Fund holds VE Day tea party for RAF veterans

On 8 May, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the RAF Benevolent Fund held a tea party for RAF veterans and family members at its head office in London.

The tea party followed the Westminster Abbey VE Day 80th Anniversary service, which a number of RAF veterans attended, accompanied by Fund staff members.

Second World War RAF veterans in attendance included former Mosquito Bomber pilot Colin Bell, 104, and Bomber Command veterans George Dunn, 102, and Jack Dark, 101, all of whom are tireless supporters of the RAF Benevolent Fund. Fund staff members served teas and coffees and spoke to the veterans about their time in the RAF and memories of VE Day.

Other RAF veterans included Ivor Barnett, Michael Mercer, Harry Chapman, and Eric Taylor, who signed up to join the RAF on VE Day in 1945.

Lisa Innes, Community Engagement Worker at the Fund, said: "It was such a privilege to be at Westminster Abbey to remember VE day. The service is something we will all remember forever. Of all the highlights of the service, it was seeing the faces of our veterans light up whilst receiving the personal recognition from the Royal Family and Prime Ministers, past and present. They stood so proudly and were glowing to be a part of the day.

"Having the opportunity to bring everyone together for a tea party at our head office afterwards was equally important and rounded off the perfect day."

The Westminster service was led by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle and sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey and included music from the RAF band. It began with a two-minute silence, as the royals stood around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The service formed part of the nation’s celebrations to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation.

Second World War veteran George Dunn said of the service: "It was wonderful. I never dreamt I would get to Westminster to see that service and see His Majesty The King, The Queen, and all of the celebrities. I was thrilled to be there. I met the Prime minister and Duchess of Edinburgh which was a great experience.

"I very much enjoyed myself at the tea party held by the RAF Benevolent Fund after the service – they looked after us and it was brilliant to chat to the staff members and other veterans."