As the UK prepares to celebrate Victory in Europe (VE) Day next month, a poignant message from a 100-year-old war hero has resonated across generations. John Eskdale, a former Green Beret Royal Marine who survived a German torpedo attack and witnessed action worldwide, has shared a heartfelt plea with Britain’s youth: “I pray you never have to experience war.” His words, penned in a moving letter to schoolchildren, underscore the sacrifices of the “Greatest Generation” and the importance of commemorating May 8, 1945—the day World War II ended in Europe.
A Century of Courage
John Eskdale’s remarkable life began in Gloucestershire, where he was just 14 when war broke out in 1939—an age shared by many of today’s schoolchildren. Too young to enlist in 1940, he volunteered with the fire service in bomb-ravaged Bristol before joining the Royal Marines two years later. His service took him aboard HMS Charybdis, a ship sunk by German torpedo boats off the Channel Islands in 1943. Clinging to a Carley float for five hours amid freezing waters, John was one of only 107 survivors out of 533 crew members. “I never fully recovered from that experience,” he wrote, yet his resolve never wavered.
After completing Commando training, John served with No. 30 Assault Unit in the Far East, aiding in the disarmament of Japanese forces in Hong Kong and peacekeeping efforts across the region. He was in Australia on VE Day, joining victory parades far from home. For him, the day meant one thing: “We could go home.” Back in Britain, he met his future wife, Barbara, a Royal Marine “Wren,” marking the start of a new chapter.
A Message That Inspires
John’s letter was shared with schoolchildren aboard HMS Duncan, a Royal Navy destroyer, during a community event hosted by the Together Coalition. Double Olympic gold medalist Dame Kelly Holmes read his words aloud as pupils enjoyed a tea party on the warship’s deck. His message struck a chord with young attendees like Catalina Robson, 9, and Borys Makosa, 10, from St John’s Catholic Primary School in Portsmouth.
Catalina called John “an incredible man” for surviving such trials, writing in her reply: “Dear John, I’m so grateful for your service because you saved future generations like me from conflict.” Borys, who dreams of joining the Navy like his father, added: “I think he’s very brave and special. I want to thank him for saving Europe.” In his letter, he expressed gratitude for John’s role in defeating the Nazis, a sentiment echoing the nation’s appreciation.
VE Day: A Call to Remember
The Together Coalition’s initiative aims to unite millions of Britons in street parties and school events on May 5 to mark VE Day’s anniversary. John’s story is a powerful reminder of why this matters. “Embrace life as it comes and do your best, because you never know what’s next,” he urged, reflecting on a youth disrupted by war—a stark contrast to the opportunities today’s children enjoy.
Aboard HMS Duncan, Lieutenant Peter Fowden, 31, a marine engineering officer, drew inspiration from his own grandfather, a WWII paratrooper. “That entire generation inspires us,” he said. “We still talk about veterans and their history during night watches—it’s vital we never forget their sacrifices for our freedom.”
Celebrities Rally the Nation
Joining Dame Kelly on the Type 45 destroyer was Eastenders star Ross Kemp, both promoting the nationwide festivities. “The British public loves a celebration, and there’s no better reason than VE Day,” Kemp said. “I’ll raise a glass to the veterans who protected us, the values that triumphed, and the freedom we still enjoy. Half the country’s joined in—my message to the rest is it’s not too late!” Dame Kelly added: “Moments like these are part of our shared history, reminding us of what matters and the sacrifices made for our democracy.”
A Legacy Worth Honoring
John Eskdale’s journey—from a teenage firefighter to a war-hardened Commando—embodies resilience and hope. His survival against overwhelming odds and his call to cherish peace resonate as Britain prepares to honor VE Day. For Catalina, Borys, and countless others, his words bridge past and present, ensuring the Greatest Generation’s legacy endures. As street parties and tributes unfold, John’s prayer for a war-free future stands as a timeless lesson—one we must never forget.
