WW2: Wallasey care home residents reveal ‘unique’ tales from the frontlines to family

Residents and staff at HC-One’s Leighton Court, in Wallasey, have been sharing the stories and experiences of those who served in the military ahead of this year’s Remembrance Day.

The memories of residents who lived through WW2 are a testament to the strength of the human spirit during times of unimaginable adversity.

Resident Terence Dalton, also known as Terry, was born at the end of WW2 and grew up in Birkenhead. During this time, Terry saw bombed out houses surrounding him.

Terry was unable to see his father for some years due to him being part of the Navy, working in Burma, Myanmar. Due to his father being in the Navy, Terry and his family were subsequently moved into prefabricated houses, which were temporary homes built for ex-servicemen with young families.

His father also worked on HMS Mersey, as a minesweeper, and Terry recalls seeing his father return along the Mersey into Liverpool docks. During WW2, Terry lived close to British shipbuilding company Cammell Lairds, who played a key role in World War I and II by both building and repairing vessels.

During WW2 alone the shipyard produced nearly 200 commercial and military vessels in support of the UK war effort, including HMS Rodney, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Ark Royal. Terry would sit and watch the workers leaving after their day at work and there would be hundreds pouring out from the site.

Terry Dalton, resident at HC-One’s Leighton Court Care Home, stated:

“I was born a year after the Second World War and my father was in the Navy. During this time, we lived in prefabricated houses, and I remember seeing my father’s ship, HMS Mersey, returning to Liverpool docks.

“It was a very worrying time seeing bombed out houses, but I am proud to say my father was a serviceman. There is a unique connection there.“

HC-One’s Leighton Court resident, George Price, was a 11-years-old during the start of WW2. George grew up in Seacombe, Wallasey, and he revealed that his father was a gunner in WW1.

George recalled seeing the River Mersey “filled” with ships in the docks. During this time, George and seven other children had the job of delivering the telegrams across Wallasey.

He explained that it was “exciting” to deliver the telegrams to a soldier camp based in Wallasey Village, and also to American Liberty Boat which was based in Bidston docks. According to George, parties were held on the American Liberty boat.

Although they had ration books during the war, local families could still get meals handed to them from the local community centre in Seacombe.

The road Leighton Court Care Home is situated on, Manor Road, was one of the biggest areas to take a hit during the war. George recalls the police station, park, and houses around were all wiped out during the war, which was “terrible” site for those living nearby at the time.

George Price, resident at HC-One’s Leighton Court Care Home, said:

“Sometimes they would throw parties on the American Liberty boat, and this was the first time I had ever seen stainless steel. All the food was lined up for the American soldiers, which included rows of lamb chops and other delicious looking food.

“Whilst delivering the telegrams, I would stop off at a bakehouse, which remained open at the time. I would get an egg custard or a fruit bun, which tasted like the best I had ever had.”

Across HC-One’s care homes, staff and residents are taking the time to reflect on the remarkable lives of residents who served in the Armed Forces, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to our country. These men and women, now in their twilight years, carry stories of courage, resilience, and dedication that continue to inspire and educate future generations.

Marie Keating, Home Manager at HC-One’s Leighton Court Care Home, said:

“The stories of both George and Terry are not only fascinating insights into their lives but valuable memories of a difficult period in history that future generations can learn from.

“It is an absolute privilege to care for people who have lived such rich and interesting lives, and we are keen to ensure that their insights and lessons are preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

Respect and appreciation of the armed forces is engrained into the fabric of HC-One which signed the Armed Forces Covenant back in 2023 as part of its commitment to being an inclusive employer and to support former service men and women. By signing the covenant, HC-One have made a promise to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families to be treated fairly.