A resident from HC-One Wales’s Parklands Care Home in Bedwas, Caerphilly, has been sharing her memories of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, in celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, 2025.
Resident Eunice David, who was born on May 16, 1924, now aged 100 years old, was 15 at the start of World War II and 21 at the end of the war.
Eunice lived in Ely, Cardiff before moving to Lee-on-the-Solent with her mum, dad and two younger sisters, June and Grace. Eunice joined the Royal Navy and became a WREN at the age of 19 years old until the age of 21 years old which is something she is incredibly proud of.
Following recruitment, Eunice was posted down to the Royal Naval Air Station in Lee-On-The-Solent where she spent her time serving her country, including living and working through the Dunkirk Evacuation. Eunice met her future husband, John, in Lee-On-The Solent whilst he was in the RAF and Eunice in the WRENS.
Eunice married her husband John in Cardiff in 1944 whilst John had two weeks leave from Normandy and they were married for 59 years. On VE Day, Eunice, John and her family celebrated by having a street party in Cardiff with her neighbours and family. VE Day was a time of great joy for the couple and their family as it meant a chance to look towards a safer future.
Eunice stayed working as a WREN for two and a half years and John stayed in the RAF for around 35 years. Eunice and John travelled around the world together, most notably to Hong Kong where Eunice recalls many experiences which she has spoken about and shared with others. Eunice and John went on to have two sons called Neil and Phillip, two granddaughters, Cerys and Stacey and three great grandchildren.
Eunice moved into Parklands in June 2022. Eunice is looking forward to celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day by joining in the street party being hosted at Parklands Care Home.
Eunice David, resident at HC-One Wales’s Parklands Care Home, said:
“I remember the bells ringing and people cheering, but it was the silence afterwards that stayed with me – the kind of silence that comes with relief and remembrance.
“We were just girls doing our duty, but on VE Day, we felt like we’d helped change the world.”
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