Coined by American broadcaster Tom Brokaw in 1998, ‘The Greatest Generation’ is often used to refer to men and women born in the first quarter of the 20th Century who went on to serve their countries both in the military, and on the home front during WW2.

Following on from last year’s successful ‘World War One Centenary Album’, local photographer and member of the Platt War Memorial steering group Scott Wishart returned to Platt Primary School on the 70th anniversary of VE Day to capture current pupils holding photographs, medals and other memorabilia of their own family members who served their country between 1939 and 1945. The purpose of the shoot echoed that of last year’s project in that it was designed to encourage the children to learn about their own ancestors participation in the conflict, and help them bridge the gap between themselves and a key period in British history.

Although in many cases the people in the photographs were ‘new’ to the children, all were visibly very proud of their antecedents and the various roles they played in the war effort. One parent commented that his sons had established a true emotional link back to their relatives who were involved in the Second World War, whilst another said that the project provided a wonderful opportunity for the children to engage with and reflect on the war through a personal, family connection and that it had stimulated much conversation in their house.

The project can be viewed on the school website via the link below.