Leyton veterans self-isolating due to the coronavirus will receive union jack flags through their letterbox as the borough prepares to celebrate VE day in lockdown.
The 75th anniversary of the end of the war tomorrow (May 8) will have to be celebrated at home, including through a national singalong at 9pm, due to lockdown measures.
Younger members of Leyton’s Royal British Legion branch will be delivering flags to isolating members thanks to the organising work of 100-year-old veteran Bill Allen.
Bill served with the Royal Berkshire Infantry Regiment during WWII and also ferried sensitive information, driving his motorbike without lights at night to avoid detection by the enemy.
He was off-duty when the historic announcement came through and immediately went to Trafalgar Square in his uniform to join the celebrations.
The first VE day celebration 75 years ago (Vestry House)
A joint statement from Waltham Forest Mayor Christopher Robbins CBE and local RBL groups states: “We know that residents in Waltham Forest, and across the country have been looking forward to the opportunity to pay their respects to the World War II generation and to celebrate this momentous occasion.
“It should however be very apparent that the most respectful way that people can mark the occasion is from their own homes, by staying home this bank holiday weekend to save lives.
“That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to stay in touch with anybody they know from the World War II generation over the phone, to decorate our front windows in tribute to WWII heroes and to share stories of local history and pay homage to the many freedoms we enjoy today that this generation fought so hard to secure.”
The four local RBL branches - Chingford, Walthamstow, Leyton and Leytonstone - have worked with the council and Vestry House to offer ways to celebrate remotely.
Resources on the Vestry House website include a digital exhibition, instructions on how to make paper bunting and a family fact sheet and quiz.
Those celebrating can also find educational resources on the RBL website and join the national singalong of Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again” at 9pm.
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