LEST WE FORGET
Generations unite to mark VE Day
WALES’ First Minister has paid tribute to the “unimaginable courage” of those who served during the Second World War.
Mark Drakeford spoke with Welsh veterans, now aged between 96 and 103, in calls over Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and over the phone.
People across Wales, asked to stay at home, stood in silence at 11am to mark 75 years since the end of the war in Europe.
As part of UK VE Day celebrations, the RAF flew two Typhoon jets over Cardiff - reaching speeds of 350mph.
Mr Drakeford said yesterday: “Speaking with all veterans this week and listening to their extraordinary accounts of torpedo attacks and near misses, brought home the incredible grit and determination of an entire generation who lived through the Second World War.
“All of us can look to them for inspiration, to help us deal with our own unique piece of history.
“I want to thank each and every person across the commonwealth who battled fascism and helped to build the foundations of a society, which we all benefit from today.
“Coronavirus means we must celebrate VE Day in our own homes, but it will not change our determination to pay our tributes.”
Ministers in Wales marked the silence from the steps of the Welsh Government buildings in Cardiff.
The Royal British Legion said there was no right or wrong way to take part in the silence, many observing the silence outside their front doors, in their gardens or behind their front windows.
During the calls to veterans, Mr Drakeford spoke to veteran Gordon Prime, now 96, who received the Legion d’honneur for his heroism as a motorcycle dispatch rider.
He served with the Royal Army Service Corps, attached to the 1st Canadian Army, and was still in Germany when VE Day was announced.
“We had a job to do, we just had to get on with it,” Mr Prime, who lives in Pembroke Dock, told Mr Drakeford.
Rob Taylor, now 94, from Ton Pentre in the Rhondda, served as an air engineer in the RAF between 1942 and 1946.
He told Mr Drakeford that he was due to take part in VE Day commemorations but they had been cancelled due to Covid-19.
“The people in the street have put flags out for me and I’m going to walk up the street and down,” Mr Taylor said.
He added that he was looking forward to going back to the gym or for a swim when the restrictions are lifted.
Alan Higgins, 96, from Bridgend, joined the Royal Navy in September 1939 aged 15 and started his duties as a telegraphist.
He described how his landing craft suffered heavy losses as it landed on Sword Beach on D-Day.
Mr Higgins was in Malta when official announcement came of the German surrender, with all sailors abandoning ship to form a victory march.
When he looks at his medals, he remembers all those - including his friend from Pontypridd - who did not survive to receive theirs, he said.
Mr Drakeford’s tribute to those who lived through the Second World War was as follows He wrote: “Seventy-five years ago today, the nation celebrated Victory of Europe.
“Across Wales people came together to share whatever they had –sugar, biscuits or beer – to celebrate in the streets.
“That momentous day must have
seemed very far away during the long years of conflict and strict rationing.
“Today, we pay tribute to all those who lived through the Second World War.
“Seventy-five years ago today, the nation celebrated Victory of Europe.
“Across Wales people came together to share whatever they had –sugar, biscuits or beer – to celebrate in the streets.
“That momentous day must have seemed very far away during the long years of conflict and strict rationing.
“Today, we pay tribute to all those who lived through the Second World War.
“To all the Servicemen and women who fought, to the mothers who cared for their children during air raids, the families who sheltered evacuated children and all those on the home front who kept the war effort going - working on the land, in factories, in mines; in our communities.
“To all those who served, during the war.
“We also remember the unity of the Commonwealth nations, who joined together to fight the spread of fascism.
“Today, because of coronavirus, we won’t be re-creating the street parties of 75 years ago. But we can look to the war generation for strength and inspiration to help us through this period.
“From our own homes, let’s stand united and thankful for this society which we benefit from today.
“Let’s reflect on what was achieved in the wake of the Second World War. And let’s remember those who were loved and lost.
“We remember you.
“We thank you.
“Your sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
There were plenty of unofficial street parties dotted around, with many in fancy dress.
From Rhondda to Cardiff, people observed the social distancing rules as they raised a glass – or two – to the war dead.
One of the biggest parties was in Milton Road, Penarth,
At war memorials, councillors and other civis leaders took the opportunity to lay wreaths as a tribte to the fallen.
At Gelli in the Rhondda, the bunting was out, one resident dressed as an American wartime GI and paddling pools doubled up as mini swimming pools in the scorching weather.