On this day, VE Day, 75th Anniversary, 8th May, Linda and I commemorate the end of war in Europe and recognise the massive relief of the country that the terrifying and destructive period had come to an end. We remember two men, one from each family who came home safe from POW camps in 1945.
Left is Flight Lt Engineer Roy Lee, Linda's uncle. As a Flight Engineer Sergeant, he was shot down over occupied France in 1943 and badly burned, he was the sole survivor of his Lancaster Bomber. Rescued by locals, he was too badly injured and asked to be turned over to the Germans when he was treated medically and incarcerated in Stalag IVB. He escaped and was eventually captured in Czechoslovakia.
Pictured right is my Uncle, Rifleman Sydney Jones, Kings Royal Corps who was captured early in the war in Calais and sent to Germany. On one occasion he stopped a German soldier beating his friend with his rifle butt and Syd beat the German. His comrades hid him under the floors of the huts for three months because the Germans were going to shoot him. Thinking he had escaped, eventually he was no longer sought.
Both men returned to Blighty to their families and loved ones in 1945. They were heroes living in extraordinary times and we are very proud of them. THAT'S why we are celebrating and to remember those who never returned or returned like our uncles did, all of whom put their lives at risk for our future. RIP gentlemen and thank you. Xxxx
