In pursuit of elite military standards and determined to pass one of the toughest training courses in the world, Daniel Bottomley joined the Royal Marines at the age of 18 and duly earnt his green beret. As part of 45 Commando he was almost immediately sent to Afghanistan as a battle casualty replacement for the final phase of Herrick 5. A brief stint in Norway to complete arctic training followed, after which intense pre-operational training for Daniel’s second tour of Afghanistan began. He shares details of the brutal reality of life at FOB Inkerman in Sangin, talks candidly about the Taliban as a fighting force, and recalls the tangible shift in the balance of war when the extensive use of IEDs became commonplace. Daniel gives a vivid account of events leading up to the moment he stepped on an IED and the immediate aftermath of the blast, his subsequent road to recovery and the circumstances that led to his decision to leave the military. Now an outdoor trainer, Daniel’s drive and determination to succeed remain as strong as ever, and it’s easy to see how he earnt his place within the ranks of the military elite.

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.