everyone thought I was a conscientious objector," he recalled. He grew up in the village of Rhostryfan, Gwynedd, and when he was old enough to fight in 1943 he had hoped to get a place in the RAF. "But I was told my services were no longer required," he said. "You had no choice, you had to go to the mines." Unlike many of those serving in the British military, there was no de-mob after VE Day for the Bevin Boys, with many forced to stay on in the mines until 1948. There was also no military pension, no guarantees they could return to their previous jobs, or compensation for disabling injuries underground. It was not until 1995 that the Bevin Boys were officially recognised as veterans by the UK government. "It showed we did something during the war... Everybody did their bit." 'I never really recovered' John Eskdale was stationed in Australia on VE day and said, for him and many others, service continued on as normal [Royal Navy/BBC] John Eskdale, a 100-year-old former Royal Marine, was in Australia on VE Day, working as a driver on a project building air bases between Australia and Japan. For Mr Eskdale, as for many other military personnel, the war did not end until Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) in August 1945. He did not leave the Royal Marines, due to injury, until 1948. "It's very emotional and hard, looking back," said Mr Eskdale, originally from Bridgend. He worked on the HMS Charybdis in 1943 when it was torpedoed by German boats, killing more than 400 men. He spent "a harrowing five hours in the freezing water" before becoming the last of 107 crew members to be rescued. "I never really recovered from this experience," he said. Mr Eskdale said he hoped no-one "ever had to witness" the horrors that those who served in World War Two experienced. He urged people to "take life as it comes", because "you never know what's around the corner". Additional reporting by George Herd, Iolo Cheung, Sarah Easedale and Greg Davies
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Former Wren, 100, put cardboard in her shoes to get into Edinburgh naval base
One of the last surviving Wrens who fought in the Second World War has told how she put cardboard in her shoes so she was tall enough to join the service. Dorothea Barron, aged 100, said she was "dying to get involved" in the war effort, joining the Women's Royal Naval Service after leaving school, serving at a base at HMS Hopetoun in Port Edgar as a visual signaller. In an interview with the Big Issue magazine, she said: "I'd tell my younger self that life is a continual battle. You've just got to fight it, you won't get anywhere if you succumb. That's what life has taught me. I'm afraid you've got to have fighting spirit all your life. READ MORE: Edinburgh's Sir Chris Hoy forced to leave hotel room at 4am after late-night blunder READ MORE: Inspiring Edinburgh pensioner hosts his first ever art exhibition aged 88 "Never envy anyone, just stand up and make the best of what you have. I was dying to get involved but wasn't tall enough to join the Wrens. "We had to be 5ft 3in and I'm only 5ft 2in. So, I cut cardboard and shoved it in the heels of my shoes to push my height up, and I had this great mop of hair that I brushed up high. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "They realised I wasn't tall enough but could see how keen I was and took pity on me. I would have got in somehow. I'd have done anything to get in." She added: "We were a group of girls who were desperate not to let the Nazis in. I was so enthusiastic. It was very fulfilling work. We felt we were contributing to the peace of the world." Ms Barron said there are still not enough opportunities for women, and men still have the upper hand. But she added: "Men still underestimate women, our abilities and courage. "Women have to get on with things and look after the family. I admire women tremendously but most men are mollycoddled these days. I have nothing but contempt for people who are happy to risk other people's lives for their own self-glorification. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "Because men start wars, women don't. Women are much more sensible and have to pick up the pieces and make life happen again." The full interview is in the latest issue of the magazine, on sale from Monday.
