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)
JULY 2025 EVENT - BRITS AT THE RACES
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Allow plenty of time to get to the racetrack and park. There is roadwork on I-90 if you are coming from North of Seattle. Plan a route that gets you to SR-167 South in Renton avoiding central Seattle, such as I-405. Remember the free parking lots will fill up once the gates open at Noon. The later you leave it to arrive, the longer the walk (up to 10 minutes to the security gates). You can opt to pay for premium parking at $10 per vehicle, but that also can fill up quickly and you face a couple of minutes walk still. Premium parking entrance is the turning in front of the main building on Ron Crockett Drive.
The “Will Call” table to collect your tickets should open at 12.15 pm and will be open for an hour. Look for Steve in his Union Jack T-Shirt as well as the table! If you are running late, you MUST text Steve on (509) 609-4291 before 1.15 pm. Tickets will be left for you in an envelope at the Racetrack “Will call” booth. It is usually the staffed booth at the right end of the row of booths, but you may have to ask.
If you have not been to the racetrack before, Steve will guide you to the key meeting points and especially our reserved tables. One of our VIP Club members, Dame Sera, will be on hand to greet you there.
Racetrack facilities questions should be directed to the racetrack customer service team. They wander around the main concourse and have an inquiry counter around the corner from the top of the escalators.
At check-in for your tickets, you will get a flyer from Steve detailing our order of events especially the raffle prize draw and the Best Hat competition timings.
NEW INFORMATION
There is an eight race card starting at 1.50 pm with the last race scheduled for 5.18 pm. The RACE CARD is available online, but you will also get offered a copy on your way in by racetrack personnel. Things move fast at Emerald Downs, so you might want to bet on a couple of races at a time. Even better, plan your bet ahead. Remember horses can scratch from a race so have an alternate horse in case. Ask the racetrack personnel for help with betting or find out which of our group are experienced gamblers!
Racetrack security are present just after the security gates before you use the escalators or elevator. They WILL ask to search bags and purses. They will usually allow a bottle of water or two through but take a dim view of prepared food or items that could interfere with the racing like whistles or bells. There are quite a few concessions for food, drink and ice cream. You do need a debit or credit card or you can buy a racetrack cash card from customer service. Cash is accepted for betting of course.
A FEW TICKETS LEFT
We still have some tickets left. If you want to add to your party (or adjust downward, hopefully not), then visit the EVENT PAGE. Just do a NEW registration for your extra tickets but add #2 after your last name so we know these are bonus tickets. There is no cancellation fee but you will be informed if we sell out.
HELP NEEDED - STILL!
We are still looking for an event “runner” between Races Two and Six. The event runner helps the host coral attendees for some of our featured items e.g. raffle and hat competition, as well as place bets for the host! If interested, please let Steve know when you collect your tickets. the person selected will get a free $5 bet on Race 5 or 6.
LOOKING FORWARD TO US ALL HAVING A GOOD TIME - TTFN, STEVE C.
If you have any questions not answered above about our activities, then text Steve on (509) 609-4291 with your full name and question.