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Proud Ilkley veteran shares her memories of VE Day

Thursday, 8 May 2025 13:51

MP Robbie Moore and Mrs Pam Rae

Mrs Pam Rae, an Ilkley resident and proud veteran who turns 100 this year shared her incredible memories of VE Day in 1945 during a visit by Ilkley's MP.

MP Robbie Moore visited Mrs Pam Rae this week and said:

"Victory in Europe Day is a moment for us all to pause to remember the sacrifices made by so many, to honour the veterans who returned home and those who did not, and to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy today because of their courage.

"In Ilkley, I was honoured this week to visit Mrs Pam Rae, a local resident and proud veteran who turns 100 this year. Mrs Rae served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service as a radar mechanic, based at the port radar office on the Clyde during the Second World War. Her job was to install radar sets on destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers, including HMS Vanguard.

"Pam shared with me her incredible story, not just of service, but of VE Day itself. In 1945, she marched in a Victory Parade through the streets of Glasgow, a moment of celebration she later wrote about for the Glasgow Bulletin. She did, however, end up being reprimanded for “communicating with the Press”, a moment she now recounts with great humour and humility. Ilkley is fortunate to have her.

"And across our town, that work continues, whether through our brilliant Armed Forces Breakfast Clubs, or through the proud work of Mark Sugrue, Gary Ferguson, Adele Woollin, Marion Aston Martin Flint-Johnson and James Turner, who recently held a sleepout to raise money for homeless veterans.

"On this 80th anniversary of VE Day, we honour all who served and we continue to learn from their legacy."

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