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100-year-old veteran recalls VE Day celebrations

News | Tom Hicks | Published: 12:42, Friday May 2nd, 2025.
Last updated: 16:19, Wednesday May 7th, 2025

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Eunice David was aged 15 at the start of World War II

A 100-year-old veteran has shared her stories of the Second World War ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Eunice David, who was born on May 16, 1924, was 15 at the start of World War II, and 21 by the time the conflict ended.

Eunice lived in Ely, Cardiff, before moving to Lee-on-the-Solent, near Portsmouth, with her mum, dad, and two younger sisters, June and Grace.

Eunice joined the Royal Navy and became a Women’s Royal Naval Service (WREN) member at the age of 19 until the age of 21 – something she is incredibly proud of.

Following recruitment, Eunice was posted down to the Royal Naval Air Station in Lee-On-The-Solent, where she spent her time serving her country, including living and working through the Dunkirk evacuation. 

Eunice met her future husband, John, in Lee-On-The-Solent whilst he was in the RAF and Eunice in the WREN.

Eunice and husband John

Eunice and John got married in Cardiff in 1944, while he had two weeks leave from Normandy.

On VE Day, Eunice, John, and her family celebrated by having a street party in Cardiff with her neighbours and family.

Eunice stayed working as a WREN for two and a half years, while John stayed in the RAF for around 35 years.

The pair went on to have two sons called Neil and Phillip, two granddaughters, Cerys and Stacey, and three great-grandchildren.

Eunice moved into Parklands Care Home in Bedwas three years ago, and is now looking forward to celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day by joining in the street party being held at the home.

She said: “I remember the bells ringing and people cheering, but it was the silence afterwards that stayed with me – the kind of silence that comes with relief and remembrance.

“We were just girls doing our duty, but on VE Day, we felt like we’d helped change the world.”

Street party celebrating VE Day planned in Cefn Hengoed
Free bus travel for veterans on VE Day 80th anniversary

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