'The day a bomb landed on my parents' pillow': Wartime memories at Legion's VE Day tea party

The coffee and cake morning, held at the Royal British Legion’s pop-in centre in Regent Street, was an opportunity for the public to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Second World War and celebrate peace returning to Europe.

It was a step back in time to the sights, smells and sounds of the 1940s with music from Forces sweethearts Vera Lynn and Gracie Fields serenading visitors and authentic corned beef pies and a boiled fruit cake made from rationed ingredients on the menu.

More than 70 visitors to the event gathered to remember the sacrifices of those who died in the Second World War and remember the celebrations held on the original VE Day.

Ivor Chesterman of Old Walcot was remembered being just 11 years old when the Nazi surrender in Europe was declared on May 8, 1945.

The 81-year-old said: “I remember my friend Brian Stone and I went to Barretts in Commercial Road and we got fireworks so we could celebrate.

“I think people had been planning it for a few days beforehand. Everyone knew the end of the war would be coming soon so when it happened they just started having the street parties.

“I can’t remember much of the day itself. I was 11 at the time.

“I don’t remember much of the war itself but there are a few things that stick out in my memory.

“When Swindon was bombed – in 1941 I think – it was about 11pm. We didn’t have a shelter but we went down to the cupboard to wait it out and when we came back out we found a shell had landed on the pillow between mum and dad.

“The morning after, I think, I was walking down Beckhampton Street and I could see a cot hanging out of one of the second-storey windows.”

Michael Barrett from Somerset, who was one of the visitors to the special coffee morning on Saturday's event(may9), was only nine when peace was declared and said the community was overjoyed when receiving the news that war was finally over.

“Because we lived in a small community it took a while for the news to filter through to us,” said the 79-year-old. “When it did people were dancing in the hay with their pitchforks. Everyone was excited and relieved. We even had our first taste of cider because everyone was so joyful.

“It was the end to such a difficult time. I still remember the air raid sirens growing up and because I was so young I just thought that was what life was like.

“If it wasn’t for those brave men and women we would not have the freedom we have today.”

Hugh Thompson, who wore war veteran father Tommy’s medals to the event, said a strong legacy was left by the men and women of the war.

“Some people call it a celebration, I call it a commemoration of what people sacrificed to get us where we are today,” said the 68-year-old of Westcott Lane. “We owe so much to them.

“At a young age you feel invincible and want to travel but some did not come back. The relationship and how they just got on with it, incredible.

“They fought for freedom and they gave us everything we have today. Without their sacrifices our nation would be very different to the one we know today. I’m proud of our country and what we achieved.”

May 8 marked the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day when in 1945, the Allies Forces of the Second World War formally accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender in 1945 of its armed forces. When the Nazis admitted defeat, victory was secured for the Allies consisting of Great Britain, the USA, France and China.

The pop-in Information and Advice centre of the Royal British Legion provides services to service personnel and veterans and provides a forum for the public to learn more about the charity.

Isobel Thompson from the centre said: “It’s been fantastic today and we’re really pleased with the turnout. We’ve had lots of people come through and some promises of new members and we’re hoping to get personnel come in and share their memories. It’s tradition, our history and our heritage.”

For more information about the RBL visit www.britishlegion.org.uk.