Growing up in Guyana with her grandmother and aunts, Roxanne was often told she lacked courage. Before her 12^th birthday, she and her sister moved to the UK, joining their mother and five siblings. The following years filled Roxanne with sadness as she struggled to adjust. At 17, she convinced her mother to let her join the army. Roxanne envisioned herself in an action-packed role where she could chase the courage she yearned for. So, when she passed the test for the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC), she did not expect to be told she would make the “perfect stewardess”. She went to train at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, London, and never looked back. Talent, determination and the encouragement of a supportive mentor, saw Roxanne quickly rise through the ranks. At just 18 years old, she was promoted to Lance Corporal, later graduating to Corporal. She recounts many once-in-a-lifetime moments. From escorting Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Artillery, to working at Windsor Castle for Prince Charles’ champagne breakfast. She also recalls challenges: experiencing racism, jealousy, loneliness, and a marriage that prematurely ended her time at WRAC. Roxanne’s story epitomises perseverance in the face of self-doubt.

Having been born and brought up in Chester, Neville enlisted in 1951, at aged 21, in the Welch Fusiliers following completion of a civil engineering apprenticeship. Early on in his training, Neville was promoted to Lance Corporal and eventually became a signaller. He describes how early on, he sensed they were being prepared for battle although when he was told that they were going to Korea, like many others, he didn’t know anything about the country. Following arrival in Korea, he and his compatriots underwent a 48-hour train journey, during which Neville describes learning about the Korean People. He tells of a great admiration for them, their skills and their hard work. Initially stationed in Pioneer Hill on the 38th Parallel, his account describes in detail the hugely challenging conditions under which they lived and fought, much of it like WWI. His narrative offers powerful insights into the trials associated with fighting, the personal impact and the ways in which soldiers were supported. He also highlights the factors that enable survival in these conditions, including the value of the close bond forged between soldiers. Finally, he offers his reflections on the necessity of war.

In 1940, aged 18, Alec Hall was one of the first people to volunteer for 1st Airborne. He was in the Royal Army Medical Corps training at Tidworth Hospital where he learned various medical skills, including delivering a baby. He excelled in sports, playing football and hockey for his unit, and placing 8th in a cross-country run for the British Southern Command. He then trained with gliders and served in an airborne hospital, often being loaned out to other units. Invariably in the thick if the action, he recalls his time in Oran, North Africa, and a trip through the Atlas Mountains. In Italy, attached to the Airborne Light Artillery, he describes intense action from a cemetary. He talks extensively about his role as a medic, the equipment he used, and being part of the first gliders to Arnhem in Operation Market Garden in September 1944.  Based in two hotels which were set up as hospitals, Alec treated wounded soldiers and vividly remembers giving two pints of his own blood to save Reg Curtis, who was operated on in the field. Eventually he was taken POW and sent to Stalag V11-B. Upon the war's end, Alec endured the Long march and stayed briefly at a local woman's house, listening to her recount her husband's shooting. After returning to the UK, Alec underwent medical checks and set a running record—a mile in just over 4 minutes. He revisited Tidworth Hospital before transferring to 102 Company in Dortmund Hospital, Germany. Alec passed away on October 16th, 2023