Home | Veterans | Alan Hone
Alan-Hone

A veteran interview with

Alan Hone

Play video
Watch the interview

About Alan Hone

Credits

Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker

Transcripts:
Please note that transcripts and closed captions in the video player are automatically generated by Vimeo.

Copyright:
All video content, web site design, graphics, images (including submitted content), text, the selection and arrangement thereof, underlying source code, software and all other material on this Web site are the copyright of Legasee Educational Trust, and its affiliates, or their content and technology providers. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Any use of materials on this Web site – including reproduction for purposes other than those noted above, modification, distribution, or republication – without the prior written permission of Legasee Educational Trust is strictly prohibited.

Home | Veterans | Alan Hone

A veteran interview with

Alan Hone

Alan-Hone

Related topics & talking points

Keep on watching

More veteran stories...

Share this interview on:

https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/alan-hone/

Cite this interview:

MLA Style:
Hone, Alan. A Veteran Interview with Alan Hone. Interview by Martin Bisiker. Legasee, 24 Oct. 2013 https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/alan-hone/. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.
APA Style:
Hone, A. (2013, October 24). A Veteran Interview with Alan Hone [Interview by Martin Bisiker]. Legasee. Retrieved July 21, 2026, from https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/alan-hone/
Chicago Style:
Hone, Alan. 2013. A Veteran Interview with Alan Hone. Interview by Martin Bisiker. Legasee, October 24. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/alan-hone/
Harvard Style:
Hone, A. (2013). A Veteran Interview with Alan Hone. [Interviewed by Martin Bisiker]. Legasee, 24 October. Available at https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/alan-hone/ (Accessed: 21 July 2026)
Vancouver Style:
Hone, A. A Veteran Interview with Alan Hone [Internet]. Interview by M. Bisiker. Legasee; 2013 Oct 24 [cited 2026 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/alan-hone/
An interview with

Frank Corbett

Frank Corbett: A WWII Veteran's Career of Skill, Courage and Humanity Amidst the Chaos of War

Frank Corbett, a distinguished World War Two veteran, provides a compelling account of his extensive military service, marked by resilience, resourcefulness, and humanity. Starting with the 7th South Staffordshire Regiment, he later transferred to the 7th Norfolks and ultimately the 2nd Monmouthshire Regiment, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to the diverse demands of war. Frank recalls intense encounters with German soldiers, where his quick reflexes and skill in hand-to-hand combat were critical for survival. As an anti-tank gunner during the Normandy landings, Frank played a pivotal role in crucial combat operations. His mechanical expertise and exceptional driving skills later saw him entrusted with transporting high-ranking officers and sensitive equipment, including navigating the treacherous Brenner Pass, during his service in Italy. Frank's wartime experience was marked by both unimaginable danger and profound acts of compassion. He survived a bullet that pierced his helmet and mortar blasts that hurled him through the air, often treating his own wounds in the heat of battle. Amidst these hardships, he formed deep bonds with his comrades and endured the heartbreaking loss of leaders and friends. Acts of kindness defined Frank’s character, even in the chaos of war. He once broke ranks to assist a woman giving birth on the pavement, ensuring her and her baby’s safety. In another instance, he invited a wounded German soldier to share a meal with his unit and consoled a childhood shell shocked friend, who had temporarily deserted. Frank’s story stands as a powerful testament to courage, empathy, and humanity in one of history’s most turbulent times.
Screen grab of ATS veteran, Hester Hopkins
An interview with

Hester Hopkins

Hester reflects on her six and a half years of service during World War II, beginning with her motivations to join after witnessing the growing threat in 1936 Germany. Initially involved in the Red Cross and later the FANYs (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry), she trained in driving and basic mechanics, working under tough conditions. She served as an ambulance driver and later as a staff car driver for a brigadier during the Blitz, then rose to officer rank, overseeing women operating radar and artillery equipment. Despite hardships, poor accommodation, difficult vehicles, and ill-fitting uniforms, she recalls camaraderie, humour, and purpose. Her later postings included Ireland and Egypt, with a rewarding trip through the Middle East. Hester also appeared in wartime propaganda photos, helping shift public perceptions of women in service. She recalls both the challenges and deep friendships, describing the experiences as hard work, friendship and challenge.   The publication of this previously unseen interview was made possible thanks to a grant from The Gerry Holdsworth Special Forces Charity, to mark 80 years since the closure of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in January 1946. 
Photo Gallery icon 11 Photos
Service:
Interviewed by:
Martyn Cox
An interview with

Bryan ‘Tab’ Hunter

Bryan 'Tab' Hunter recalls his career in the Parachute Regime

Bryan Hunter, commonly known as 'Tab' in the forces, was called up for for National Service to the Queens own Royal West Kent Regiment in Oct 1955 and after completing training he was put in for the Parachute Regiment. He recounts all the hard work and training he had to go through until he was finally conscripted to Cyprus in 1956. Bryan tells stories of pure determination and tenacity - 'if you went down, you would get up and throw yourself back into the fight again' as he reflects on his time fighting in conflicts. He mentions his brief appearance in the Suez Canal Crisis, mutiny on the high seas and his time entertaining his camp with his passion for cinema and film projection. Overall, his story highlights the stark contrast between conscription and everyday camp life abroad.
Photo Gallery icon 1 Photo
Service:
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker