90-Year-Old War Evacuee Visits Saxon Airbase and Shares Touching Journey Through History

90-year-old Peter Strangeman from Broadlands Lodge care home in Norwich took a very special day trip to Saxon Airbase, where he shared memories of wartime Britain and his unexpected encounter with Winston Churchill.

Peter’s visit to Saxon Airbase was driven by his lifelong interest in history. Born and raised in Dartford, Kent – once dubbed “Bomb Alley” during WWII – Peter was just 10 years old when he was evacuated. Peter recalled,

“We’d run to the shelters every night, and even during school, when the sirens went off, we’d all rush down together.”

Joined by students from Firside Junior School at Saxon Airbase, Peter explored the hangar, took part in hands-on activities including aircraft traffic control signals, and listened to a talk by Saxon Air’s CEO,

Alex, who shared the history of the iconic WWII spotter plane.

A trained carpenter, Peter’s post-war life was equally full of remarkable moments. One of his most treasured memories is working in the Houses of Parliament.

While fitting skirting boards, he was startled by a familiar voice behind him. “You’re making a bloody good job of that, my boy,” said none other than Winston Churchill himself.

Peter also worked at Buckingham Palace for seven weeks, where he helped build a walk-in cold room.

“I was given a silver teaspoon as a memento of my time working in the palace. I still treasure it to this day.”

Tamara Crosswell, the General Manager at Broadlands Lodge, commented,
“So many of our residents have incredibly inspiring stories to tell, bridging a gap in generations. To be able to support residents like Peter to explore their pasts and their interests is a true honour.”