Portsmouth MP calls for residents to share war memories and photographs to celebrate VE Day

CITY MP and shadow armed forces minister, Stephen Morgan, is calling on residents to share family member’s wartime stories and photographs as part of VE Day celebrations.
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The Portsmouth South MP wants to recognise the city’s pivotal role during the conflict by sharing peoples’ memories online as well as creating a potential archive legacy of the city’s involvement.

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Mr Morgan said: ‘To help mark the 75th anniversary in our city, I am asking constituents to share with me just a couple of sentences of a story or memory, or a photo if you have one, to remember a loved one and give thanks for everyone who fought for our country.

Stephen Morgan's grandfather, Dilwyn Morgan (left), with friends at HMS Vernon.Stephen Morgan's grandfather, Dilwyn Morgan (left), with friends at HMS Vernon.
Stephen Morgan's grandfather, Dilwyn Morgan (left), with friends at HMS Vernon.
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‘Our city played a crucial part in the allied victory, a price we paid for heavily in the bombing campaigns. Sharing memories and photos of this time helps us to understand the significant damage done to our city and how much has been done to rebuild it.’

Mr Morgan decided to launch the initiative after being inspired by his late grandfather, Dilwyn Morgan’s personal photographs.

‘During the D-Day 75 commemorations last year, my family and I enjoyed looking through my late grandfather’s collection of photos from his time in the Royal Army Service Corp and the images of him as a veteran with my grandmother enjoying life together in Southsea after the war.

‘Reflecting on these memories not only acts as window into the world as seen by our loved ones, it also paints a picture of the war that shaped everything as we know it.’

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The MP feels the adversity faced by his grandfather’s generation can also help people tackle the current challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

He commented: ‘At this time of crisis for our country, I want to make sure everyone in Portsmouth has a way to pay tribute to the contributions generations before us made for the peace and freedoms we enjoy today.

‘The more we can do to understand the sacrifice and experiences of that generation, the better equipped we will be to take on the challenges we face today.’

Anyone wishing to contribute, should email stories and photographs to [email protected]

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