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Doug-Arthur

A veteran interview with

Doug Arthur

Doug Arthur shares a fascinating and detailed account of his WWII service with the 106 Royal Horse Artillery, Lancashire Yeomanry.

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About Doug Arthur

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Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
Reviewed by:
David Mishan

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

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Home | Veterans | Doug Arthur

A veteran interview with

Doug Arthur

Doug-Arthur

Doug Arthur shares a fascinating and detailed account of his WWII service with the 106 Royal Horse Artillery, Lancashire Yeomanry.

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Cite this interview:

MLA Style:
Arthur, Doug. A Veteran Interview with Doug Arthur. Interview by Martin Bisiker. Legasee, 6 Apr. 2016 https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/doug-arthur/. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
APA Style:
Arthur, D. (2016, April 6). A Veteran Interview with Doug Arthur [Interview by Martin Bisiker]. Legasee. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/doug-arthur/
Chicago Style:
Arthur, Doug. 2016. A Veteran Interview with Doug Arthur. Interview by Martin Bisiker. Legasee, April 6. Accessed May 21, 2026. https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/doug-arthur/
Harvard Style:
Arthur, D. (2016). A Veteran Interview with Doug Arthur. [Interviewed by Martin Bisiker]. Legasee, 6 April. Available at https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/doug-arthur/ (Accessed: 21 May 2026)
Vancouver Style:
Arthur, D. A Veteran Interview with Doug Arthur [Internet]. Interview by M. Bisiker. Legasee; 2016 Apr 6 [cited 2026 May 21]. Available from: https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/doug-arthur/
An interview with

Howard Tomlinson

A former Royal Engineer who joined the army at 17 reflects on his postings in Borneo, Singapore, Malaysia, and Germany.

Howard Tomlinson, a veteran of The Royal Engineers, served from 1963 to 1974. Motivated by a tough upbringing in Hull, he joined the army at 17 to escape and experienced postings in Borneo, Singapore, Malaysia, and Germany. His initial training was rigorous, involving extensive drills and learning to work closely with fellow soldiers from different backgrounds. This period was marked by camaraderie and mutual support, which became a defining aspect of his military experience.
After completing his training, Howard was posted to Germany, where he was appointed as a clerk and tasked with managing paperwork. Howard's assignments took him to various locations, including an unexpected and initially daunting posting to Borneo, an active service area. Despite the initial shock, he adapted to the conditions, demonstrating resilience and dedication. Howard's most memorable posting was in Singapore, where he served for two and a half years. He found himself immersed in the vibrant local culture, sports activities, and the strong bonds formed with fellow soldiers. The arrival of his family in Singapore marked a special moment as he reunited with his son for the first time. Howard's story is  one of resilience, commitment and is a testament to the transformative power of military service.
Service:
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

George Bayliss

George describes his journey from working in a fireworks factory to his dangerous work in the pioneer platoon clearing mines in Egypt and Naples.

George Bayliss shares his experiences serving in the Territorial Army with the 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire regiment. Having worked with explosives in a firework factory he was assigned to the pioneer platoon, working in a close-knit battalion to clear mines. George recalls his training clearing mines, how dangerous this work was, and describes experiences of shelling whilst living close to the Germans. He recounts his preparation for the Battle of Cassino, marching across the river whilst being shelled, and then being in front making a safe passage through the minefield for the rest of his company and shares personal anecdotes of singing hymns and writing letters to his wife. He details horrific injuries he saw inflicted on his young colleagues and how lucky he was to escape serious injury. As the war comes to an end George explains how he was posted to a REME (Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers) unit and waited for demob to be sent back to England and his happy reunion with his wife.
Service:
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker