Residents from HC-One’s Godden Lodge Care Home in Benfleet, Essex, have been sharing their memories of World War II and Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Victory in Europe, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, 2025.
Resident Doris Lord, better known as ‘Dolly’, who was born on November 25, 1924, in Stratford, East London, and grew up in Tilbury. Now aged 100 years old, Doris was aged 15 at the start of World War II and 20 years old at the end of World War II, and lived in Carpenders Park, near Watford, with her mum, stepdad and five siblings – being the eldest child alongside three brothers and two sisters.
Doris assisted with normal everyday jobs during the war. Doris joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Services (A.T.S.) at the age of 18 years old and spent three and a half years in the service, something she remains incredibly proud of.
Doris remembers living in the quarters and ensuring it was kept spotless, as she was responsible for scrubbing the floors. Doris met her husband, George Lord, who she married in 1945 at the age of 21 years old, whilst working in the A.T.S. Doris lived in the female camp and George in the male camp.
On VE Day, Doris and her family were relieved that the war was over and celebrated by joining their local community and hosting a street party.
After getting married and after the end of the war, she worked in a factory making cardboard boxes. Doris and George were married for over 50 years, and they moved to Leicestershire to build a life together after the war ended.
Doris moved into Godden Lodge in October 2023. Doris is looking forward to celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day by joining in Godden Lodge’s VE Day party celebrations.
Doris Lord, resident at HC-One’s Godden Lodge Care Home, commented:
“I remember the streets filled with joy – people hugging, singing and waving flags. After years of fear and loss, it felt like we could finally breathe again. VE Day wasn’t just the end of a war – it was the beginning of hope.”
Resident Thelma Munday, who was born on January 5, 1936, now aged 89 years old, who was aged four at the start of World War II and nine years old at the end of World War II. Thelma lived in London with her mum and dad during the war.
Thelma remembers herself at the age of four years old running with her brother, mum and dad to the air raid shelter in their garden when they heard the sirens going off. Thelma recalls that her dad built the shelter himself to protect the family from the bomb drops.
Thelma shared that she never once felt frightened by the experience as she did not fully understand the seriousness of it all. Thelma went on to marry her husband Fred and has four daughters.
Thelma moved into Godden Lodge Care Home in January 2019 and is looking forward to joining in the home’s celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Thelma Munday, resident at HC-One’s Godden Lodge Care Home, shared:
“Once inside the shelter, everyone settled down for the night and they slept there until the morning. I also remember lining up with my mum, to buy the weekly rations from the local shop. Everyone got used to that way of life and didn’t complain.”
Resident Dorothy Griffins, who was born on March 23, 1927, now aged 98 years old, was aged 12 at the start of World War II and 17 years old at the end of the war. Dorothy lived in London with her mum, dad and six siblings.
Dorothy recalls at the age of 13 years old being evacuated with her two sisters to Sommerset for 18 months. She recalls her sister, Lucy, always doing the cooking.
Dorothy worked in an Ammunitions Factory during the war, where she had an accident resulting in her finger being amputated and has mixed memories of this time. Dorthy remembers hearing the alarm as bombs were being dropped near to her house.
After the war, Dorothy worked in the City of London and married her husband, Charles at the age of 19 in St Luke’s Church. Charles was a prisoner of war, and he was reportedly treated well as he could repair all the vehicles. Dorothy and Charles went on to have four children.
Dorothy moved into Godden Lodge in January 2025. She recalls working on VE Day and would like to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day by being with friends and having a drink to toast the lives lost during the war.
Dorothy Griffins, resident at HC-One’s Godden Lodge Care Home, commented:
“I've lost loved ones along the way, but you just got on with it in those days.”
Lewis Chester, HC-One’s Godden Lodge Care Home Manager, said:
"These stories are a valuable part of our shared history. As we approach the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it's more important than ever to preserve these first-hand accounts of wartime Britain for future generations."