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Victory in Europe - May 8, 1945
Victory in Europe - May 8, 1945
2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
As we pause to remember those who paid the Supreme Sacrifice, let us also take a moment to remember the comrades who came home but are no longer with us. Many had been wounded or suffered mental wounds that they carried with them all of their days.
Murray Hostine, of Leamington, related that when he heard the war was over while in Holland, nobody celebrated; everyone was relieved that finally the horror was over and they could go home.
Shown below is one of the most iconic pictures of Wheatley men during the war. Bill Tait, an MP with the Provost Corps, was stationed in London, England, and he knew when local boys had leave. He arranged for the four of them to meet up and this photo was taken May 8 th , 1945 (V.E. Day) at Trafalgar Square (note Big Ben in the background).
Gord Liddle was an RCAF bomber pilot with 30 missions, Rae Bell served as a sergeant with the Essex-Scottish in Europe, and Allan Jackson was an RCAF fighter pilot. They were surely counting the days until they once again set foot back in uptown Wheatley.
Four Wheatley men met up in Trafalgar Square on V.E. Day, May 8, 1945. From left to right: Flight Lieutenant Gord Liddle, RCAF Bomber Command; Sergeant Rae Bell, Essex-Scottish; Military Police Bill Tait, Provost Corps; Pilot Officer Allan Jackson, RCAF Fighter Command.
