Latest news with #warheroes
Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Times
Chris ‘Swampy' Garrett obituary: bomb disposal expert killed in Ukraine
In March a Russian court convicted Chris 'Swampy' Garrett of terrorism charges in absentia. It sentenced him to 14 years in jail. Garrett was a largely self-taught bomb disposal expert from the Isle of Man who had been working in Ukraine for almost a decade. He called the conviction 'a pathetic attempt to smear me by those who have murdered, raped and tortured thousands of civilians in Ukraine'. His job was 'about preserving life, not taking it'. But the conviction was a back-handed compliment: it showed that his very considerable contribution to Ukraine's war effort had riled President Putin's regime in Moscow. At great personal risk, Garrett had defused thousands of tonnes of landmines planted by Russian troops, as well as countless booby traps and
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC viewers are all saying the same thing as John Newman takes to the stage during the VE Day 80th Anniversary celebration
John Newman's performance in the BBC 's VE Day 80th Anniversary celebration has been blasted by viewers. The singer, 34, joined a star-studded lineup who took to the stage to pay tribute to the nation's war heroes with a special concert at London's Horseguards Parade. The concert, which took place at London's Horseguards Parade, is the last of many events this week to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, which was the day the Second World War finally came to an end in Europe in 1945. John, best known for his hit song Love Me Again in 2013 before he took a hiatus from music in 2020, showed off his vocal skills during the performance, but viewers were left unimpressed. Posts on X included: 'Oh God. John Newman is... painful. What on earth is this?! Never thought I'd say this but get The Darkness back on quick 'Who the hell told John Newman he could sing, premium nasal mumbling that. Can't make one word out. The singer joined a star-studded lineup who took to the stage to pay tribute to the nation's war heroes with a special concert at London's Horseguards Parade 'The Audience listening to John Newman; What a row from John Newman, that's not singing 'Watching the VE Day 80 celebrations on TV, who the hell is John Newman? That was probably the worst performance I have ever seen. Totally inaudible; 'John Newman being taken over by the spirit of Kenneth Williams to celebrate VE Day; 'What in the First Response Nasal Spray has happened to John Newman; 'John Newman sounds like my dog when he yawns.' John's performance came hot on the heels of rock band The Darkness, a signing which also sparked confusion from some viewers. While many fans were quick to praise the band and lead Justin Hawkins for their energetic performance, others shared their confusion at the decision to sign them, considering the audience in attendance. Taking to X, fans noted that many veterans may prefer some of the older songs in the show, quipping they 'didn't know' The Darkness had such a large following in war heroes. This was a sentiment that appeared to be echoed by Queen Camilla, as the camera caught her covering her ears, while she chatted to 107-year-old World War Two bomber pilot Harry Richardson. Elsewhere, Their Majesties, King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, smiled as they made an appearance for an evening of music, along with Prince Edward, 61, and his wife Sophie, 60. The mother-of-three stunned in an all-white ensemble, rewearing an effortlessly elegant Cream Tailored Bouclé and Chiffon Midi Dress by Self-Portrait. The artists featured include include the cast of World War II musical Operation Mincemeat, West End legend Samantha Barks - offering her powerful rendition of We'll Meet Again - Fleur East, Calum Scott, John Newman, Toploader and Tom Walker. Elsewhere, Brian Cox - celebrated for his role in Succession - delivered a moving re-enactment of Winston Churchill's iconic wartime speech. On May 8, 1945 the nation celebrated Victory in Europe (VE) Day with church bells ringing out across the country and people gathering to revel in the end of hostilities, with crowds gathering outside Buckingham Palace calling for King George VI. e until August 15 that year.
Sky News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
King and Queen attend VE Day 80th anniversary service at Westminster Abbey
The King and Queen have paid their respects to Britain's war dead at a service to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The royal couple were among 2,000 people – including 78 veterans – who attended the ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London. The thanksgiving service, which included music and readings, paused at midday for a national two-minute silence in memory of those who died. Other attendees included the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and some of his Downing Street predecessors, including David Cameron and Boris Johnson. The King laid a wreath, which featured the message "We will never forget", at the grave of the Unknown Warrior, followed by the Prince of Wales. At their side, watching from his wheelchair, was veteran Ken Hay, 99, who served in the infantry regiment. Actor Josh Dylan read a letter from Lance Corporal Fredrick Burgess to his seven-year-old son Freddie, written while he was serving in Italy. He quoted the serviceman, whose granddaughter Susan was among those in the abbey, as writing: "When I do come home, and it will not be very long now, I'm going to buy you something extra specially nice for being such a good boy." Lance Corporal Burgess also described the rain in Italy and how his small tank, which he named Freddie II after his son, had been damaged with a "whacking big hole" by a bomb. Dylan revealed: "Seven months after writing this letter, Lance Corporal Burgess was killed." An excerpt of wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill 's 1945 victory speech, in which he declared the war in Europe was over, was also played. His great-great-grandson Alexander Churchill, aged 10, lit a peace candle and later read a prayer for "peace in Europe and across the world".
