Alison Harris was serving as an assistant purser on the Uganda when the ship was unexpectedly requisitioned for service in the Falklands War. Originally a school cruise ship, Uganda was swiftly converted into a hospital ship, with public rooms transformed into wards and a helicopter pad built over the swimming pool. Alison’s role involved maintaining detailed records of personnel onboard, including injured British and Argentine soldiers. She recalls the surreal experience of maintaining a sense of normality—printing daily menus and holding quizzes—even as the ship sailed into a war zone. Despite the challenges, including water shortages and harsh weather, she speaks of the camaraderie among the crew and the deep friendships formed. Alison reflects on the Uganda’s vital but often overlooked role in the conflict, feeling privileged to have been part of an extraordinary chapter in history.

Howard Ormerod provides an enthralling account of his service with Royal Navy supplies aboard the SS Atlantic Conveyor during the Falklands War. Already having a background in trade, Howard's introduction to the navy began after receiving a job at the naval supplies department as part of the Ministry of Defence. However, it would take him four years before finding himself at sea where he volunteered as a civil servant aboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. When war broke out in the Falklands, his services became valuable to the SS Atlantic Conveyor, commanded by Captain Ian North. Howard recalls the immensity of the ship, acting as a carrier not just for small items but also large vehicles. He was tasked with managing and protecting the stores onboard. During her voyage, the Conveyor managed to offload supplies to RFA Stromness at Ascension Island and later transferred Harriers to HMS Plymouth. Things were running smoothly until the carrier was hit by an Exocet missile. The situation became so disastrous that the crew was forced to abandon ship. Howard describes his thrilling escape, passing though rising smoke which obscured his view and falling into water after missing a life raft beneath him. Ironically, the same life raft came on top of him at one point, nearly drowning him. His life had briefly flashed before his eyes. After being rescued by HMS Alacrity, Howard noticed that many of the stores were caught in the destruction and even more tragically, the loss of human lives, including the captain himself, Ian North. Following the catastrophe, Howard was sent home by aircraft, an experience he reflects on despairingly. After the Falklands, he would continue his naval supplies career for another three years before moving into accountancy. Despite having no regrets, Howard's brief time in the Falklands War made him wish that some things had gone differently and that more people recognised the success of the civil servants who helped in the offloading of stores. His interview reflects their bravery and achievements in the navy during the conflict.

Philip’s career at sea has covered a range of experiences including working his way up from cadet to third mate on a cargo shop and a summer season on a hovercraft, which he calls “the original vomit comet” making journeys across the Channel. He joined the Queen Elizabeth II in 1978 and spent 10 years working onboard. Philip was meant to be on leave when the ship was requisitioned to attend the Falklands but he honourably stepped up and offered to swap with a married man. As a Cunard employee, but having spent time in the Royal Navy Reserves, Philip was well placed to become the Liaison Officer between ship operations and the military. He describes in detail the changes made to the QE2 to make the ship ready for transporting over 3000 troops and the technical difficulties they had to surmount. He also recalls the press interest in the ship and how visiting dignitaries, such as the Foreign Secretary, would have to be accommodated. Philip says the mix of personnel worked well and most people rehearsed a number of roles due to the uncertainty ahead, in particular, the Gurkha troops were incredibly diligent in practicing evacuation drills. The closer they get, the more the reality hits of what is ahead as they receive news of casualties and sunken warships. Icebergs are a real threat too and having to travel without radar (in case of detection) was risky. One treacherously foggy day a Cunard officer switched the radar back on and just as well he did because it alerted them to icebergs all around. Even anchoring the ship at Grytviken was dangerous as the water was so deep. Philip is able to recall in detail the operations taking place followed by a complex refuelling process to get them home safely. The return was very emotional as they were the first major ship to get back and carrying hundreds of survivors. They were welcomed home by the Queen Mother. Philip reflects that this time was a huge adventure and not something he could ever have imagined being part of as a normal Merchant Navy sailor.

