In 2020, Jean Morgan spotted a photograph of herself and her twin sister, Joy, in Blesma’s membership magazine.
The image was taken on VE Day when the identical twins were surrounded by crowds as British and US troops danced with civilians on the streets of London to celebrate the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Despite it being 75 years after the iconic image was taken in London, it wasn't until 2020, that Jean realised for the first time she was in the world famous photo from VE Day.
I was reading the magazine and saw the photograph of the people jitterbugging in the streets, and recognised myself and Joy at once. It was incredible to see us both standing there in the picture and all these memories came flooding back because I can still picture that day so clearly. The atmosphere was fantastic, as you can imagine. Everyone was really happy because the war was over in Europe. There was worse to come, as the war wasn’t over for everyone, but that was a day to celebrate and cherish.
Jean Morgan on her experience of VE Day
Twins Jean and Joy were only 15 years old in May 1945, when their boss gave them the day off and escorted them from Essex into London to experience the celebratory atmosphere of Nazi Germany surrendering on 8th May.
It was only two months later Jean met Blesma Member Larry Morgan, an amputee veteran looking for a job at the photographic shop in Brentwood, Essex, where Jean worked. That moment of fate led to an enduring relationship that lasted a lifetime.
During the Second World War, Larry Morgan and his family were bombed out of their home in Plaistow, London. He was relocated and worked as a builder but was soon called up and trained as a signaller attached to the 8th Battalion Suffolk Regiment.
Larry was involved in ferocious fighting against the Japanese forces that had conquered Burma. The Japanese launched a bayonet attack and each side “threw grenades like cricket balls.” One grenade fell between Larry and his comrade and exploded. As a result, Larry load of shrapnel severed Larry's left knee and thigh.
Larry was taken to a bamboo hospital before being airlifted to a hospital, where he caught Malaria and later developed gangrene in his leg, resulting in the amputation of his leg above the knee.
Both Larry and Jean's experiences from the Second World War are truly remarkable and should never be forgotten.
The couple went on to have three children, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren and run the shop and photographic business for the next 40 years.
Larry celebrated his 100th birthday in 2022, and he is still alive in 2025, making him one of the last surviving British war veterans from the Second World War.
This video was filmed in 2022 when Blesma's Support Officers visited Larry and Jean to give him a birthday card and a present.
VE Day Appeal
VE Day celebration image included in the magazine © IWM (EA 65796)
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