Time to honour Yorkshire’s role in World War Two at this time

On Friday May 8 this country will come together to celebrate VE Day 75 and remember the end of the Second World War in Europe after a six-year conflict. Armed Forces charity SSAFA is asking people to mark this pivotal moment in history and understand how our country was involved on VE Day and throughout the Second World War. Town factories across the UK were fully engaged in war production. York was one city that suffered ten minor air raids and one major raid in April 1942, known as York Blitz. When VE Day came, Yorkshire celebrated except for local lady Pauline Lockett. She was just six years old on VE Day but could not join the celebrations because her family was mourning her father, Walter, who was killed in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp. Following VE Day and as the victory celebrations subsided, SSAFA’s then Chairman Air Vice-Marshal Sir Norman McEwen, made a wireless appeal on Sunday May 13 1945. He asked the people of the United Kingdom to remember that, for many of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and their families, even though the war had ended, their personal battles had not and, in some cases, were just starting. For those who serve this Nation in any conflict, his words remain as true today as they were then.Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA, said: “SSAFA has been supporting military personnel, veterans and their families for over 135 years. “Please help us to continue to provide invaluable emotional and practical support to anyone in need, particularly by generously contributing to our work.” SSAFA offers support to people at any stage in their military career, from the youngest recruit to the oldest veteran. It has more than 5,000 trained SSAFA volunteers who provide personalised, face-to-face support to those in their local area. Trained welfare advisors and volunteers work with each person to find out exactly what they need and then give support to the client and their families. “When anyone in our Forces family finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to,” said a spokesman. Donate to SSAFA’s Emergency Response Fund at ssaf.as/vedonate or text 75VEDay 5 to 70085 to give £5.