August 15th 2025 is the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and the effective end of World War Two. It was a war like no other in human history and cost millions of lives across the globe. Britain was at the centre of the war, being the only fighting country in Western Europe not to have succumbed to the Nazi invasion (along with their Italian allies). We honour below just a few of the stories of the "greatest generation" who made sacrifices and endured hardships that enable us to enjoy better lives than they did. Britevents Northwest thanks the family of the listed honourees for providing their photos and information.
Joseph W. Roundhill was a dual citizen of the UK and USA. During World War Two, JW (as he was fondly known) served in both the British Royal Air Force in pilot training and then the 379th Bomb Group of the US Eighth Air Force where he flew on 35 missions over enemy occupied Europe, as a right-waist & nose gunner on a Boeing B-17G aircraft. After his missions he then returned home to American soil on December 31, 1944 after successfully eluding the U-boat packs at a speed of 17 knots across the Atlantic Ocean in the famous hospital ship Marine Wolf. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals and he has received the French Legion of Honor. JW was an active member of the Seattle Brit Meetup group until his death, aged 97, in 2021. He remains the only person to be appointed a lifetime Honorary Member of Britevents Northwest.
Ruth volunteered after her friend was killed on HMS Hood. She became a leading Wren and served for 4 years. The majority of her time was spent at HMS Quebec, a land base in Scotland which was part of the Combined Operations unit where approximately 250,000 troops got amphibious training. Ruth recently celebrated her 101st birthday in England. You can find more about her wartime experiences by clicking HERE.
Nominated by Elaine Barnwell (daughter)
Ron was drafted into the Navy when he was 19. He became an electrical wireman and worked on the D-Day landing craft during training. He was actually sent to the Far East before D-Day and remained over there until 1946. He was in the Battle of Rangoon. He met Ruth (see above) when they were both at HMS Quebec and they married in 1947.
You can find more about his wartime experiences by clicking HERE
Nominated by Elaine Barnwell (daughter)
John Spratt was a navigator in the RAF 179 Squadron from 1940 to 1946. He flew Wellington Bombers on U-boat patrols out of Gibraltar, protecting the Western entrance to the Mediterranean, and merchant fleets crossing the Atlantic. He flew in the D-Day Brest Blockade, pinning 50 U-boats in the port of Brest and protecting the allied fleet and landing forces from submarine attack. After two tours, he was posted to RAF Silloth as a navigation instructor, where he met his wife of 67 years WAAF Officer June Williams (see below). After VE Day he was deployed to the Far East to fight the Japanese. Click HERE to find out more about John's wartime service. Nominated by Sue Alemann (daughter).
Section Officer June Williams enlisted in 1941 as an Aircraft Woman 2nd Class. She was posted to RAF Limavady in Northern Ireland as a Torpedo Attack Training Supervisor. The training dome where she served was restored in 2025, and features exhibits about her service. SO Williams quickly rose through the ranks and was commissioned in 1942. She served as a Section Officer and Adjutant to the Commanding Officer at RAF Silloth, where she was responsible for both WAAF and RAF personnel. She resigned her commission in 1946, retaining her rank. Nominated by Sue Alemann (daughter).
Prior to D Day, Louis was in the Somerset Light Infantry, then , Churchills secret underground army, the Auxilliaries. Based in Northumberland , the unit were designed to resist German occupation after expected invasion of England. Commanding Officer was the actor Anthony Quayle. Louis then joined the SAS. Louis' section (Troop) parachuted into Normandy at night 4th June 1944 to disrupt enemy communications, supply etc. In July his 7 man team were inserted into southern Normandy (behind the lines) to observe Panzer Grenadier movement. Radio dispatches subsequently resulted in RAF hitting Grenadiers hard. He also operated in Germany and Norway (Bergen) in 1945, interrogating German POW's, and searching for war criminals. He was discharged October 1945, with "exemplary character ". Nominated by Steve Furneaux (Grandson).
Paratrooper James Tofield, pictured giving the salute, was a serving member of the British Army and a member of the Pegasus Brigade during World War Two. He was active in the D-day landings. He also went on to serve in the Korean War, a war he refused to ever talk about. Paratrooper Tofield is buried in the Paratroopers cemetery in Putney Vale Cemetery, London. Nominated by Paula Shrimpton (Granddaughter).
