Wall of Remembrance to pay VE Day tributes

Appeal to share stories and photos for online display to mark 75 years since end of Second World War

People are encouraged to pay virtual tribute to the Second World War generation ahead of VE Day by contributing to a digital “Wall of Remembrance”.

The coronavirus pandemic means this year’s commemorations for the 75th anniversary of victory in Europe day on May 8 have had to be cancelled or moved online.

To help families mark the occasion, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is launching a digital campaign to collect photos, stories and memories of those who lived through the hardships of the war.

The public can submit their contribution by using the hashtag #ShareYourTribute on social media, or by uploading it to a special section on the CWGC’s website from today.

One person who will be sharing a tribute is Deborah Hamlyn, 49, from Sheffield, who plans to honour the memory of her late grandfather John Allen.

Mr Allen, from Bradford, who passed away in March at the age of 101, had a military career encompassing the Dunkirk evacuation, serving in India and the bloody Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy.

Ms Hamlyn, who herself served with the Royal Signals for six years, including in Northern Ireland, said she used to call her grandfather every day.

“We used to have a bit of a giggle about things that we’ve both done, and we’d trade stories really. I could never beat his, though, to be truthful,” she said.

“Nothing compares to what he must have been through, what he must have witnessed,” Ms Hamlyn said.

She explained her grandfather did not talk about the “tragedies” he likely witnessed, preferring to focus on the “funny stories”.

She praised the CWGC initiative as a “great” way to honour the wartime generation, with her family planning to share a photo and tribute.

They will be putting up bunting, raising a toast and holding a video call with relatives on May 8.

“It’s actually really important that we don’t forget, it’s a massive sacrifice from the previous generation,” she said.

Victoria Wallace, CWGC director general, said: “At this dark time, we want to give people a way to honour those brave men and women who gave their lives in the Second World War, creating this virtual Wall of Remembrance, so they can take part in VE Day.

“Whether it is a simple thank you, a picture or a few lines of text, we want to collect as many tributes as possible.”

To add a tribute, visit cwgc.org/shareyour-tribute