JCB salutes heroes on VE Day

War stories retold at poignant event

- Sentinel Reporter

JCB paid tribute to the relatives of employees whose family members served their country in the Second World War as the nation today marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Employees gathered for a poignant VE Day event at JCB's World Headquarters in Rocester, to share stories of their families' sacrifices - from soldiers on the front line to land girls on the Home Front.

They were joined by Chelsea Pensioners Ted Fell, Barry Prior and Mick Skerratt, resplendent in their traditional red tunics and tricorn hats.

At the ceremony Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Sir Ian Dudson CBE unveiled a stunning digital Wall of Honour in the JCB HQ reception with huge digital screens bearing the photographs of employees' relatives and a description of their war role.

JCB employees from the UK, India, the U.S. and Germany contributed stories of their relatives' Second World War service.

Among those being honoured was Eileen Lavery, of Uttoxeter, who joined up as a Wren in May 1944, when she was just 18.

Eileen, who will celebrate her 100th birthday in September, was guest of honour at yesterday's event as the grandmother of JCB PA Denise Paterson.

Eileen, who worked as a steward in the Women's Royal Naval Service, said: "I was stationed in Lowestoft on VE-Day and when news came through that the war was over, we all went to and jumped into the water in our uniforms.

"It really was a great day and everyone was celebrating the end of the war but the only problem was that once my uniform dried out it had shrunk and wouldn't fit!"