Remembering VE Day: Stories of Courage
Remembering VE Day: Stories of Courage from Chelsea Pensioners Brian Howarth and John Morris
As the Royal Hospital Chelsea marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), we reflect not only on the end of the Second World War, but on the lived experiences of those who served. Among them are Chelsea Pensioners Brian Howarth and John Morris - two veterans whose stories remind us of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that defined a generation.
Brian was just 16 when he joined the Army in 1942. By 1945, he was serving as a paratrooper, risking his life in the skies over Germany in one of the largest airborne operations in military history. His memories, from the loss of comrades to his own near-fatal injury, remain sharp and deeply moving.
John, also a teenager at the outbreak of war, began his service in an anti-aircraft battery during the Blitz before joining the Raiding Support Regiment—carrying out operations across North Africa and the Adriatic. His recollections range from moments of danger to flashes of humour and humanity amidst conflict.
Now with Brian in his 90s and John a remarkable 103 years old, both men call the Royal Hospital Chelsea home. Their stories are not only part of our shared history, but living testaments to the enduring spirit of the Chelsea Pensioners.
Remembering VE Day
Brian Howarth's story
Brian Howarth was only 16 when he joined the British Army in 1942. Three years later, he was risking his life as a paratrooper in a huge airborne battle over the Rhine. Although he is now in his 90s, Brian’s memories of wartime remain as vivid as ever.
Remembering VE Day
John Morris's Story
When the war started, I was called up as a regular soldier at the age of 17. I was excited; in those days you thought it was exciting going to war. I was a gun layer and saw through the Blitz in London, as part of the Anti-Aircraft Battery. During the first week of the war,a German Dornier Do flying boat came over on a reconnaissance mission and I had to lay the gun to fire at it. I didn’t hit the Dornier, but knocked a kitchen chimney down. I wasn’t very popular and we weren’t given any breakfast that morning!