The attached is an extract from my father’s diary written on VE day.
My parents (Joseph Henry Franks and Eileen Ethel Franks) were married in March 1940 and my father was sent overseas – North Africa, the Middle East – in September 1940 and they did not see each other for just over four years.
This was written on 8th May 1945 on the day of their first reunion, and as a family we feel this shows how human feelings and emotions triumph over the horrors of war. Also it shows the joy in the ordinary, everyday activities which had been missing.
Tuesday 8th May 1945
Left Woolwich at 12.00. Went to London Bridge by train and then to East Croydon and to Brighton. Got to Eastbourne at 4.00. Eileen was there to meet me after 4 years 8 months then 4 days at home. Wonderful to see her. She is just as beautiful as ever. What a day, I am home at last to Eileen and it is V.E. Day
I am the happiest man alive I should think today. Eastbourne is so wonderful. Taxied from the station to 49 Bexhill Road. Eileen was wearing a green frock and pink spring coat. She is wonderful. We had a walk in the evening to see Josie.
