“I promised my Royal Marine grandfather that I would look out for serving personnel and veterans – a promise I’ve kept for 40 years.”
My name is Lisa, and I come from a long line of Royal Marines. I am the daughter, granddaughter, great-niece and cousin of those who have served. My late grandfather, George Whiteman RM, was a Far East prisoner of war during the Second World War.
When I was 15, I made him a promise: that I would always stand by serving personnel and veterans. Decades later, thanks to RNRMC, I was able to keep that promise and ensure VJ Day was remembered with dignity in Plymouth this year.
For years I had tried to raise awareness and funds for VJ Day commemorations. Too many people believe the war ended with VE Day, unaware that between that moment and VJ Day hundreds more military and civilian lives were lost. My grandfather’s story is one of many from a chapter of history too often forgotten – a story of survival through brutality and deprivation.
When I reached out to RNRMC, their generous donation gave me hope. It encouraged others to step forward too. Local councillors, businesses and Roselyn Coaches, who will transport guests free of charge. Together we created a day of remembrance not just for my grandfather, but for his comrades and for all those who never came home.
My grandfather endured the sinking of HMS Prince of Wales, years of captivity, and the physical and emotional scars that came with it – yet he was still known in the camp as the “scally wag” for lifting the spirits of others.
Growing up, I saw both sides of him. The gentle man who loved his garden, and the survivor haunted by nightmares. He endured forced labour and unimaginable cruelty, yet still found ways to help others, even “borrowing” food to feed the sick.
When he finally returned to the UK, he arrived at Liverpool Docks on a stretcher. Hardened dockworkers wept at the sight of the walking skeletons stepping ashore. Once a 6 ft 4 in man, my grandfather weighed just 5 stone at the end of his captivity. By the time he reached RM Stonehouse in Plymouth he had gained a single stone – still heartbreakingly frail.
My mother met her father for the first time at the age of four, running to him and saying, “You are my daddy.” She still treasures the photograph she kissed goodnight as a child, and the birth announcement card stained with oil from HMS Prince of Wales.
I will always carry him in my heart – proud to have known my hero, and proud to have kept my promise.
VJ Day – Friday 15 August – is the day we remember all the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces, and the civilian men, women and children who suffered and sacrificed.
Support Veterans, Serving Personnel, and their families through RMRMC Here.
