Socially-distant party thrown for Navy hero Patsy on VE Day
A 95-year-old Patsy Sheehan should have been taking part in a Royal British Legion VE Day celebration last Friday – a service in Westminster Abbey and a procession on Whitehall.
But it was cancelled because of lockdown, so his family organised a 1940s-themed party for him at home instead- with social distancing.
Patsy was born on Christmas Eve 1924, and called up to serve for his country in December 1942 – he joined the Navy in January 1943.
He served on HMS Revenge, patrolling the English Channel and the Irish Sea until after the Normandy landings.
He then sailed on to join the British fleet in the Pacific, where his ship survived kamikaze raids.
The ship remained in Australian waters until VJ Day in August 1945, and returned to Portsmouth in June 1946.
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
