The children of the Second World War: Care home residents share their memories

Residents at a care home looked back on their childhood memories of the Second World War earlier this month to celebrate VE Day.

Heathfield Court care home in Colyers Lane, Erith, welcomed its residents’ families and friends to a special street party to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe. 

Many of the residents at Heathfield Court were children during the Second World War and shared their memories of growing up during wartime.

Barbara Sanderson, 86, and her husband Sandy Sanderson have both recently made Heathfield Court their home. Originally from London, Barbara was evacuated to Cornwall.

She said: “It was a difficult decision and one which my family regretted, so we moved back home to London.

“Later during the war, I was evacuated again to Warrington, along with my mum, auntie and my cousin. 

“Unfortunately, our hosts were not very nice to us, and it often felt like they did not really want us there. 

“I do have special memories of VE Day, I remember we had a big street party where all of the neighbours pitched in to use their coupons to help cater for the party. It was quite the treat after living off rations for so long!

“There was music, singing and dancing long into the night!”

Heathfield Court is a purpose-built care home which provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care.

Everyone was entertained by 1940s-themed singer who sang wartime favourites such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’.

John Cobb, 88, a resident at Heathfield Court since February said: “I shall never forget standing on the Mall looking at Buckingham Palace on VE Day and taking in all of the celebrations, though the King wasn’t able to let me in to visit that day!” 

The retired shop keeper was evacuated from his London home as a child, landing in Oxford with his brother Charlie and sister Barbara. 

He said: “We weren’t treated very well by our host family. I remember them getting us to do all of the jobs and tasks that the family didn’t want to do.

“I became very poorly and had to return home to live out the war with my family. I remember being amazed to see all of the big trenches that had been dug in Hyde Park for people to shelter in if they found themselves in trouble.”

Another resident Elizabeth Lutman – known as Ann – grew up in Shrewsbury so has very different memories of her childhood during the war.

The 87-year-old said: “My father was in the Army, so as a girl I didn’t really know him at all as he was away serving his country.

“Our family had a telephone, and I can remember soldiers would often knock on the door and ask to use the phone.

“I do remember children from London coming to stay in our town and having evacuees to stay in our house. It’s been interesting chatting to John and Barabara and comparing stories of our lives during the war.”

Marjorie Seaman, 103, is living with dementia but a previously recorded film of her wartime memories was shown to the residents.

Lisa Avery, lifestyle lead at Heathfield Court said: “We all sat and watched it together. It’s wonderful to have Marjorie’s stories documented on film.”

Home manager Nicola Martin said the day was a “wonderful mix” of celebration and reflection.

She said: “It has been a great opportunity to come together and share memories. 

“We feel very honoured to listen to the stories of our residents who belong to the Second World War generation.”

Pictured top: John Cobb recalls standing on the Mall looking at Buckingham Palace on VE Day (Picture: Heathfield Court care home)