Rita Harvey, who lives at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton, said it was “love at first sight” when she met Ken on the train as she travelled home to Twickenham from VE Day celebrations in London on May 8, 1945.
The couple married in East Molesey in 1951 and lived happily together until Ken’s death in 1993.
Rita, who is living with dementia, shared her story as the nation celebrates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany.
Rita met her future husband amid champagne and celebrations on VE Day 1945 (Image: Royal Star & Garter) She met Ken, who was serving in the Army, on a train leaving Waterloo station after she and a friend had spent the day in London celebrating.
Ken offered her his seat on the busy train, and on the journey, they exchanged addresses to write to each other.
“I wanted to see what was happening in London.
“We were drinking champagne and dancing in central London, and we had a wonderful day.
“Later we went back to Waterloo to get the train home, and the carriages were packed.
“Then, this lovely young man offered me his seat.
“That lovely young man was Ken, and it was love at first sight.
“We hit it off and he asked if we could exchange addresses and stay in touch.
“It was the start of a wonderful relationship, and we were devoted to each other.”
The 97-year-old now lives at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton.
The home provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, as well as services reaching out into the community.
Royal Star & Garter is celebrating VE Day at each of its homes, in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe, and now in Worthing, having recently merged with the military charity Care for Veterans.
Residents will also be attending a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on VE Day.
Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton is welcoming new residents.
