Séan Bonner joined the Parachute Regiment in 1964, beginning a military career that would span more than three decades and take him from Cyprus and Aden to later service as a helicopter pilot. Born in India into a long line of military service stretching back generations, Séan describes a childhood shaped by army life, adventure and a fascination with flying. In this interview, he gives a vivid and often darkly humorous account of life as a young paratrooper during the Aden Emergency. Serving with 1 Para in 1965, he recalls operations in the Radfan Mountains around Habilayn and Abdimna, where British forces sought to secure the Dhala Road against insurgent attack. He describes patrols through the wadis, incoming mortar and rocket fire, convoy protection duties, and the constant tension of operating in difficult mountainous terrain. Séan also reflects on service in Cyprus, Bahrain and Dhofar, the culture and mentality of the Parachute Regiment, and the intense camaraderie forged through training and combat. Frank, thoughtful and highly engaging, his testimony offers a vivid insight into British airborne operations during the final years of Britain’s presence in Aden.

Growing up in Cosford during the Second World War, Geoffrey Grimley became familiar with military surroundings from a young age. School geography lessons instilled in him an interest in Japan, and when conscription came at 19 years old, he registered with a preference to be stationed in the far-East. Geoffrey's childhood near an RAF base discouraged him from the airforce, so he instead became listed as a Signalman. The 6-month training period Geoffrey completed in Catterick taught him to decipher up to 14 words of Morse Code per minute. After a single excursion to a firing range, Geoffrey boarded a Devonshire 'Bibby Line' to Singapore. The journey took six weeks, and just a few weeks after his arrival, he journeyed on to Hong Kong. One bad winter later, Geoffrey left Kowloon Harbour to the sound of the Royal Ulster Rifles Pipe Band for the final leg of his journey to Korea. He arrived with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers on St. George's Day, 1951. Geoffrey recalls unsettled weather, mischievous tank drivers, and entertainment within his Brigade, including a boxing match between the KOSBs and a professional Filipino sportsman. Geoffrey was soon stationed at the Battle of Kapyong. Geoffrey's interview was cut short before sharing further details of his service due to his feeling unwell, but the beginning of his story creates a vivid, and at times, humorous, picture of his journey to becoming a Signalman.