'Clap for VE Day' campaign started by 99-year-old Littlehampton veteran

Stanley Northeast, who was born in Arundel and lived in Wick for many years, was looking forward to seeing his fellow veterans - some for the last time - for the 75th anniversary celebrations of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

But with the coronavirus lockdown still likely to be in place for May 8, any events have been postponed.

So summoning up that can-do wartime spirit, Stanley wants the nation to 'clap for victory' at 7.45pm on that date to mark the occasion, inspired by the weekly clap for NHS staff taking place each Thursday.

He said: “It would be brilliant if it caught on because there are veterans on their own all over the country, and this was probably our last chance to have all got together.

"I’m sure I speak for most when I say the clapping is important to commemorate the defeat of the old enemy but it’s more important we remember all those poor blighters who didn’t make it back and died for their country.

"I don’t mind admitting this virus is frightening, but to beat this new enemy we must do as we did in the war stick together, look after each other and please stay indoors."

Stanley, who now lives in sheltered accomodation in Rustington, follows in the footsteps of fellow nonagenarian Captain Tom Moore, who also served during the Second World War and has raised more than £20million for the NHS.

The Littlehampton local received the Legion d'Honneur in 2016 for his part in D-Day, which he described at the time as the 'scariest moment of our lives'. Read more here.Last year, he rubbed shoulders with world leaders in Portsmouth to mark the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

His son Mike has set up a Facebook page, Clap 4 VE 75, with the goal of making the campaign go viral on social media.

He said the idea came when Stanley told him 'I’m as scared today as I was landing on the beach on D-Day' and was sad he may not see his fellow comrades again.

"This really upset me and got me thinking how we could give these veterans the proper respect and recognition they deserve for the selfless bravery they showed and the sacrifices they made to give us the freedom and peace in Europe we all now take for granted," Mike said.

"They were our heroes back then as our NHS and key-workers are today."

Mike said parents could turn it into a fun project for the family and hold their own indoor street party, making bunting, flags and drawing pictures to decorate the house, play music from the time and even make cakes and treats from the period using the ingredients available through rationing.

To get involved, join the Facebook group or email [email protected].

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