As the nation gears up to commemorate VE Day, we at Fellows reflect on the incredible bravery and service of those who fought during the Second World War. Several of our staff members have shared personal stories about their grandparents, who played vital roles during World War II.
Stephen Watton – Photographer
WWII Veteran: Norman Alfred Watton (Royal Army Ordnance Corps)
Stephen’s grandfather, Norman Alfred Watton, joined the newly formed Air Training Corps Selly Oak Squadron between 1940 and 1942, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer. In 1942, he was called up to the Army, completing basic training in Leicester and Stirling Castle, Scotland.
Trained as an HGV driver, he joined the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) and was deployed to Normandy just eight days after D-Day. He served with the 49th West Riding Division, known as the Polar Bears, part of XXX Corps. His service took him through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Northwest Germany.
In 1945, Norman was posted to the Middle East, serving in Palestine and Egypt before being demobbed in 1947. His journey is a powerful testament to the commitment of British troops during WWII.
Norman Watton receiving a commemorative medal from the Mayor of Caen
Alison Jakeway – Silver Specialist
WWII Veteran: John Valentine Mapson (RAF Bomber Command)
Alison's grandad, Sgt. J ‘Mappy’ Mapson, served with the RAF Bomber Command, flying in a Halifax bomber with 640 Squadron, based in Yorkshire. This squadron was established in January 1944.
As the Rear Gunner, or “Tail-end Charlie,” his primary responsibility was to watch for enemy aircraft and alert the pilot to threats. The role required him to operate from a confined rear gun turret for long missions. He was involved in thirty bombing missions with the same crew. Their first was on 19th February 1944 to Leipzig. Other targets included Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf before completing their last mission together on 1st August 1944 in Chapelle Notre Dame.
His crew remained bonded for life, staying in touch long after the war ended. 640 Squadron was disbanded in May 1945.
Sgt. J ‘Mappy’ Mapson (back row 2nd from right) with his aircrew, ground crew and Halifax aircraft
Alison Snowdon – Antiques, Fine Art and Collectables Valuer
WWII Veterans: Frederick Clifford Stanley Owen (REME) & Alison J.M MacQueen (WRNS)
Alison’s grandfather, Frederick Owen, served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). He was twice wounded while salvaging radios from disabled tanks, some of which he had built himself at the EKCO factory in Southend. These radios sometimes contained good luck messages for the troops.
He landed on D-Day and advanced through Holland, where he was billeted with a Dutch family. He turned 21 on 7th May 1945, calling VE Day the best birthday party a man could wish for.
Her grandmother, Alison J.M MacQueen, served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) and was stationed at Bletchley Park (Station X). Though she spoke little about her wartime work, Bletchley archives suggest she produced intelligence reports based on decrypted German Navy Enigma signals, likely decoded in Hut 8, a key component of Britain's WWII codebreaking efforts.
These personal stories from our Fellows staff are a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Second World War. As we mark another VE Day, we honour the bravery, resilience, and legacy of those who served.
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