John Booth gives a gripping account of his service as a Wireless Operator for the Royal Signals during the Korean War. In 1950, after following in his family's footsteps as a grocer, John decided to volunteer for the Royal Signals as part of his National Service. He began his training at Catterick Garrison, lasting six months before being sent to Harwich where he joined the newly formed 1st Commonwealth Division. In 1951, he found himself boarding the Orwell, setting sail for Korea to join the war effort. John recalls seeing a substantial amount of smoke in Pusan upon their arrival, believing it was related to the conflict, though this was not the case. Reaching the frontage, his crew was placed near the Imjin River behind the infantry line, attached to three mortar batteries. His responsibility was to receive signals for chosen targets and call the batteries to fire at said targets across the battlefield. He reflects on the difficult living conditions of their camp: from cold tents to limited washing facilities, compounded by the fact they received no downtime in Korea until the end of their service. Despite these inconveniences, John maintained a dutiful air throughout. Reflecting on his experience, John was content with his contribution to the war, remembering the support and gratitude given by the Korean people for helping them during a tumultuous time. His interview gives insight into the bravery and loyalty demonstrated by British soldiers who volunteered to provide succour in the Korean conflict.

In this engaging interview, Geoffrey Pidgeon explains how his father’s role in stores at Bletchley Park, combined with his teenage pastime of model building, led to a job offer with the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). After securing his parents' permission to leave school, Geoffrey accepted the offer. Initially joining the Communication Section, later known as Section VIII, he began working in the workshops at Whaddon Hall. At just 14, he was the youngest member of the team—and potentially the youngest in the entire SIS. This marks the beginning of an extraordinary wartime experience. Geoffrey eventually went on to work for the newly created Mobile Construction Team, installing wireless equipment in vehicles and aircraft to assist with the interception of enemy communications. His professional experiences, alongside his personal life in Stony Stratford, placed him in a unique position to witness and participate in the highly confidential world of wartime intelligence gathering. This enables him to provide a deeply insightful account of how wireless communication and its rapid development played a crucial role in the success of Allied operations, as well as the integral nature of the ‘Y’ Service and the work at Bletchley Park.

Roy was sent to Korea in 1952 while doing his National Service and was shocked by the conditions in Korea which were worse than London after the blitz. He served as a signalman during the Imjin River battles. In their front line positions they were infested with rats and their hot food froze after a few minutes. He felt that the British soldiers were treated poorly compared to their allies. Their infantry weapons were old fashioned, food and clothing were worse and the pay was far less. He feared the enemy mortar bombs and watching the US air force dropping napalm was dreadful. However most of the time during the war was boring. A friend of his died after coming out of an Allied military prison where he was severely beaten. This event still affects Roy and he has tried to get redress for his comrade but to no avail.