In May 1943, Cyril Standiford joined the Royal Navy. Aged only 18, he worked as a seaman-gunner on board the control ship HMS Fratton, as preparations for Operation Neptune began to take shape.   On the morning of the 6th June 1944, Cyril and his crew landed at Gold Beach, Normandy, to the overwhelming sight of heavy smoke and the sound of gunfire. In this interview, he recalls the terrifying moment HMS Fratton was hit by a torpedo, causing it to rapidly sink. 31 crew members died, and as a result of the explosion Cyril, who was positioned on one of the ship's gun platforms, was thrown into the water. He awoke hours later in an Army Hospital, having suffered a crush fracture of the spine and two busted knees, which required the long-term use of calipers. After being evacuated back to the UK on board a landing craft, he was moved through various hospitals before eventually finishing in one just outside of Aberdeen, Scotland.  Following the war, Cyril paid regular visits to Ryes Cemetery in France, and was even able to help other families uncover what happened to their loved ones on board HMS Fratton. In this film, he remarks what it was like to ‘cheat death’, and reflects on how young many of the sailors were who lost their lives during D-Day.

David comes from a military background, his father and two older brothers served during WWII. He enlisted into the Navy in 1949 for seven years. He recounts a year of arduous basic training, which carried the risk of being “back-squadded” for failing. Although tough, David valued his training and was determined to succeed. Gaining the green beret was the proudest moment of David’s life. He began active duty in Korea, defending Wonson Harbour on Yodo Island in 4-1 commandos. He manned the heavy artillery, working alongside American counterparts to defend the island from enemy incursions. This also involved raids to disable strategic infrastructure. He enjoyed the opportunities for R&R in Japan and spent time there after peace was declared. David returned to the UK, following which he spent 3-month tours of duty in many areas including the Caribbean, often in guard duty roles on-board ship. David recounts happy memories of this time. Finally, David was stationed first in Malta, in charge of weapons stores and then in a similar role in Cyprus during the struggle for independence. It was while on duty that David was suddenly told to leave as his 7 years were up.

Antoinette “Tony” Porter joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service as a teenager and quickly found herself in one of the war’s more unusual roles. Selected to take part in Operation Outward, she and her fellow Wrens launched hydrogen balloons fitted with incendiary devices, designed to drift into Germany and cause disruption. The work was heavy, physical, and dangerous. Antoinette recalls the sheer effort of handling the balloons, the types of explosives used, and the burns and injuries some Wrens suffered.

Her interview goes beyond secrecy and danger. Antoinette paints a vivid picture of wartime Britain: the terrifying sight of V1 flying bombs overhead, the exhilaration of watching waves of Allied aircraft depart on D-Day, and the euphoric celebrations of VE Day.

Her memories also reflect on life after the war, as she considers the costs of more recent conflicts. Antoinette’s story brings humour, candour, and humanity to a hidden corner of the Wrens’ wartime service.