VE Day memories from Tipner Green resident John Regnard

AS a young lad who was only four years old at the outbreak of the Second World War, I can remember many incidents of terror we went through during the five years of suffering – but we survived.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Victory in Europe (VE) Day memories remain vivid and I, along with neighbours from Tipner Green who survived the war and all its terrible but memorable consequences, will always be able to reflect on that occasion.

The area we lived in was a Royal Navy estate with small houses, still existing today, built in a U-shape with a grass oval in the middle – Tipner Green and Range Green with the adjoining Harbour Way, Somerville Place and Tipner Road servicing the area from Twyford Avenue.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

All the children in this area mostly knew each other, going to Stamshaw schools both through the war and long after until dispersal arose to Paulsgrove many years following the war end.

looks like a VE Day party image for Bob ?

John Regnard pic for Families of Tipner Greenlooks like a VE Day party image for Bob ?

John Regnard pic for Families of Tipner Green
looks like a VE Day party image for Bob ? John Regnard pic for Families of Tipner Green
Read More
VE Day anniversary 2020 events in Portsmouth, Gosport, Fareham and Hampshire

During the war, mums looked after us kids while the men were away. Very rare a man was seen in those days unless it was a serviceman on leave or duty in the rifle range, although some were billeted in amongst our own naval houses. VE Day was no different.

On VE Day the mums arranged a big tea party for us all to celebrate. It was a memorable party with food from unknown sources to delight us children.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The tables were laid out on the green in our U-shaped area and games and food flowed with singing. I can still remember the scene incredibly well.

Hopefully some of the children in the photo will recognise themselves, though they will now be in their late 70/80s.

Some of the people pictured include Mrs Young, Mrs Regnard, Mrs Brown, Mrs Silk, Mrs Margaret, Mrs Standing, Mrs Green, Mrs McNeil, Mrs Weaver and Mrs Hearn with her baby.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.