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Her memories and those of others are particularly poignant at this time as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day.
Wesley Laverty, also known as Bill, received his commendation from King George VI while his wife Eleanor’s came from Queen Elizabeth.
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Wesley was born in the county of Durham and Eleanor, then Eleanor Henderson, was born in Alnwick, Northumberland.
Both grew up in Gateshead.
They married in 1935 and moved to Oxford the following year when Wesley (Wes) got a job at the Pressed Steel car body factory at Cowley.
They lived on Florence Park estate.
When war broke out in 1939, Wesley’s job was classed as a reserve occupation and he stayed at the factory making gun sights for troops.
He also served in the Home Guard, gave blood once a month, mended shoes and cut the hair of friends and neighbours.
Meanwhile Eleanor, known as Nellie, became a member of the Civil Defence while looking after her two young children, Pat (then known as Patsy) and Michael (now Mike or Mick), and two young evacuees from Hammersmith, Peggy and Sylvia, aged four and six.
“In the early days of the war, you opened your door to strangers who were in need of shelter and offered to share your home with them.
“I know that to this unselfish task, you have sacrificed much of your own comfort, and that it could not have been achieved without the loyal cooperation of all in your household.
“By your sympathy, you have earned the gratitude of those to whom you have shown hospitality, and by your readiness to serve, you have helped the State in work of great value.”
The letter was signed Elizabeth R.
The message to Wesley from the King, acknowledging his work with the Home Guard, read: “In the years when our country was in mortal danger, W Laverty, who served from May 1940 to 31st December 1944, gave generously of his time and powers to make himself ready for the defence by force of arms and with his life if need be.”
It was signed George R I.
Daughter Pat, of Bowness Avenue, Headington, who has kept copies of the letters, tells me: “I am very proud of my parents.”
They were not the only members of the family to earn glory. Ashley Laverty, known professionally as Ashley Page, became a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet and artistic director of the Scottish Ballet.
He is now a choreographer and recently worked with Polish Ballet.
