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A veteran interview with

Allan Orpin

Allan Orpin provides a good account of his time with the 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment.

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About Allan Orpin

Allan Orpin served in the 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment as a jeep driver/mechanic. He deployed to Normandy by Horsa glider, where he was responsible for delivering ammunition and supplies. The regiment was twice withdrawn to the UK and later redeployed to the Ardennes on Christmas Eve 1944 and the Rhine crossings in March 1945. He finished his service in Palestine in 1946.

In his detailed and extensive interview, he describes the first air raids as a teenager, starting with a false alarm on 3 September 1939. He was impressed by the friendliness of the airborne unit after the formality of the regular army. He describes the unsettling feeling as the glider was towed into the air, and then the silence once the towing plane released it to land near Pegasus Bridge on the evening of D-Day. He tells relates how he deviated from the route when returning from Tilbury to stay with his mother, but then had trouble starting his jeep (which was loaded with live ammunition). He volunteered for airborne service because he didn’t want to miss the war, and he doesn’t regret it.

Credits

Interviewed by:
Brig. C Elderton
Reviewed by:
Andy Voase
Transcribed by:
Nour Mostafa

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

If you would like a version of the transcript that has been transcribed manually by Nour Mostafa, please complete this form or email info@legasee.org.uk.

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Home | Veterans | Allan Orpin

A veteran interview with

Allan Orpin

Screenshot

Allan Orpin provides a good account of his time with the 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment.

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Cite this interview:

MLA Style:
Orpin, Allan. A Veteran Interview with Allan Orpin. Interview by Brig. C Elderton. Legasee, n.d. https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/allan-orpin/. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
APA Style:
Orpin, A. (n.d.). A Veteran Interview with Allan Orpin [Interview by Brig. C Elderton]. Legasee. Retrieved June 13, 2026, from https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/allan-orpin/
Chicago Style:
Orpin, Allan. n.d.. A Veteran Interview with Allan Orpin. Interview by Brig. C Elderton. Legasee. Accessed June 13, 2026. https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/allan-orpin/
Harvard Style:
Orpin, A. (n.d.). A Veteran Interview with Allan Orpin. [Interviewed by Brig. C Elderton]. Legasee. Available at https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/allan-orpin/ (Accessed: 13 June 2026)
Vancouver Style:
Orpin, A. A Veteran Interview with Allan Orpin [Internet]. Interview by B. Elderton. Legasee; n.d. [cited 2026 Jun 13]. Available from: https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/allan-orpin/
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Wartime Royal Marine recounts his intense training, Normandy deployment, and the life-changing injury that ended his service.

Bernard Lynham joined the 46 Commando, Royal Marines, just before turning 18, inspired by his brother’s long service in the Marines. He quickly adapted to the gruelling training, enduring speed marches, cliff climbing, and parachute jumps in Scotland while always carrying his full kit. This demanding preparation forged a deep sense of camaraderie among the men, who often pooled their money for nights out, creating bonds that would be tested in the battles ahead. Deployed to Normandy shortly after D-Day, Bernard faced the harsh realities of war as he and his comrades embarked on dangerous night patrols, scouting for German positions. It was during one of these missions that a seemingly minor moment would become a pivotal point in Bernard’s life. As he paused to adjust his bootlace, an event occurred that would change everything, leaving him with injuries that ultimately ended his active service. Though he escaped death that day, the experience left him with wounds that would trouble him for years to come. Despite the trauma, Bernard speaks with pride about his time in the Royal Marines, remembering the loyalty, bravery, and unbreakable spirit of his fellow Commandos. After the war, Bernard resumed civilian life, working for the electricity board for 35 years, but his memories of Normandy and the comrades he lost have never faded. Interviewed when he was in his 90s, Bernard’s story is a poignant reminder of the resilience and courage of those who served, offering a glimpse into the life of a true wartime hero.
Service:
Interviewed by:
Brig. C Elderton
An interview with

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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.