Wandsworth in the Second World War
Explore stories from those who experienced the Second World War in our online hub to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).
From the first-hand experiences of a female WWII gunner from Putney who helped defend the nation against airborne attacks after her brother’s death at Dunkirk, to memories of VE Day celebrations from a local military veteran, we highlight the era’s history from those who were there.
Female gunner served in brother's name
102-year-old veteran Mary was among thousands of women who served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during the Second World War, working as an anti-aircraft gunner providing defence against German bombers.
WWII stories
We've captured the memories and experiences of some of those who lived through the Second World War and its aftermath in a series of stories dedicated to this significant era.
Discover stories ranging from an evacuee whose family was torn apart in a bombing, to the life of a tortoise found in air strike rubble in Tooting, and a young boy's joy of witnessing the capital's Victory Parade.
A precarious life in Wandsworth
As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we share the precarious nature of life in Wandsworth during the Second World War.
Evacuee’s family torn apart by war bomb
Evacuee Joan suffered tragedy when her father was killed and her mother paralysed in an air strike on their home in 1940.
“VE Day parties were in every street”
From a fatal bombing at school to enlisting in the Army at 17, one military veteran shares his memories of the Second World War.
Tooting tortoise survives war bomb
A V1 flying bomb attack in July 1944 caused death and destruction in Tooting – but sparked an unlikely pairing between a young girl and a tortoise that has lasted more than 80 years.
Victory Parade marked a fresh start
After the VE Day and VJ Day milestones marking the end of the Second World War in 1945, the nation celebrated with a spectacular Victory Parade in central London the following year.
WWII remembered by Wandsworth's war generation
From doodlebug attacks and air raid shelters in the garden to the joy of VE Day parties, Wandsworth residents share their memories of life during the Second World War.
Wandsworth marked VE Day 80 with street parties and memorials
Wandsworth residents showed up in force during the Early May Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in 2025, with 58 street parties all over the borough.