大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People鈥檚 War website by Doreen Bennett on behalf of John William Edward Edwards, the author and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site鈥檚 terms and conditions.

Jack鈥檚 VE Day Memories

There was no hero鈥檚 reception for escaped prisoner of war Jack Edwards when he walked into Truro city centre on VE night in 1945.

Before he reached the hub of the celebrations Jack, who was in the parachute regiment, was 鈥榓rrested鈥� by two Red Caps (military police) for being improperly dressed.

During weeks on the run after his escape from a notorious PoW Camp in Germany, Jack suffered foot injuries and, even after hospital treatment, was excused from wearing his army boots on medical grounds.

Walking into the city with his family members only days after returning home, Jack was seen to be wearing his uniform and slippers.

Initially the MPs were determined to arrest him, but when a crowd of locals gathered round in support of Jack they backed down, told him to button up his tunic and carry on.

鈥淚t was quite nasty for a few minutes, but eventually everything was sorted out. It was so unexpected on the very night we were celebrating the end of the war in Europe,鈥� said Jack who lived in Devonshire Terrace, Truro.

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.