A military charity has joined together with The National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with an exhibit of stories, images, and illustrations of six Royal Navy veterans throughout May.
Peter Knight. VE Day Project
Pictures by Richard Cannon on Friday 24th January 2024
The display at the National Museum of the Royal Navy is part of Blind Veterans UK’s ‘After the Darkness’ campaign, which seeks to not only shine a light on their veterans’ brave service, but also raise funds and bring awareness to the challenges faced by veterans living with sight loss.
On display are the veterans’ stories along with their portraits which were captured by award-winning photographer, Richard Cannon. He says:
“The idea was to express the campaign theme of ‘After the Darkness’ by capturing the veterans coming out of the darkness and into the light, a visual metaphor representing the end of nearly six years of brutal war on VE Day.
“To meet these veterans and hear their stories first-hand was so inspiring. I want people to look into their eyes, read their stories, see what they’ve been through, and see how they’ve come out the other side to live long and full lives.”
Alongside the portraits are watercolour illustrations that vividly portray the veterans’ VE Day memories. These were brought to life by renowned illustrator and long-term supporter of Blind Veterans UK, Martin Impey. Martin is best known for providing the illustrations for the book War Horse.
Martin says:
“The charity is very dear to my heart as I had family members who lost their sight after service in both the First and Second World Wars, so when they asked if I wanted to do this, I jumped at the chance.
“It’s so important that we commemorate this moment as one of the last times as a nation that we can show love, respect, and appreciation to a generation who gave so much for us all. It was an honour to connect with these heroes and to illustrate their memories of VE Day. I hope people enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoyed creating them.”
One of the blind WWII veterans featured is 98-year-old Peter Knight, a Royal Navy veteran from Welwyn Garden City.
Former Petty Officer Peter remembers VE Day vividly. He was just 18 and only six months into his training on the Isle of Man when he found himself tasked with policing jubilant crowds.
He said:
“The news came through on our local broadcast system and, unfortunately, it was the day I was on shore patrol. There were six of us youngsters with a Petty Officer, and we had to go out into the streets of Douglas to see that people were behaving.
“Quite a task on VE evening! Everyone was so boisterous, and the idea that we could do anything about it was ridiculous.
“There were all these ladies coming up wishing to kiss our collars, which you do for luck, and the fish and chip shop was thrown wide open to feed us… It was absolute mayhem!
“I feel honoured that my story has been chosen, nothing like this has ever happened to me in my life.”
Also on display is the artwork of blind veteran Brian Naylor who has created a number of thought-provoking watercolours inspired by the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Bryan served in the Royal Navy for 12 years and following this time joined the Royal Naval Reserve. Bryan was a child living in London during the Second World War.
Bryan’s love of watercolours began while serving. He says:
“I had dabbled in watercolour painting while at sea, mainly cartooning for ship and squadron informal records and family birthday and Christmas cards – all very amateur and just for fun.”
After a gap of more than 30-years and having been diagnosed with age related macular degeneration in 2012, Bryan assumed his art days were over. However, in late 2020 Bryan stumbled across his old art materials.
Bryan says:
“Art, at a very simple level, is now part of my life again and brings both frustration and pleasure – with the occasional surprise.”
Claire Rowcliffe, Director of Engagement at Blind Veterans UK, says:
“As darkness descends and veterans find themselves losing their independence, they can often feel isolated, helpless, and unable to cope. Luckily our charity is here to help them regain their confidence and independence so they can live the fulfilled, meaningful lives they so deserve.
“Each story is unique and not necessarily what one would expect. Yes, there was joy, jubilation, and partying in the streets, but there was also mourning for those who had been lost, quickly changing societal roles, and fear of the dreaded war in the Pacific.”
The six Royal Navy veterans’ stories can also all be seen at blindveterans.org.uk/victory80 where you can also help Blind Veterans UK support these brave veterans now facing a new battle against sight loss by donating to the charity’s ‘After the Darkness’ campaign.
