Neandra Etienne on Newham’s wartime memories on the 80th anniversary of VE Day

The book cover for Blitz Kids by Duncan Barrett and Nuala Calvi

East Ham’s Forces’ Sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn will be included in the VE Day 80^th celebrations.

The VE-Day Concert VE Day 80: The Party at the Royal Albert Hall will feature mentions of Dame Vera and possibly a short interview with her daughter Virginia. Katie Ashby of the D-Day Darlings will perform her song The Longest Day and possibly her new version of The White Cliffs of Dover which features Dame Vera’s voice.

A memorial statue, initiated by the late Sir David Amess and created by sculptor Paul Day, to honour not only Dame Vera but all those she entertained during the war is due to be unveiled this summer near the White Cliffs of Dover.

Donations towards the memorial statue are welcome: https://dameveralynnmemorialstatue.co.uk

To honour the VE Day 80^th anniversary the VE Day Community Grant Programme was launched to enable community groups to apply for funding to support activities that will commemorate VE Day.

A woman sitting on a sofa — Pat, who grew up in West Ham during World War II – (Credit – Duncan Barrett)

Through interviews with the survivors Blitz Kids, written by Duncan Barrett and Nuala Calvi, gives a personal insight into what life was like for the children of wartime Britain.

Pat grew up in West Ham and her story is featured in the book. She shared her memories of celebrating the end of the war with Newham Voices: “When we heard the war had ended, my uncles were all in the pub, wearing their uniforms. They were jumping up and down, and then they rolled in the debris outside the pub. Because that was all bombed out. I remember them rolling over in the grass and cheering because it was all over.”

Robert grew up in Poplar and now lives in Plaistow. He loved collecting shrapnel after raids and had a display of ‘souvenirs’ which was confiscated by the Bomb Disposal Squad.

Robert told Newham Voices how he celebrated the end of the war:“When we were celebrating the war being over, we caught a bus up to the city. And we saw all the streamers and everything like that. We had a general wander around, looking at things, and saw everyone celebrating.”

Duncan told Newham Voices what he hopes to achieve with the book: “For me, the joy of writing books like these is discovering – and sharing – extraordinary stories that might otherwise soon be forgotten. My hope is that people enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.”

Blitz Kids by Duncan Barrett and Nuala Calvi book is available from Newham Bookshop .

Duncan Barrett and Nuala Calvi in conversation at an event 8 May, 7.30pm – 10pm, The Wanstead Tap, 352 Winchelsea Road, E7

More info from: https://www.thewansteadtap.com and https://www.newhambooks.co.uk

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