First look: Vicky McClure tears up as she learns about her great-grandfather’s ‘horrific’ WWII ordeal – whereas retracing his steps on BBC’s Who Do You Assume You Are?

Actor Vicky McClure Journeys 6,000 Miles to Taiwan to Learn About Her Great-Grandfather Harry Millership’s Experience as a Japanese POW

Vicky appeared visibly strained as she spoke to the camera about her gut-wrenching family history. During the episode, she discovered the terrible reality of the journey from Singapore—where Harry’s regiment had been posted in 1941—to the Taiwanese POW camp where he was interned after the Japanese attack on December 8.

Vicky learned that Harry would have been taken in an airless hold with little or no supplies. Upon arrival at the POW camp, he was forced to work in a copper mine. These harsh conditions were a brutal reality for prisoners like Harry, with little hope of escape or relief.

The Harrowing Journey and Struggles of Harry Millership

Vicky’s emotional discovery unfolded as she retraced Harry’s harrowing journey. The POW camp was a place of suffering, and the conditions were deplorable. Harry, like others, endured not only the grueling voyage but also the horrific labor in the copper mines under the constant threat of violence. Vicky reflected on how this traumatic history was passed down through generations, deeply affecting her family.

At times, the details were overwhelming for Vicky, and the pain was even more acute knowing that this was her great-grandfather’s struggle. It made it harder to distance herself emotionally.

Honoring Her Grandfather’s Heroic Role During D-Day Landings

In addition to her great-grandfather’s story, Vicky also took a moment to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. She reflected on another family member who served in WWII. Her grandfather, Ralph McLure, 97, explained how he narrowly escaped death during the invasion of Normandy when his landing craft was hit by enemy fire.

He was just 17 when he signed up to serve in the Royal Navy. On that historic day, he was deployed as a signaller on a landing raft tank. Vicky expressed deep respect for her grandfather’s courage and sacrifice, which echoed in her reflections about the importance of remembering such history.

Vicky Emphasizes the Importance of Sharing Family History

Reflecting on the significance of D-Day and her family’s legacy, Vicky emphasized the importance of passing down such stories. « It’s so important that people like my grandad are able to recall their experiences, » she said. « And I’m sure there are many veterans who felt unable or didn’t want to do that. » Vicky stressed how important it is to share these stories with younger generations, ensuring that the bravery and sacrifices of past generations are not forgotten.

By reflecting on these family stories, Vicky captured the essential role that history plays in shaping not just individual lives but also future generations’ understanding of the past.

Harry was interned in a Taiwanese POW camp after the Japanese hooked up his regiment in Singapore on 8 December 1941.

Vicky, alongside her WWII veteran grandfather Ralph McClure, spoke in an ITV documentary about the importance of D-Day remembrance.

Spice Woman Melanie C Explores Her Roots in New Series of Who Do You Think You Are?

Spice Woman Melanie C will explore her family history in the new series of Who Do You Think You Are?

Throughout its two-decade history, the show has already helped figures like J.K. Rowling, Shirley Ballas, and Sheridan Smith uncover their family stories.

This series will also feature comic Paddy McGuinness, athlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, and Melanie C.

Melanie C Uncovers Her Family’s Political Activism and Survival of the Irish Famine

Liverpool-born Melanie C will discover her family’s connection to political activism and their survival of the Great Famine in Ireland.

Additionally, TOWIE star Gemma Collins, singer Olly Murs, and actress Rose Ayling-Ellis have joined the series.

Celebrities Moved by the Emotional Journeys of Tracing Their Ancestors

Executive producer Colette Flight revealed that the celebrities were moved to tears, laughter, anger, and joy learning about their ancestors.

Who Do You Think You Are? airs every Thursday at 9 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.