TWO Second World War veterans living in the same Southampton care home will be among those marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day today.

Stella Pugh, 98, and Richard Christian, 96, will celebrate with staff and fellow residents at Dawson Lodge in Botley Road, West End.

Stella was a wireless operator and high-speed telegraphist while Richard served with an RAF squadron operating in the Far East.

Stella said: “Working in the signals section was like a sisterhood - we all had respect for each other.

"Even though I wasn’t on the frontline it was a good feeling to know I was helping to fight the enemy.”

Richard added: “The camaraderie was very good. We all had to depend on each other and trust each other, it was like we were one entity.

"It felt good to know I helped in any way I could.”

Stella lived through bombing raids and spent three weeks sleeping on a passenger walkway in Kensington station after her home was damaged.

Three parachute mines and 467 high explosive bombs were dropped on Kensington and Chelsea between October 7 1940 and June 6 1941.

Stella said: "We all need to remember what we went through and what we did for our country together."

Richard revealed that pilots were never told if one of their comrades had been killed because it might have affected their concentration.

"We had to carry on and be strong," he said.

Michelle Perry, manager of Dawson Lodge, added: "It is important to honour all those who fought in previous wars to thank them for their courage.

“The older people who live with us have set the foundation for future generations, and it’s thanks to them that we can enjoy the freedoms we have.

"It’s a privilege having Stella and Richard living with us.”

Run by the Anchor Hanover Group, Dawson Lodge is a purpose-built care home which supports up to 43 older residents.

In November 2018 it was rated "outstanding" by the Care Quality Commission, which regulates the industry.

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