Andrée Dumon's first encounters with evaders were exciting because she realised the danger she was putting herself in. Working full-time for the Resistance, she guided English soldiers across the Pyrenees Mountains. Nearing her 20th birthday she was arrested with her parents in Brussels but refused to divulge information despite German police threats. Her bravery and  determination were crucial attributes during her imprisonment. Following her 1942 capture, her sister Michou took her place in the Resistance, showing similar characteristics. After her 1945 liberation, she battled typhus in an English hospital, again displaying remarkable resilience. Andrée reflects on her experiences during the D-Day landings and post-war involvement with the English.

Daphne Margaret Sybil Désirée Park, Baroness Park of Monmouth, joined the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) in 1943 and caught the attention of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) due to her cipher skills. Promoted to sergeant, she trained operatives for Operation Jedburgh, supporting the Resistance in Europe. Despite a demotion, Daphne served as a Briefing Officer, working with French soldiers before D-Day. Major-General Sir Colin McVean Gubbins ensured she became a commissioned officer. Post-war, she joined the Field Intelligence Agency Technical British Intelligence Objective Sub-Committee in Frankfurt and Berlin. Daphne recalls various incidents, including her time in a jail, using food for intelligence, and training challenges. She discusses the SOE hierarchy, the notable secret agent Dennis Rake, and colleagues like Leopold Marks and the Gamble sisters. Daphne's remarkable service continued with MI6. She passed away on March 24, 2010.

Upon joining the Merchant Navy in 1940, David served on the oil tanker SS Vimiere. During his early career, he witnessed a ship sink whilst returning from Halifax, Nova Scotia – a disheartening experience that marked the beginning of several challenges at sea.  David trained as a wireless operator and was part of the Russian convoy JW53, braving a nasty hurricane that forced multiple ships to turn back. His vessel successfully reached Murmansk, where he recalls narrowly escaping an aircraft bombing while anchored. The ship was damaged during an attack but, luckily, disaster was avoided. For his efforts, David received a King’s Commendation.  By the age of 19, David had ascended to the role of Chief Radio Officer on the Eastern Prince, a refuelling ship for the convoy. He reflects on his scariest convoy where, despite the odds being stacked against them, he and his crewmates survived a relentless bomber attack.    There are also some lighter moments that David recounts. One involves the unexpected retrieval of a giant bear in Murmansk. He also has fond memories of surviving on spam (which he still likes) and sailing to amazing places.  David's colourful stories illustrate his resilience, courage and camaraderie at sea. 

In this interview, listen to Joy talk about her rare and exciting opportunity to fly with ATA in the famous spitfire plane. Born in Cirencester, Joy was raised in the countryside where she learned to be strong and independent, always striving to be the best she could possibly be. When her sister joined the ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary), it was only a matter of time before Joy's fierce competitive edge would cause her to follow in her sister's footsteps and join up as well. Although Joy found her training quite difficult due to the tough weather conditions which made her experience more challenging; she soon found her rhythm and was accepted to fly possibly the most iconic plane from the WWII era: the spitfire. However, as the war progressed, there became less and less of a need for women pilots in the eyes of the military, so Joy's original pool was disbanded. In the interview, Joy speaks on her experience of moving pools not once but twice! She also explains how the different ranks in the ATA work, as well as talk about an intense emergency landing that forced her to hitchhike back home, in additional to what made the American bases so much more exciting.

Content warning// This interview contains discussions of sensitive topics such as PTSD, suicidal thoughts and vivid flashback description which some viewers may find distressing. If you are affected by these topics, please consider seeking support from a trusted person or organisation.   Kate was training to be a nurse with the RAF when she met her husband-to-be, John, an RAF Police Officer. They both completed tours of Iraq and John went on to complete one more and also two tours of Afghanistan. Each time John returned, Kate started to notice slight differences in his character, such as an increase in drinking and frequent nightmares. She was grateful of both her RAF and medical training as it helped her understand the mental shift between home and work that John was having to manage. John sought help but was told there was nothing medically wrong and he was to carry on as usual, which he did. It was the birth of their son that Kate thinks caused John’s nightmares and flashbacks to intensify. He sought help again and this time was diagnosed with severe PTSD and signed off work, but without his job to provide a sense of purpose John struggled to function. John tried both CBT and EMDR therapies but Kate feels they both made the situation worse. John is now on a medication pathway. Kate describes this as an incredibly isolating time as no one knew what she was going through. She felt she could hardly leave John alone, especially when he started having suicidal thoughts. However, when she joined Band of Sisters she found a supportive group of women with shared experiences. She even managed to attend a weekend away which really helped her realise how stressed she was. She describes finding Band of Sisters as a real turning point which helped her realise she needed to take care of herself too. John has also found help through Help for Heroes and has attended a few courses and is now a qualified bushcraft and survival instructor. John has recently had a cancer diagnosis and Kate reflects that, sadly, the cancer process has been much smoother than the PTSD. Kate feels it is incredibly important for others to hear their story so they know they are not alone. She is even compiling a book.

