A brave war veteran whose regiment was one of the first to cross the German lines on VE Day 80 years ago has been presented with a regimental cap in honour of his service during the Second World War.
James Gettings, known as Jim, will be turning 100 years old in November. Sadly, he had no mementos from his service, so he was delighted to receive a Royal Marine beret and cap badge from the Royal British Legion in Hessle Square on Thursday, May 8.
Jim was born in Springman Street, Hessle Road, in 1925 and, as a child, won a scholarship to Boulevard Grammar School. During World War Two, he served in the Royal Marine Corps.
After the war, he became the head of North Humberside Libraries. He is now a resident at Tranby Park Care Home, in Hessle. Jayne Jessop, activities and events lead at the care home, said Jim “deserves some recognition for his wartime sacrifices” and organised the poignant moment.
Meanwhile in Hull, one of the city’s oldest residents celebrated her 100th birthday on VE Day. Iris was born and raised in Hull and worked in a factory at Reckitt throughout the war.
(Image: Supplied)
Hull Live has unearthed nostalgic photographs of the celebrations in Hull when Victory in Europe was declared 80 years ago. Images show a packed Victoria Square where a victory parade was held.
Also in Hull and East Yorkshire, a campaign is underway to uncover and celebrate the unsung heroes of the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Family history specialists Ancestry is commemorating a total of 80 hidden heroes of the conflict by spotlighting the role and contributions of people across the country, whether that was on the battlefields, in factories, in the Air Raid Precautions or supporting local communities on the home front.