Rochdale’s last-surviving VE Day veteran, 102, takes part in 80th anniversary service at Cenotaph

Thursday, 8 May 2025 17:10

By George Lythgoe

Kenneth Wright (sat middle) with his family at the VE Day anniversary service. Credit: David Murphy

Rochdale’s last surviving World War II veteran wished his comrades were there to witness the 80th anniversary of VE Day by his side.

Ken Wright was dressed up in his blazer, adorned with military medals, as he took centre stage for Rochdale’s commemoration of Victory in Europe Day. The 102-year-old watched on as the Last Post was played, flags were raised and wreaths were laid in memory of his fellow brothers in arms.

Ken served in the First Battalion Suffolk regiment in the 3rd British Infantry that landed on Sword Beach – but he is the last Rochdalian of them left.

As a rifleman sniper, he was one of many British soldiers tasked with clearing the town of Colleville-sur-Orne, now Colleville-Montgomery, in Normandy. From his regiment of 34, only nine were left after the conflict that followed the D-Day landings.

Reflecting on the service, he felt the big hole left by his fellow soldiers who have now died.

Ken said:

VE Day means more to me now than it did at the time because it was just another day. I was in the army and we were just doing what we had to do.

It’s hard to explain why, but it’s just nice to see people doing their own thing and being allowed to do it – because of their freedom.

Ken apologised for not being as eloquent as he once was, despite taking the time to speak to multiple people and sitting with the media before and after the commemoration.

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Credit: David Murphy / Roch Valley Radio

He was the star of the show at Rochdale Town Hall as he walked out towards the cenotaph, with only a walking stick to aid him. The onlooking crowds were in awe of him.

When asked about the sacrifice he gave, and of those who lost their lives fighting in France, his recollection was vivid.

“I was in the infantry and landed on the Normandy beach on D-Day,” the Newbold resident recalled. “I was one of the first in.

“We cleared the town and then we went and took two strong points. One gave up without a shot being fired. The second was a bigger task.

“Nothing was going through my mind at that point, we were just doing what we had to do, what we had trained for.

“All my mates got killed. The battle I was in there were hundreds of casualties. Out of our platoon of 34 men there were only nine of us left.

“It was quite a traumatic thing. This is why VE Day is important, to remember them.

“I am here to represent them today. But I wish they were here lined up by the side of me.”

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