Winnie Parsons (left) with her friend Lonia
I'm putting on my... camouflage paint
Vehicles on display included mini-steam traction engines
Vintage Military Vehicles on display
Something for everyone
Other highlights of the weekend included pipe and brass bands

Victory in Europe Day was celebrated and memories shared by unsung female dock workers when they had a reunion in Devonport Naval Base on 8 May 2005 for the first of this year's Open Days.
 
The women helped the Naval Base mark the 60th anniversary of VE Day at the first Open Days weekend on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May 2005, by sharing their often unheralded experiences in supporting the Royal Navy at Devonport during the Second World War.

The special tribute to the women who contributed to the war effort in so many ways was held on Sunday 8 May when they related their memories to visitors and joined in the hearty organised community singing of war-time favourites such as We'll Meet again and Siegfried Line.

Ex-wartime dockyard welder Winnie Parsons, now aged 80, of Devonport, organised the reunion of former colleagues which included canteen workers, electricians, iron burners and riveters.

Winnie joined the Naval Base at the age of 17 in 1942 having been bombed out of the Co-Op where she worked in the finance department as the 'Divi Girl'.  Winnie, who left the dockyard in 1946 said:

"I'm really looking forward to see the girls again, especially in VE Day year.  There are many stories to re-tell, happy ones and too many sad ones.
 
"The companionship was really good though.  We girls are still going strong,  after all, we survived the war, so we can survive anything!"

Also on Sunday 8 May 2005, a Maritime and Transport rally was staged, with a range of more than 60 vehicles.

These included classic cars, motorcycles, coach steam and a collection of mini-steam traction engines, Second World War military vehicles, the most unusual being a six-wheeled amphibious lorry and Bren Gun carrier, and vintage dockyard fire engines.  Commander Charles Crichton, Naval Base Liaison Officer, said:

"We are delighted to have the chance to throw open the gates of the Naval Base again this year for the first of our three Open Days weekend events.

"This weekend we commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of Victory in Europe with some reminders of the contribution made by Plymouth in supporting the Royal Navy during those momentous times.
 
"It is with great pleasure that we host a reunion of those wonderful young women who became the dockyard lady workers.

"As well as seeing the exciting line-up of live and static attractions we will be highlighting the elements we are drawing together for developing the Naval Base Visitor Centre."

Other highlights of the weekend included coach tours of the Naval Base, guided visits round former nuclear-powered submarine Courageous, model ships gallery, 19th century dockyard fire station and police station, the ropery, RN field-gun exhibition, pipe and brass bands, figurehead exhibition, hangman's cell, covered slipway and gazebo.

Related articles:

• IN PICTURES: Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of VE Day 
• Ceremony at Cenotaph will mark 60th Anniversary of Victory in Europe
• Scotland will remember World War Two
• First national event to commemorate 60th anniversary of the ending of World War II
• Free Tickets available for National Event Commemorating the 60th anniversary of WWII

Related links:

• HMNB Devonport
• WW2 60th Anniversary Commemorations
• The Veterans Agency
• Their past-your future
• Veterans Agency - Calender of events
• The Royal British Legion
• The Imperial War Museum
• WW2 Peoples War
• Thanks for Our Future