Ahead of Remembrance Day 2023, residents at
HC-One’s Rose Court care home, in Radcliffe, have been recalling memories from World War II, and their stories are fascinating.
John Fisher is 100 years old and worked as a fireman on the steam trains during the war, ferrying the troops around the country. John loved meeting different nationalities. His wife, Gertrude was a Civil Servant working in the post office.
When talking to colleagues about the war, John commented,
“It was hard work being away from the family, life skills were learnt. The war was a very sad time.”
Daphne Coldridge is also 100 years old and comes from a military background. Daphne’s father and her brother were both in the army, sadly, she lost her brother in the war and said that it that broke her mother’s heart.
Daphne recalls how she worked in a factory making parts for aircrafts during World War II which she said was hard work and her husband Kenneth, served in the war as a sailor.
Interestingly, Daphne remembers saving stamps, which were used to buy material for her bridesmaids’ dresses. She says that even though her sister worked for Express Dairies and was the head person there, she didn't get any extra or had any perks, so they had to be very careful with money.
When describing her experience in the war, Daphne said,
“The food was rationed, and the dried eggs were horrible. The noise of the sirens was not nice, and I used to watch the bombs falling from the sky.”
To mark Remembrance Day at Rose Court, local performer Sarah Denis will be singing to residents, with the first half of the performance being about remembering the war, and then the second half will be some upbeat, jolly songs.
On the 11th of November, the live Remembrance Day ceremony will be put on at the home, who will also be holding a minute silence. The following day, a group of residents and colleagues at the care home are going to the local Cenotaph wearing their poppies with pride, and will lay a poppy wreath, which was purchased from the local British Legion. After this they will go back to the home and toast to all those who served or died in the war.
Care Assistant Nikki has also crocheted some poppies which will go on sale in the home too.
Leanne Batten-Smith, Home Manager a Rose Court, remarked:
“I would like to thank John and Daphne who served in the war and survived. They have both said to me that it was a very sad time and that they are glad there hasn't been another third world war.”
“Colleagues at the home always support residents during this time, as it can trigger lots of different emotions for everyone.”