Always keen on adventure and the outdoor life, Don Maclean joined the Royal Marines Reserves in 1995 when he was 17, and received his green beret 18 months later whilst also studying engineering at university. He explains how part-time training worked and talks about the toughest challenges he faced, before reflecting on the level of self-motivation required to maintain the physical and mental fitness of a regular Royal Marine whilst living a civilian life on standby for mobilisation. In 2010 Don was called up for an operational tour of Afghanistan. He shares memories of arriving in Camp Bastion as a member of X-Ray Company 45 Commando, and describes in detail the role they played as a security force and how it felt to be waiting for action to unfold. Just eight weeks into his tour, Don stood on an IED during a routine patrol. He vividly recounts the moments that followed, the lightning-fast rescue operation that saved his life, and the multiple surgeries he underwent to save his damaged foot. Don shares his sincere appreciation for the exceptional rehab he received at Headley Court, and talks about achievements and ambitions in his new life beyond the military.

Bill Bennett talks openly about his service and his life, joining the Merchant Navy at a young age after leaving behind a difficult home life. He describes tough early training and rising to a wireless operator and pipeline specialist. His skills and experience led him to be involved in the top secret Tombola Division, where he played a crucial role in the first wave of the D-DAY landings, laying pipelines from the beaches. Bill talks explicitly about his chilling first hand experiences at Port-en-Bessin, on the boundary between Gold and Omaha beaches, aged 18. These experiences have stayed with him all his life. Despite his service and heroics, Bill talks about hard times after the war. But now in his 70s, he leads a busy and active life, describing his life as an adventure from which he’s never stopped learning. Bill’s interview is a lesson in overcoming extremes of adversity, and flourishing, making the most of his life by turning adversity into strength.

Robert Watts, an electrician on a tank landing craft, participated in the D-Day invasion at Juno Beach during World War II. He joined the Navy at eighteen and a half, and by the time of the invasion, he had nearly three years of training. Although not experienced in landings, his crew of fifteen was close-knit and well-prepared. On D-Day, rough seas caused significant seasickness among the troops on board. Despite the danger, Robert felt a strong sense of duty and discipline. He vividly recalls a humorous moment with a crewmate nicknamed "Bright Eyes", who was over-hyped. The landing was intense, with dive-bombing and mines, resulting in casualties. Robert was responsible for releasing the ramps and experienced a close call with a mine. The aftermath was harrowing, with dead soldiers and the challenge of helping troops navigate the water. Despite the chaos, Robert and his crew maintained their sense of humour and resilience, helping to transport supplies and German prisoners. Reflecting on these experiences helps Robert cope with life's challenges today.