08/05/2025
Today, we pause to remember VE Day — marking the end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945.
On this day, we express our gratitude to all the veterans who showed courage, sacrifice, and resilience, fighting for freedom and peace during the Second World War.
At Gilkes, we honour the memory of two of our former engineers who bravely served their Country after leaving their roles with us to join the war effort.
Richard Ruthven Nelson, Engine Room Artificer (Royal Navy) HMS Campbeltown - died 28 March 1942, 23 yrs old. Killed during the St Nazaire Raid during Operation Chariot, a planned assault on the Normandie dry dock using the explosive laden H.M.S Campbeltown warship. Of the 611 men in the raiding force, 169 were killed and 215 taken prisoner once they ran out of ammunition. The fighting was so severe that five Victoria Crosses and many other bravery medals were awarded that day.
William Johnson Howson, Warrant Officer/Radio Operator (Royal Air Force) - died 3d February 1945, 25 yrs old. Killed whilst bombing the Prosper benzol plant as aircraft was shot down by a night-fighter. William was a draughtsman for Gilkes and his last entry in drawing records in 1940, along with a paper cutting announcing his death can been seen in one of the images.
