Erskine Veterans and school pupils publish book to preserve the
history of World War II

As the number of the last-surviving World War Two Veterans continues to fall, members of Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC), along with the support of a group of Park Mains High School pupils, have taken on a remarkable task — to record and document their stories from one of the most challenging periods of modern day history.

Coinciding with VE Day, ERMAC members have published “My Life Through WW2” – a book that records the first-hand experiences of those who served and lived through World War 2. This intergenerational project captures and preserves their memories — from the Arctic Convoys and Clydebank Blitz to evacuation, rationing, and life after the war.

Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland and ERMAC, the year-long project was led by Jennifer McKeeman, who conducted and archived interviews, and developed the research and illustration process for the book, with support from volunteer Caitlin Rose McGuire, who transcribed the members’ stories. They worked closely with our Veterans to document their experiences in their own words. The project also offered young people the chance to engage directly with those who witnessed history, and to contribute some of their own learning about WWII, with Jen inviting pupils from Park Mains High School to work on the book.

One goal of the project is remembrance – not only to honour those who served but to educate future generations about the realities of war.

“It’s vital we teach the younger ones the true cost of freedom,” says Albert Lamond, a 99-year-old D-Day veteran and Erskine resident. Just 18 years old when he joined HMS Rowley, Albert played a vital role in some of the most dangerous naval operations of the war from Arctic Convoys to the D-Day landings.

“We won’t be here forever, but these stories – our memories – must live on. It’s vital we tell these stories now. When we’re gone, we’re gone. If young people don’t hear it directly from us, how will they ever really know what happened?”

Albert’s ship, HMS Rowley, was assigned to protect the battleship HMS Warspite during the D-Day landings in June 1944. His role was to spot and signal threats while Warspite shelled German positions along the Normandy coast.

He added: “If this book helps just one young person understand what we went through – what it cost – then it’s worth it. We fought so they wouldn’t have to. That’s what matters.”

For the younger people who participated, the project provided a new perspective on the war that textbooks cannot offer. The project explored a wide range of themes, including the brutality of war and the everyday lives of families caught in conflict, and the resulting book includes personal reflections from veterans alongside restored photographs and original illustrations.

Among the veterans featured in My Life Through WW2 is Captain Bryan Warren, a proud Argyll and Sutherland Highlander and long-time ERMAC member.

Born in 1938, Bryan's early life was shaped by war — from being evacuated as a young boy to Bournemouth, to vivid memories of D-Day aircraft overhead. His lifetime of service included mentoring young cadets and fundraising for fellow veterans, and his stories, captured in the book, offer a moving reflection on service and VE Day.

“The war took so much from so many, but it also taught us the value of small kindnesses. I’ll never forget the sailor who gave me a bar of chocolate as a boy. It may seem small, but that moment stayed with me for life. Sharing these memories with young people has been an honour and if it helps them understand what we lived through, then it’s been worth every word.

“I’ve always believed in paying that kindness forward. Whether through my time in the cadets, helping veterans return to Dunkirk, or fundraising with my tin, I’ve tried to give back in any way I can. This project is another way of doing that — making sure our stories aren’t lost and that the next generation carries them forward with respect and understanding.”

“This project is a beautiful example of what can happen when generations come together with curiosity and respect,” said Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Chief Executive of Erskine. “Our veterans have lived through extraordinary times. Giving them the chance to tell their stories and be heard by young people ensures that history is not just remembered but that it’s understood by generations to come.”

Evonne McCord, ERMAC Deputy Manager, said: “This book captures a moment in time that must never be forgotten. The memories shared within these pages are to be treasured, and behalf of Erskine, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project, especially our project lead Jen McKeeman, for her commitment to our Veterans and passion for capturing their experiences. To our wonderful ERMAC members who took part – I thank them for sharing their stories.

“Both of my parents were born in the mid-1930s and are no longer with us. Hearing the memories of our Veterans gave me a deeper understanding of what they might have experienced. I’m certain that many who read this book will reflect on their own family histories and find a personal connection in these pages.”

My Life Through WW2 will be professionally printed and distributed to the veterans who took part in the project, with a supporting educational pack available to local schools across Renfrewshire, where it can be used as an educational resource. A limited number of copies of the book will also be made available for public release.

Founded in 1916, Erskine has provided care for veterans in Scotland for over a century. Originally established as a hospital to treat service personnel returning from the First World War, Erskine has evolved into a leading provider of care and support for veterans of all ages. With specialist residential care homes, supported accommodation, and rehabilitation facilities, Erskine continues to honour its mission, to provide dignity, respect, and expert care to those who have served their country.

For more information on how to support Erskine Veterans Charity, visit www.erskine.org.uk.

For further information please contact Susan Hamilton, Communications Officer, on 0141 814 4719 or email susan.hamilton@erskine.org.uk

To find out more about Erskine’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate