Doug Shelley served as an Able Seaman in the Royal Navy during World War II, joining at 17. Inspired by family members who served before him, he volunteered in 1942 and underwent rigorous training at HMS Glendower in Wales, where he adapted to military life. He was assigned to the Arctic Convoys aboard HMS Milne, enduring some of the harshest conditions of the war. He faced freezing temperatures, U-boat and air attacks, and witnessed the devastating toll on merchant ships. He recounted rescuing survivors from torpedoed vessels in the icy Barents Sea, many already frozen and lost. Doug's role as a gun layer required precision and resilience, particularly during battles with U-boats and harsh storms. Later, he served in the Pacific on HMS Armada, assisting carrier operations and rescuing downed pilots, often navigating the intense heat of Australia and Fiji. Doug also travelled aboard HMS Anson, the battleship that brought him home, and served briefly at HMS Golden Hind, a dispersal camp in Australia. Reflecting on his service, Doug recalls the physical and emotional challenges, as well as the pride in completing his duty. His stories reveal the personal grit and endurance required to navigate the realities of naval warfare.

David Sayer delivers an intricate account of his service aboard HMS Plymouth during the Falklands War. His fascination with the sea began at a young age, having fond memories of watching ships transiting across Torbay from the upstairs bedroom of his grandmother's cottage. Recognising his interest, his parents would send him to HMS Mercury to begin his training. Some time later, he qualified as a Master gunner, serving aboard many frigates. When war in the Falklands broke out, he had been serving aboard HMS Plymouth as a Squadron Gunnery Officer. Following the conclusion of Exercise Spring Train in the Mediterranean, Plymouth, along with an assemblage of other ships, were sent to the Falklands for naval support. The crew soon reached Bomb Alley in San Carlos where they were tasked with fighting off Argentinian resistance. David describes his position in the operations room and the process in which they used their weapons against the enemy. Being well prepared, David was infused with a sense of confidence which benefited the navy in the success they achieved early on. However, as he expected, it would only be a matter of time when their ships would receive a hit. He recalls how Plymouth lost power when it finally received a heavy blow. Thankfully, since it was a steel ship, it did not take long to recover. He reveals how this particular story was overshadowed by the RFA Sir Galahad being attacked on the same day. During the war, David also remembers the implementation of new weapons which were experimental at best. This included the Razzle Dazzle, a new type of laser weapon which was ultimately considered unwieldy. David's journey in the Falklands offers insight into the ingenuity of warships used in the war and the dependability of the officers who served aboard them.