Kevin recounts his journey into the Royal Medical Corps of the Army, which led him to serve aboard HMS Sir Galahad during the Falklands War. Kevin is from Middlesbrough and had always dreamed of joining the Navy, after going to art college he ended up joining the Army and trained as a medic in 1977. As a combat medical assistant, he was told that he was a soldier first and a medic second, which required rigorous training. Kevin gained valuable experience treating casualties during two tours in Northern Ireland before being deployed to the Falklands. While aboard HMS Sir Galahad, Kevin faced constant threats from Argentinian bombers, his bravery enabled him to treat many injured soldiers, including saving the life of a Section Corporal. When the ship was hit Kevin became the last surviving medic onboard, escaping with a group of soldiers to Fitzroy Bay, where they watched the ship burn. Kevin continued to care for the wounded on the hospital ship, SS Uganda before returning home to a celebratory welcome from John Nott, the Secretary of State for Defence. In 1990, Kevin’s career took him to Saudi Arabia, where he served as a guard and ration storeman. Kevin discusses his memories of these experiences and his PTSD diagnosis.

Bill begins the interview by reminiscing his early life in the East End of London in 1920s and the shaping this had on him as a young man, who had interest in joining the army. Bill learned many lessons from First World War Heroes and heard harrowing stories from other veterans as he recalls the journey of his career starting in Cheshire Regiment at Dale Barracks in Chester, to Gordon Highlanders as his Regiment, and his first command is protecting Portsmouth harbour. This is until he is deployed to India, in which he tells tales of horror, humour and honour that happened during the Battle of Kohima; all whilst his career progressed from Captain to the Brigade Intelligence Officer. He finally returned home in April 1946.