Oldham prepares to fall silent for VE Day moment of remembrance

To mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day tomorrow (Friday), Oldhamers are set to fall silent for two minutes at 11am.

The silence is being held to honour the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, and to also reflect on the devastating impact that Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world.

The Royal British Legion is inviting people across all generations and communities to take part in this national moment of remembrance.

There is no right or wrong way to take part in the silence - people may wish to stand at their windows, stand at their front door, or simply sit in a quiet moment of reflection.

Chadderton-based Doug Farrington, who is now 94, is one locally-based WWII Army veteran who will experience mixed emotions again tomorrow as he remembers past heroes and friends.

A former member of the Royal Welch Fusiliers (7th battalion), Doug's specific role during his four-year service until 1947 was as a marksman and first-class machine gunner.

He was shot and wounded in the Ardennes at the Battle of the Bulge on the Belgium/Germany border, being shot through the leg by a German paratrooper.

Doug, a retired engineer who was a poppy seller for 22 years until 2017, explained why he joined up in 1943 in his emotional memories.

Doug (pictured below) said: "I used to do a paper round and give the half a crown to my mum (Mary Emma), who never had any money.

"I worked as an apprentice for my father, Thomas, (I left school early at 13 to do that) in the Dye Works on Grimshaw Lane and worked there until I was 17.

"Mum had already lost two husbands who died in WW1, and I was the son of her third husband.

"She just kept losing these young men during WW1, so she was reluctant about me signing up, but I knew Hitler was evil, he wanted to make everyone slaves, and I didn’t like it.

"People should be able to do what they want and enjoy life.

"She couldn’t stop me, because I was determined to stop Hitler making my family slaves."

After being demobbed in 1947, Doug married Alice.

She died at the age of 85 – the couple had been married for 66 years.

Following tomorrow's silence, the Legion is hosting a morning VE Day 75 livestream at: rbl.org.uk/veday75 at 11.15 to share stories from individuals including those from our Second World War generation, who have served and sacrificed on behalf of our country.

Tomorrow's Royal British Legion schedule:

1100-1102 – Two minute silence

1115-1200 – The Royal British Legion VE75 livestream

2000-2110 – VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration, BBC One

2100 – ‘We’ll Meet Again’ singalong (following address to the nation by HM the Queen)

The Royal British Legion is the nation's biggest Armed Forces charity, providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families.

The Legion champions remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces.

It is well known for the annual Poppy Appeal, and its emblem the red poppy.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.