HONOURING VE DAY 75

Marking 75 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 2020, it’s time to remember those who served during WWII. With over 100 years’ experience supporting veterans, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, helped then and now.

On 8 May 1945 celebrations broke out across Europe, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Now, 75 years after the occasion, it is more important than ever to remember the sacrifices of those who served for their country. “The service and the sacrifice of those who fought for nearly six years during World War II, that protected our rights and our liberty, must never be forgotten,” stresses Sir Andrew Gregory, chief executive at SSAFA.

UNITE

On VE Day, SSAFA hopes to bring the nation together to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this date.

“Around the country, we’ll be encouraging the Nation to take a moment to reflect and commemorate VE Day 75. We hope to be sharing as many stories from the day as possible to bring this story alive to the people today,” explains Andrew.

REFLECTION

Andrew will mark the 75- year anniversary of VE Day by remembering his own military career and reflecting on the continuing need for vigilance and courage when our freedoms are challenged.

“On VE Day in 1945, my mother was serving in the Royal Navy and was based just outside Paris in large headquarters; my father, who was serving in the Royal Regiment of Artillery, was still in hospital having been badly wounded nearly a year before in Normandy on D Day,” says Andrew. “I will remember them, and those they served alongside – particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice, with great pride.”

If you are at home on 8 May, it doesn’t mean you can’t take part in the commemorations, Andrew says: “We’re encouraging the public, and especially veterans, to take a moment to reflect upon the events of the past and celebrate the freedoms that we enjoy today.”

CONTINUED CARE

Along with the celebrations, SSAFA is marking the day by continuing to provide life-changing support to the charity’s beneficiaries.

One veteran who has been supported by SSAFA is Private Kath Tozer who joined the ATS as a gunner in January 1941 at the age of 17. Kath defended anti-aircraft bases on the home front until the end of the way, defending the public against German bombs.

“I joined wanting to be a gunner defending the Ack-Ack bases,” remembers Kath. “I wanted to do my bit for the country.”

With duties ranging from cookhouse to guard duties, Kath and her comrades worked in a 24-hour pattern, moving all over the country to different sites during her service.

“I had 16 transfers in five years,” reveals Kath. “We were defending the country against Hitler, it was quite incessant.”

During her time with the ATS, Kath realised the need for determination and strength, she says: “A lot of terrible things happened – like they do today, but you had to carry on and be and strong.”

Thousands were on the street, I never saw so many people. Everyone was screaming, shouting, laughing and making merry, it was wonderful

HAPPINESS

Along with trying times, Kath still carries fond memories of her time serving having met different people from ally nations around the world. Kath also met her husband, Bill, during the war while he was on leave from the Navy.

“It was awful being away from him when he was at sea,” remembers Kath. “I met the love of my life in a time that was harrowing.

“I found moments of happiness in that time, as soon as I saw him, I fell for him, he was like Steve McQueen.” Kath and Bill went on to spend 70 years together, starting a family after the war. Kath now heads up five generations. Today, Kath still remembers the unforgettable atmosphere when the news broke on VE Day.

“I went to the Town Hall, all the bands and drums were going – to think the war in Europe was over and we could all go back to civvy street,” recalls Kath. “Thousands were on the street, I never saw so many people.”

“It was very exciting: everyone was screaming, shouting, laughing and making merry, it was wonderful,” continues Kath. “I used to drink then, it was so full it took an hour to get a pint.”

APPRECIATION

On VE Day, Kath hopes other people will sit and think about that time and know that veterans like her tried to make it a better world.

Decades after the war, Kath met SSAFA divisional secretary Harry Ellis, the two quickly became friends and she shared her stories with him. Harry went on to help Kath get her war pension.

“I think SSAFA and Harry are wonderful – they are people who give up their spare time to help people,” emphasises Kath. “I always wish I was in a position to help people more.

“If anyone can help it is SSAFA and people like Harry, I think it is wonderful they look after the veterans and keep us in mind.”

On VE Day 75 it is an opportunity to celebrate and remember comrades that dedicated their lives.