A Wartime Wedding-The Day Before VJ

My husband to be Kenneth Bendelow was a Second Officer in the Merchant Navy. I had to arrange our wedding by special licence.

We were to marry on the 14th August 1945 at 2pm at St.Peter's Church,Stockton-on-Tees.

Ken looked very handsome in his uniform. My dress was ivory satin embellished with tiny beads and I had a veil and a headress. I chose all my own flowers and that of the bridesmaids from a nursery in Stockton. My bouquet had red roses some carnations and maidenhair fern trailing down. My bridesmaids had sweet peas done in bunches and fern. I had three bridesmaids; my sister Grace and two of Ken's sisters Sylvia and Joan. Grace wore a lavender dress, Sylvia pale green and Joan pale pink. Also in attendance was Ken's sister Nancy and his youngest brother Archie.

It was such a beautiful day, hot and sunny.I was given away by my Uncle Bert. Straight after the wedding Ken and I went to the photographers, Thirwells in Stockton to have the photos taken. As they were only black and white we had them tinted. It was expensive in those days to have this done but we felt it was worth it.

The reception was held at The Maison de Danse, Yarm Lane, Stockton. We had lunch for about fifty people and there was a four piece band.

Then we all went on to Oxbridge School House (Ken's parents were the caretakers)and continued the celebrations. Food and drink was provided and there was a piano for entertainment. At 12pm Victory over Japan was announced; everyone was very happy and the celebrations continued.

A good start for our future happiness and peace at last!

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.