In this interview Dorothy recalls her time as a member of the WRAC band, and begins her story by sharing her experience of growing up during the Second World War. Dorothy wanted to join the Royal Signals but was sent to audition for the WRAC band at Guildford after they found out she was a talented cornet player. She has fond memories of playing with the band and describes the range of music they would play. Dorothy toured overseas, played for British radio and TV, and performed at parades. She remembers the frightening experience of travelling through Berlin, which was occupied by Russia at the time, and seeing Hitler's bunker which had only recently been blown up. Dorothy also describes Checkpoint Charlie, Spandau Prison and blacked out trains. Reflecting on the WRAC, Dorothy thoroughly enjoyed her time with the band but left to pursue a more independent career.

For 33 years, Frank Renton climbed the ranks of the British Army, starting out as a trumpet player in the Band of the Royal Horse Guards and ending as Principal Director of Music at Kneller Hall. He shares memories of his various roles along the way, including Head Brass Tutor at the Guards Division School of Music; Bandmaster of the Gordon Highlanders; Captain, Director of Music of the Parachute Regiment; and Senior Director of the Royal Artillery Band. Frank talks about some of the highlights and challenges of his illustrious career, and gives a fascinating insight into the skills required to lead a band not just in a musical arrangement but also in a live-fire defensive operation. Although deeply grateful to the Army for all of the opportunities it opened up for him and the tremendous career he had as a result, Frank is also very clear on the ways in which improvements need to be made in order to secure the future of military musicians in the UK.