VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations
QVSR celebrated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day with a community BBQ and afternoon tea.
The festivities began with a salute from QVSR Chaplain, the Rev’d Cameron Kirkwood, to those who had served at the mission during WWII and, while bombs were landing on Poplar and even on the seafarers’ home itself, made sure that our doors never closed. This was followed by a minute’s silence to remember those who did not return.
Then with music from the 40’s setting the scene, residents, staff and members of the local community gathered together to enjoy a tasty BBQ and delicious afternoon tea.
Here are some entries from our Annual Reviews during World War II:
“We would not dwell upon our misfortunes, but it is perhaps right that our supporters should know of our losses in what has proved to be for the Mission the toughest year of the war.
After damages sustained during the blitz, our premises had been restored and renovated. Our complacency was short lived, however, for the flying bomb menace began and Dockland proved to be a chosen and constant target.
On June 21st a V1 Bomb fell in Jeremiah Street, within a few yards of the building, serious damage was caused and the whole of our staff quarters, being destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life.
Then on August 3rd, another V1 fell within yards on the other side of the building, damaging the repairs that had been carried out and adding further damage. Our seamen refused to leave us and they joined in the restoration work and our hostel never closed.”
“GS arrived here to spend his short time on leave. He arrived in great distress. He had known much trouble whilst at sea having witnessed several ships in his convoy torpedoed and sunk, and colleagues on board his ship killed.
Tragically he had also lost his wife, children and home in an air-raid on London. This brave man needed true friends and he told us that he had come to us where he expected to find them.”
“AEP, a seaman. The owners of his ship informed us that his ship had been lost in the North Sea – only 6 survived and requested us to give sad news to relatives.
His Father was found to be in poor health, mother died a few months earlier – three children still at school. Father broke down at news of his son’s loss. Prayed with him and gave financial help. I left wondering how other children would be told. Close touch to be maintained with the family.”
“The daily toll on staff is immense. From one moment to another they do not know of the fate of family members. They support those who have lost loved ones one day, fearing they may be amongst them, the next. They show so much resilience and courage.”