Harry Hawksworth joined 1^st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, spending his first 18 months after basic training in Bermuda. After returning to the UK, the battalion was warned off for Korea, so completed training at Thetford and then deployed by troop ship, a journey taking over six weeks to travel via places like Gibraltar, Sri Lanka and Singapore. The battalion initially marched to the Yalu River without encountering any enemy forces, but then withdrew to defensive positions on the Imjin river, where they were attacked by the Chinese from 22-25 April 1950 until they ran out of ammunition and surrendered. As the NCO in command of the company’s 2 inch mortar, Harry provides insights into the harrowing battle and its aftermath: his company was driven off a small hill, withdrawing to Hill 235 (now Gloster Hill); the Gloucesters’ bugler playing every bugle order he could remember to confuse the Chinese, who relied on bugles to pass orders; dismantling their weapons prior to surrendering; the 6-week march into captivity; escape, recapture and punishment; losing two of his best friends during two years in captivity.

Having grown up in Ireland during 'The Troubles', Marion joined the army to escape and begin life somewhere different. However soon after arriving at Guildford, she was injured in the bombing of the Horse and Groom pub in 1974. Marion recalls being aware that something was wrong but before she had time to react the bomb had exploded and she was left injured among the chaos. She describes how following this incident she was held back from completing her trade training and interrogated by army officers on suspicions of her being involved in the attack. In her interview she states that her treatment by the army during this time is something she held resentment towards for many years. She went on to complete her clerical training and was subsequently posted to Blackdown, Bicester, then Rheindahlen. In Germany an opportunity arose for Marion to become an army welfare assistant, where her role consisted of mostly dealing with war-affected and bereaved families. Although this position was extremely difficult, Marion found it rewarding but knew that it was soon time to leave. Reflecting on her time with the WRAC, Marion felt proud to be a veteran and values her connection to the female corps.

Stories of the Korean war by the men who experienced it.