Bert Crane started work in a factory making military components at 14, but volunteered for the Reconnaissance Corps at 17 despite this being a reserved occupation. In 1944 he completed extensive and varied training for this specialist role, which he believes was comprehensive. In January 1945 he joined C Squadron 43rd (Wessex) Reconnaissance Regiment as a replacement gunner/operator in an armoured car, serving through to the end of hostilities. In an excellent account that blends operational details with personal reflection, he notes that his first instruction on joining his unit was to forget everything he had learned, which was good advice because on his first night patrol he returned fire without waiting for orders; however, when he saw the dead body next day, it caused a moment of reflection. On another occasion they spent 5 hours carefully covering 5 miles of forest, fearing contact, only to find the terrain had already been taken. He recalls the impact of taking casualties in a tight-knit unit in the last days of the war, and how a final task was cancelled. He believes he was lucky because the Germans were retreating by the time he joined, though he remembers being afraid and the risks they took.

Born in Manchester and raised in foster care, John Clarke became an apprentice at sixteen before joining The Black Watch, following in his grandfather’s footsteps. After training in Scotland as part of the 6th Battalion, he was deployed to Tunisia, where he fought at Sidi Medienne and helped rescue wounded prisoners from an enemy ship—a highlight of his service. He later trained in Cairo, before being stationed high up the Aurunci Mountains in Italy with the British division in the American 5th Army. John joined the 12th Brigade in Cassino and remembers the chaos around Monte Cassino monastery, the heavy casualties, and the many acts of bravery. Post-war, he joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, managing the armoury in Gaza. John reflects on his military career, recalling memorable moments including meeting Winston Churchill. For John, the friends he made during the war became the family he never had growing up.

When Brian Hamblett was called up for National Service, he could hardly have imagined the journey ahead. He remembers the epic voyage around the world to Korea with real fondness — a last adventure before the war began in earnest.

Serving in the Machine Gun Company, Brian worked the Vickers gun on Hill 327, where he first witnessed the devastating effects of napalm. Soon after came the Battle of the Imjin River. Despite the overwhelming Chinese assault, Brian admits he never fired a shot before being captured and marched north to Camp No.1.

In his interview, Brian describes life as a prisoner of war: the harsh conditions, the struggle to endure, and the comradeship that helped men survive nearly two years in captivity. Returning home was not simple — the adjustment to post-war Britain brought its own challenges.

Looking back, Brian reflects on the war’s cost and its necessity, offering rare insight into both combat and captivity during one of Korea’s defining battles.