Hector McDonald, a 99-year-old Royal Navy veteran from Livingston, will be travelling to the capital to attend the BBC’s commemorative VE Day 80 Concert on 8 May 2025.
The invitation comes as a heartfelt thank you after an interview Hector gave for a BBC segment on the upcoming celebrations - arranged by Sight Scotland Veterans which has supported Hector for over 10 years.
Read more about Hector's experiences below or watch our fully subtitled and captioned video here.
Hector served in the Royal Navy from October 1943 until September 1946. During his time at sea, he braved the perilous conditions of the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Arctic Convoys, a vital but dangerous mission that helped sustain the Allied war effort. In recognition of his courage, he was awarded the Atlantic Star, a medal created to honour those who served in the freezing and treacherous northern seas during the Second World War.
Hector explains: “I joined the Royal Navy when I was 18, and after just six weeks of training, I was sent to sea. I served from 1943 to 1946, taking part in the Arctic Convoys and then served in the Pacific, including in the Philippines and Japan. When victory in Europe was declared, we were given two bottles of beer, but the war wasn’t over for us. We still had to fight on in the Pacific. We were just north of Tokyo when we heard the Japanese had surrendered. I attended victory parades in Sydney and Melbourne.
“It is hard to believe its 80 years ago since the war ended. VE day is a day to remember what happened and is a reminder to us all about the horror of war, but it is not a celebration. Too much happened to celebrate. I’ll never forget the day the war ended, there was such relief. We’d been through so much, and suddenly there was hope again.”
Hector, who is visually impaired because of macular degeneration, has found invaluable friendship and support through Sight Scotland Veterans, regularly attending the charity’s Linburn Centre in Wilkieston, West Lothian, every Monday and Friday.
Hector comments: “Sight Scotland Veterans have been such a great support. They do so much for all of us, making sure we are not left feeling isolated at home. I love going to the Linburn Centre, it’s like a second family to me, I go every Monday and Friday, and I really wouldn’t miss it. Since I lost my sight, the support I’ve had from Sight Scotland Veterans really has been incredible. They’ve helped me stay active and connected and I’ve made some wonderful friends. I feel so privileged to have a place like the Linburn Centre to come to each week."
"Since I lost my sight, the support I’ve had from Sight Scotland Veterans really has been incredible. They’ve helped me stay active and connected and I’ve made some wonderful friends. I feel so privileged to have a place like the Linburn Centre to come to each week.”
Hector, who will celebrate his 100th birthday in September, will be joined on his trip to London by Andy Cole, a Sight Scotland Veterans’ Sports and Partnership Volunteer. Their travel, accommodation and event expenses are fully covered by the BBC as a gesture of appreciation for Hector’s wartime service and participation in the commemorative programme.
Hector adds: “I can’t believe I’m getting this opportunity. When I heard about the offer, I was apprehensive at first, as I wasn’t sure if I could manage the trip at my age. But Sight Scotland Veterans have helped arrange everything with the BBC and I have Andy coming with me. I never imagined at my age I’d be heading to London for something like this. I’m incredibly excited and so thankful to everyone who’s made this happen.”
The 80th anniversary of VE Day marks a moment for the UK and Commonwealth to come together in honour of those who served during the Second World War. It commemorates the formal end of conflict in Europe on 8 May 1945, when the Allies accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender. The 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) will take place in August 2025.
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