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A veteran interview with

David Carpenter

David Carpenter served with 41 Independent Commando in Korea. He provides a detailed account of his time as a young man on the Northern Islands.

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About David Carpenter

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.

Credits

Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
Reviewed by:
Jenny La Fontaine Papadopoulos
Transcribed by:
Katie Clark

Transcripts:
Please note that transcripts and closed captions in the video player are automatically generated by Vimeo.

If you would like a version of the transcript that has been transcribed manually by Katie Clark, please complete this form or email info@legasee.org.uk.

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Home | Veterans | David Carpenter

A veteran interview with

David Carpenter

David-Carpenter-web

David Carpenter served with 41 Independent Commando in Korea. He provides a detailed account of his time as a young man on the Northern Islands.

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Cite this interview:

MLA Style:
Carpenter, David. A Veteran Interview with David Carpenter. Interview by Martin Bisiker. Legasee, 8 Nov. 2017 https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/david-carpenter/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
APA Style:
Carpenter, D. (2017, November 8). A Veteran Interview with David Carpenter [Interview by Martin Bisiker]. Legasee. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/david-carpenter/
Chicago Style:
Carpenter, David. 2017. A Veteran Interview with David Carpenter. Interview by Martin Bisiker. Legasee, November 8. Accessed November 18, 2025. https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/david-carpenter/
Harvard Style:
Carpenter, D. (2017). A Veteran Interview with David Carpenter. [Interviewed by Martin Bisiker]. Legasee, 8 November. Available at https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/david-carpenter/ (Accessed: 18 November 2025)
Vancouver Style:
Carpenter, D. A Veteran Interview with David Carpenter [Internet]. Interview by M. Bisiker. Legasee; 2017 Nov 8 [cited 2025 Nov 18]. Available from: https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/david-carpenter/
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