Thought this family letter may be of interest to fellow lifers.
The letter he had waiting to write for nearly 5 years: Little did he know the importance of the date he wrote it. Sent to France with the BEF 1939. Last time he saw his wife and 18 month old child was on leave February 1940. Captured near Bethune May 28 1940. The story of many.
During our house decorating, we have had some lovely rapport and chats with our neighbours opposite, one of whom was 11years old at the time. Happy memories. Shame it can't be a full blown street party this time.
Will be enjoying the day tomorrow, but VE is always bitter sweet for me, as my Dad fought in Burma. Didn't get home until January 1946, when he did get home they wouldn't let him have a pint in the Royal Oak which use to be next to Woolwich Arsenal station. He was proper soldier, just like Windsor Davis in It aint Half Hot Mum.
Tomorrow is my first day off after a series of nights so will be raising a glass of two at home in honour to all those that fought in the conflict....including the poor residents of some foreign countries who lost everything......
Civilians celebrated in 1945 but those that were actually there were far more reticent on their return.
The 75th Anniversary should certainly be marked, if for no other reason that is almost certainly the last 'big' number that those actually there will be able to take part in should they so wish, but how is the question.
I will probably raise a quiet glass to my relatives, those who survived and those who died, but that is me.
Every family's experience of War was different so each to their own in their own way I guess.
My father's family, who were Latvian, ended up in refugee camps near Berlin. They were displaced people who luckily were given the choice of resettlement between GB, Australia and USA, as Latvia under Stalinist Russia was a horrendous option. My grandma was of Welsh ancestry so they were air lifted to GB during the Berlin airlift by the Red Cross. A year or so later, my granddad was reunited with the family in GB by the Red Cross. My father adored this country. I will raise a glass or two to him tomorrow with all the heroes of VE Day.😊
We haven’t decorated our house but a work colleague who lives up in Suffolk said today his local reverend had been round with arm lids of bunting for them to put up as their village is to feature on the BBC tomorrow and they want it to look the best.
We haven’t decorated our house but a work colleague who lives up in Suffolk said today his local reverend had been round with arm lids of bunting for them to put up as their village is to feature on the BBC tomorrow and they want it to look the best.
I’ll look out for it.
My friend and family live in Stalham, Norfolk, and I was surprised that she said there was no show of bunting etc. Surprised me with the RAF bases and military connections up there.
The wonderful Eynsford Addicks have spurred us into putting a full size Union Jack across the upper front of our house .
This flag was taken to Stuttgart in 1986 when we supported the GB teams at the European Athletic Champs & then to Rome the following year for the World Athletic Champs.
It's looking a tad tired & somewhat grubby now but does the job.
Sadly, due to my ineptitude, I'm unable to put up a photo ....
Civilians celebrated in 1945 but those that were actually there were far more reticent on their return.
The 75th Anniversary should certainly be marked, if for no other reason that is almost certainly the last 'big' number that those actually there will be able to take part in should they so wish, but how is the question.
I will probably raise a quiet glass to my relatives, those who survived and those who died, but that is me.
Every family's experience of War was different so each to their own in their own way I guess.
It should be both. There is a 2 minute silence planned at 11am in commemoration. Certainly after Churchill's speech (either at 2.45 or 3pm - reports differ!) it should turn into a celebration of Victory!
I often used to attend meetings in the Churchill Room and 100 Parliament Street. Next to one of the French windows leading out to the balcony was a small photograph of Churchill standing on the balcony addressing the crowds below on VE Day. It always felt very humbling to be in there.
Mums brother. My Uncle George. Died aged 22 on the 29th July 1944 over Germany. Wireless Operator with 207 squadron and a keen artist (self portrait below). I have his hand made wooden paint box and paints at home. Paints not touched since the day he didn't come back.
Will be enjoying the day tomorrow, but VE is always bitter sweet for me, as my Dad fought in Burma. Didn't get home until January 1946, when he did get home they wouldn't let him have a pint in the Royal Oak which use to be next to Woolwich Arsenal station. He was proper soldier, just like Windsor Davis in It aint Half Hot Mum.
Why wouldn’t they let him have a beer @usetobunkin ?
Will be enjoying the day tomorrow, but VE is always bitter sweet for me, as my Dad fought in Burma. Didn't get home until January 1946, when he did get home they wouldn't let him have a pint in the Royal Oak which use to be next to Woolwich Arsenal station. He was proper soldier, just like Windsor Davis in It aint Half Hot Mum.
Why wouldn’t they let him have a beer @usetobunkin ?
Also interested to know why.
My father always had issues with the MIlitary Police at Woolwich Arsenal station when he was returning to Mill Hill barracks after a few days leave to visit his family. They were checking anyone in uniform to make sure they weren't doing a runner 😲.
My neighbour used to work in a government building that was being stripped out so he could take what he wanted got a 20ft Union Jack flag which we will put across the front of our 2 houses tomorrow.
I wonder if there will be a marking of the end of the far east (forgotten) war. My father (like Captain Tom actually) was in Burma. Wasn't captured or killed by the way, and didn't build the bridge over the river Kwai.
I wonder if there will be a marking of the end of the far east (forgotten) war. My father (like Captain Tom actually) was in Burma. Wasn't captured or killed by the way, and didn't build the bridge over the river Kwai.
Will be enjoying the day tomorrow, but VE is always bitter sweet for me, as my Dad fought in Burma. Didn't get home until January 1946, when he did get home they wouldn't let him have a pint in the Royal Oak which use to be next to Woolwich Arsenal station. He was proper soldier, just like Windsor Davis in It aint Half Hot Mum.
Why wouldn’t they let him have a beer @usetobunkin ?
Also interested to know why.
My father always had issues with the MIlitary Police at Woolwich Arsenal station when he was returning to Mill Hill barracks after a few days leave to visit his family. They were checking anyone in uniform to make sure they weren't doing a runner 😲.
Terrible disguise if you’re running away from the army to be fair!
Comments
Great picture!
Thought this family letter may be of interest to fellow lifers.
The letter he had waiting to write for nearly 5 years: Little did he know the importance of the date he wrote it.
Sent to France with the BEF 1939. Last time he saw his wife and 18 month old child was on leave February 1940.
Captured near Bethune May 28 1940.
The story of many.
Shame it can't be a full blown street party this time.
He was proper soldier, just like Windsor Davis in It aint Half Hot Mum.
Civilians celebrated in 1945 but those that were actually there were far more reticent on their return.
The 75th Anniversary should certainly be marked, if for no other reason that is almost certainly the last 'big' number that those actually there will be able to take part in should they so wish, but how is the question.
I will probably raise a quiet glass to my relatives, those who survived and those who died, but that is me.
Every family's experience of War was different so each to their own in their own way I guess.
My father adored this country. I will raise a glass or two to him tomorrow with all the heroes of VE Day.😊
This flag was taken to Stuttgart in 1986 when we supported the GB teams at the European Athletic Champs & then to Rome the following year for the World Athletic Champs.
It's looking a tad tired & somewhat grubby now but does the job.
Sadly, due to my ineptitude, I'm unable to put up a photo ....
And a couple more.
One of many heroes.
My father always had issues with the MIlitary Police at Woolwich Arsenal station when he was returning to Mill Hill barracks after a few days leave to visit his family. They were checking anyone in uniform to make sure they weren't doing a runner 😲.
My father (like Captain Tom actually) was in Burma.
Wasn't captured or killed by the way, and didn't build the bridge over the river Kwai.