Staffordshire veterans share their stories for VE Day 80th anniversary
Two Staffordshire veterans are sharing their stories of the VE Day celebrations in 1945 and their time in the armed forces.
Gordon Steele from Stafford and Bill Rockey from Stoke-on-Trent are both members of the Tri Service and Veterans Support Centre based in Newcastle. The pair are sharing their stories as part of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on Thursday 8 May.
88-year-old Gordon from Stafford was a medic in the RAF. Gordon was nine years old on VE Day and remembers it well.
Gordon said: “I yhink it was in the evening when the news that the war had ended filtered through to our street.
“I just remember people cheering, singing and dancing on the streets, which went on for a few hours. The following day we had a street party where the celebrations continued. It was a historic day and an important anniversary to celebrate, as we don’t want any more wars.”
Former RAF engineer, Bill age 93, remembers the celebrations in Stoke-on-Trent. Bill said: “I was about 13 at the time but I remember it fairly well.
“I was out playing with the other children from the street. I think we were playing with an old washing line as a skipping rope, when the adults started to come out of the house saying the war was over. There were obviously no phones or internet at that time and I guess they got the news through the radio.
“I just remember one of the neighbours coming out with an accordion and everyone singing and dancing.”
Darryl Eyers, Director for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills at Staffordshire County Council, said: “This historic day marks the end of World War II in Europe and is an important time to remember the courage of those who fought for our freedom.
“It’s great to be able to share both Bill and Gordon’s stories and to hear first-hand what it was like at the time. Even though they were both fairly young, they clearly remember the relief in people and the days of celebrations that followed.
“It’s important to celebrate this anniversary and there’s a host of activities taking place right across the county. As well as services in local towns and villages and events in our libraries, we’ll also be lighting up the Shire Hall building in Stafford red, white and blue, whilst proudly flying the Union flag from the top. I do hope people can take some time to join the celebrations.”
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