100-year-old war veteran Bar Hill’s Joan Tanton features in VE Day illustrations

A 100-year-old Second World War veteran from Bar Hill features in a new collection of illustrations, stories and photographs to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Former Auxiliary Territorial Service Lance Corporal Joan Tanton remembers VE Day well, but her memories are tinged with sadness for what was to follow.

“I joined the ATS after school and trained as a Morse code operator but then went to work in various roles. I’d been in Italy for two years when we heard the war had ended. Not many people realised that fighting was still going on there – due to D-Day – but there was. I was working at Allied Force Headquarters,” Joan, who was just 20 at the time, explains.

“When we heard the war had ended, it wasn’t quite the excitement as it was in England. When you saw pictures of what was happening there, it was very different. We were all very pleased, of course – thrilled to bits. But you went on working.

“Things did become a bit more light-hearted though. I remember we had a party and one couple got married. I always remember that,” she says.

However, Joan’s memories of the end of the Second World War in Europe are dominated by a tragedy that was
to follow.

“We flew home in a Lancaster Bomber, which had been converted, having been given 10 days leave, which was rather nice, not having been home for two years. When we were due to go back, I couldn’t go – my mother was taken very ill, so my leave was extended. Well, sadly, the plane took off to go back to Italy and it crashed. There were 26 women on board, all killed,” Joan says.

“It was the biggest single loss of life of women during the war. A total accident, down in the sea.

“And to think I was nearly on it. I often think [about] what could have been if my mother hadn’t been ill.

“My family wouldn’t be here. I was very lucky.”

Blind Veterans UK has released the collection as part of its After the Darkness campaign, which seeks to raise funds and bring awareness to the challenges faced by veterans living with sight loss.

The watercolour illustrations 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.

Illustrator Martin, who is from Hertfordshire, 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.”

Joan was very surprised that Martin chose her story to capture in an illustration.

She says: “It’s amazing that Mr Impey has chosen me to feature as one of his illustrations. Nothing like this has happened to me before so it’s quite surprising but very flattering.”

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 collection includes the stories, illustrations, and portraits of 13 veterans, which are currently featured in a special exhibition at The Cartoon Museum in London. The exhibition runs until 29 June.

They can also all be seen online 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 campaign.