Dressed to impress
One Warrington couple made doubly sure that the ongoing lockdown didn’t spoil their VE Day celebrations.
To mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, Warrington driver of 19 years Alan Bates, and his wife Lesley, dressed to impress with their finest 1940s US Army period attire. They also put their very own ‘Willy’s’ jeep on display (pictured) and decorated their home and driveway with bunting and a home-made VE Day anniversary banner.
After Alan and Lesley posted what they were doing on their local area Facebook group, local magazine, Warrington Worldwide got in touch for an online article. Alan was then contacted by ITV’s This Morning and invited for an interview live on the programme with Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford.
‘Lesley and I have been involved with Second World War history for more than 25 years,’ said Alan. ‘In fact, it was back in 1995, when I was a leisure centre manager, that I was approached and asked to host a VE Day celebration to mark the 50-year milestone of Victory in Europe. It was then that I became really interested in the history of the war and the veterans, who still had so many memories and stories from that era.
‘To recognise their determination and sacrifice during the war, I realised how much they appreciated what we had done for the VE celebrations and decided to become more involved in living history and re-enactments, which we still do today. Since some of mine and my wife's family members had served in the war years, I became increasingly involved and tried to honour their service in some small way to keep the memories alive and share them with others.
‘Through my interest in the Second World War, I have collected numerous artefacts throughout the years, including the Jeep, clothing, uniforms and other memorabilia, which I cherish and maintain. So, when I was approached by my colleagues to help raise money for our in-house charity, the Rowland Hill Fund, I didn’t hesitate. I dusted off the Jeep, got the bunting out and set up a small re-enactment display of authentic 1940s memorabilia outside Warrington Mail Centre. It was Maria Whalley who coordinated the event, and we raised just over £200 for the Fund, which was a great effort.
‘For the This Morning filming of our socially-distanced street party, we again put on our best 1940s attire and the neighbours dressed in red, white and blue or anything else appropriate to the period. We put the Jeep on the drive and the bunting up as well as a small display. Everyone contributed, we had freshly baked cake and scones and a 1940s quiz.
‘In the afternoon, a local councillor asked if we would drive the Jeep around the area for people to see. We did so, and it was so lovely seeing everyone smiling in their gardens having tea parties and enjoying the sunshine while celebrating VE Day.’
Warrington plant was built on the former site of RAF/USAF Burtonwood. The base was opened in 1940 in time for the Battle of Britain. In 1942, it was transferred to the United States when they entered the war. It became the largest airbase in Europe and therefore played a significant role in how the war progressed. It had the most US personnel, the highest production, the most aircraft, the longest runway and even the most marriages!