Quarter Master Sergeant Charles “Alfred” Gallagher served in the 133rd Mixed Heavy Anti-aircraft Artillery (Ack-Ack) Regiment. Some of the locations he served at were Tregantle Fort guarding the Navy docks at Plymouth, Easton in Gordano, Norton Malreward near Chew Magna, Grimsby, and Bristol (Radar site with American Mk 5 radar and UK Mk3 Radar). Nominated by Dave Gallagher (son).
Private Arthur Baxter was a member of the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders landed on D-Day with 27 officers and 565 men. He was a prominent battalion footballer. He died, age 33, in service to his country on September 5th 1944 in Italy and his grave is at Gradara War Cemetery, Italy. Nominated by Avril Ferguson (niece).
John was born in August, 1925 in London, England and served in the Royal Air Force overseas in India as a lorry driver during World War Two. He was sent home in 1945 after Japan surrendered. Nominated by Lee Capell (nephew).
Reginald Simcox was one of the lucky ones evacuated from Dunkirk Beach earlier in the war. He also served for a time in North Africa. He was on active service in Sicily on 6th June 1944 with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. Records show he was there from 29/8/43 to 2/7/44. He was injured in Italy after D-Day. A piece of shrapnel entered his back, and it was 3 days before they could get him out for full medical treatment. If the shrapnel had been 1/2” nearer his spine he would have been crippled for life. Nominated by Stephen Caldwell (Grandson)
First time at Emerald Downs? Check out the Newcomers Guide
Britcon on the Lawn
Britcon Event in Association with Britevents Northwest
Venue:
451 E Murray Rd North, Grapeview, WA
Date:
Saturday August 5th 2023
Time:
Check-in is Noon to 1 pm
Finish time flexible between 5-8 pm
(at the discretion of our hosts, Dawn and Ian from Britcon)
SIGN UP USING THE LINK BELOW FOR FREE ADMISSION TO THE EVENT
Must be 13 or over to attend. Dogs are not allowed at this event.
MAIN FEATURES
Pot Luck - Bring your own or pre-packaged food to share (British style preferred)
Brit chat with the "Duke of Bremerton" and Brit prize fun trivia quiz on your feet
Alcohol allowed - Bring Your Own Bottle or six-pack to share
Introduction to Tea Dunking (or is that biscuit dunking?)
OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES FOR ALL:
Meet the Icelandic horses and look out for guest appearances by other animals
Football Golf and Mini-Cricket prize competitions. Designed for learners.
Check out a Tardis or two. Visit the Media Area for some fun Brit videos.
Event Promotion and Prizes From
This is a Private residence and small farm in a shady rural part of Mason County. City dwellers should be ready for fresh air, rural smells, and lots of trees and small wildlife (and maybe a deer if we are lucky!). The main animals on the farm are the Icelandic Horses, some of whom you can say hello to from the other side of their enclosures. You will be taking either the North or South turnings off Highway 3 between Shelton and Allyn on to E Grapeview Loop Rd. The turning to E Murray Rd North is about half way around the loop. Follow the Road until it turns in to an unpaved compressed dirt/stone track. You will be guided into the main parking area from there. There is a separate turn in 50 yards further on (after the "End of County Road" sign for disabled parking. Please indicate if you require this area on the Sign Up form as spaces are limited.
Questions about the Event? Use our Contact Form. We will reply asap
The Pot Luck element of the event always starts tongues salivating, especially if it is British style which you don't have the chance to sample that often. We love for you to bring homemade food, but this brings with it responsibilities to others when sharing. Make sure all food is prepared with hygiene in mind. Any hot food should be cooked according to recommended times and temperatures. Make sure you have the ingredients in your head, on paper or on your phone in case you are asked by attendees with food allergies.
There will be a propane grill if you want to bring something to grill yourself (as per safety advice above).
Alcohol is allowed and you should BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle),but please drink responsibly and anyone aged 13-20 attending should stick to non-alcoholic drinks. Bring your own soft drinks and water too.