CONTENT WARNING: This interview contains graphic details of injuries, which some viewers may find distressing. If you are affected by these topics, please consider seeking support from a trusted person or organisation. Jenny recounts how she met her now-husband, Daniel, when they were training with the Bolton Sea Cadets as teenagers. At the age of 19, Daniel began training for the Royal Marines. He was deployed shortly after completing his training and undertook two tours in Afghanistan. During his second tour, Daniel stepped on an IED and sustained injuries to his left hand and foot, resulting in amputation and requiring multiple skin grafts. Jenny describes the moment that Daniel’s parents arrived at her workplace while Daniel was on tour and anticipating the worst news. Throughout her interview, Jenny provides detailed information about Daniel’s injuries and surgeries. Jenny and Daniel are now married with one child and another on the way, and Dan has started his own business providing inspirational speaking to others who have experienced similar events. This account highlights the practical aspects of adapting to life-changing injuries and achieving personal and professional goals. Jenny would like her children and others to learn about the ‘war of our time’, which is why she has chosen to share her story.

Heather Lake recounts her experience of meeting and marrying Andy while they worked together as Army Chefs. They became engaged and married within six months. Heather had noticed indications of Andy's mental health issues from the start. Andy had completed tours in Northern Ireland and Bosnia prior to meeting Heather. During his tour in Bosnia, Andy sustained injuries from a building collapse, leading to his discharge from the kitchen he was working in at the time. Heather describes one significant event that occurred while Andy was changing his daughter's nappy, resulting in social services removing him from contact with his daughter for 18 months. Andy received an official diagnosis of PTSD only a few years ago and experienced physical decline after his injuries. He is now often confined to a wheelchair. Heather anticipates that an upcoming operation might improve their situation. Heather found support through the Band of Sisters, which she joined through Andy, a member of the Band of Brothers. This group offered her a sense of community and non-judgement. Heather's story reflects dedication and commitment to her family’s happiness. The Band of Sisters provides her with the support she needs as she continues to support her family.

Content warning// This interview contains discussions of sensitive topics such as PTSD and addiciton which some viewers may find distressing. If you are affected by these topics, please consider seeking support from a trusted person or organisation.   Kirsty’s partner, Glenn, completed two tours of Afghanistan but it was a tragic accident during a training exercise that turned their lives upside down. Glenn was parachuting down from 30 000 feet when he was blown off course, landed in a tree then fell to the ground. The result was a devastating spinal injury. After a period in hospital, Glenn comes home and Kirsty works hard to keep their lives on track while holding down her job and taking care of Glenn. The couple had never really spent a great deal of time living together before this and it puts a strain on their relationship, especially when Glenn is prescribed morphine which he struggles with. Glenn spends a period at the Headley Court rehabilitation centre where he receives regular medication and physiotherapy but without access to this at home, Kirsty notices a big difference in Glenn’s behaviour. He becomes increasingly angry, he won’t leave the house and Kirsty starts to suspect he has PTSD. Kirsty suggest they get a dog and this becomes a big help as Glenn has to take responsibility for it. Kirsty is even impressed that she managed to get Glenn on a holiday to Cuba. While Glenn is still managing tremendous pain he is also working hard on his rehabilitation and can walk for short periods. Kirsty reflects that they both had to grow up very quickly to be able to deal with this trauma. This experience made Kirsty realise she wants more from her life and she is now training to be a nurse. Although Kirsty joined Band of Sisters she admits it took her a while to fully engage. She wants to share her story so other know about the help and support available, she wonders if she had asked for help sooner might this have been an easier process.