Thursday 8 May marked the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe). As our nation comes together to celebrate the declaration of victory at the end of World War II, it’s important that we honour those who sacrificed their lives to achieve it. And sadly, this includes many of our team members.
For over 175 years, Boots has had a rich legacy of stepping up to support communities and country when needed and this was no different during WWII. At the time, almost 7,000 of our employees served in the armed forces and, tragically, 381 of them lost their lives.
Exactly 80 years on, we’re taking this opportunity to recognise our very own ‘Boots on the ground’. Our Armed Forces Alliance Business Resource Group (BRG) teamed up with our Archivists to share 80 of our late colleagues in this video.
As we look back, we can’t forget the important role that women, like Nurse Vera Anderson, proudly played during World War II too.
Vera Anderson first joined Boots as a clerk, but quickly transferred to the surgery department in 1932 due to her special interest in nursing. After leaving Boots to commence her training at Nottingham General Hospital in 1934, she later re-joined in August 1940 as a qualified nurse and midwife.
Less than one year later, on the evening of 8 May 1941, Nurse Anderson was called into action when Boots Printing Works was virtually demolished during one of Nottingham’s worst air raids. Battling through burning debris to give first aid to the injured, her extreme bravery earned her the George Medal – one of the highest civilian awards for courage.
Today, our Armed Forces Alliance BRG, team member-led group, remains committed to advocating for veterans, reserved forces and military families.
Having added our signatures to the Armed Forces Covenant in 2023, Boots and Boots Opticians have received bronze and silver awards as part of The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Reflecting on our impact and commitment, Steve Ager, Executive Sponsor of our Armed Forces Alliance BRG, said: “As we come together to recognise VE Day, it’s an honour to read the names and see the faces of many of our late employees who sacrificed their lives for the needs of our nation. I’m in awe of our team members, past and present, who go above and beyond to serve our customers, our communities, and we’ll continue to support them, like they’ve supported us.”