On 8 May 1945, after almost six years of brutal war, Germany finally surrendered to the Allies, and Victory in Europe was declared.

'VE Day 80: After the Darkness’ is a new Blind Veterans UK online exhibition featuring the extraordinary first-hand accounts from a number of Blind Veterans who were there on the day. Each story is also accompanied by a wonderful illustration by award-winning Artist and Illustrator Martin Impy which is also described on the website too. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Martin to firstly find out about his own family’s experiences of WWII and VE-Day along with any previous connections he may have had with Blind Veterans UK.

Then Martin talks about his illustrations for VE Day 80: After the Darkness and how he worked on the illustrations for Blind Veteran Derrick and Matt’s stories that feature in the online exhibition.

Derrick was a pilot during WWII, shot down over Italy and by taking a wrong turn ended up being captured, spending over a year as a Prisoner of War and forced to march across Germany in freezing conditions.  

Matt was serving with the SAS behind enemy lines in Italy and no grand announcements or celebrations for him on VE Day.

The audio clips from VE-Day 80: After the Darkness and Martin’s illustration have been included with the kind permission of Blind Veterans UK and by Martin Impy. 

You will find all of the Blind Veterans UK first hand VE Day stories along with Martin’s wonderful illustrations by visiting - https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/news-stories/ve-day-80-after-the-darkness/

And for more about Martin, his work and his new illustrated book ‘BLITZ One Family's War’ then do visit his website - https://martinimpey.com

If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then do get in touch with Blind Veterans UK by calling 0800 389 7979 or visit their website - https://www.blindveterans.org.uk

Image shows Derrick standing in the foreground of a prisoner of war camp, calm but alert. Around him, fellow airmen mill about under the watchful gaze of a guard tower. There’s music, chatter and movement - but no certainty yet of what tomorrow will bring.