John Booth gives a gripping account of his service as a Wireless Operator for the Royal Signals during the Korean War. In 1950, after following in his family's footsteps as a grocer, John decided to volunteer for the Royal Signals as part of his National Service. He began his training at Catterick Garrison, lasting six months before being sent to Harwich where he joined the newly formed 1st Commonwealth Division. In 1951, he found himself boarding the Orwell, setting sail for Korea to join the war effort. John recalls seeing a substantial amount of smoke in Pusan upon their arrival, believing it was related to the conflict, though this was not the case. Reaching the frontage, his crew was placed near the Imjin River behind the infantry line, attached to three mortar batteries. His responsibility was to receive signals for chosen targets and call the batteries to fire at said targets across the battlefield. He reflects on the difficult living conditions of their camp: from cold tents to limited washing facilities, compounded by the fact they received no downtime in Korea until the end of their service. Despite these inconveniences, John maintained a dutiful air throughout. Reflecting on his experience, John was content with his contribution to the war, remembering the support and gratitude given by the Korean people for helping them during a tumultuous time. His interview gives insight into the bravery and loyalty demonstrated by British soldiers who volunteered to provide succour in the Korean conflict.

A keen runner and fitness fanatic, Anthony Cooper signed up at 16 and completed his training at AFC Harrogate and Catterick before being posted to Germany with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment – an experience he recalls with great glee. Anthony goes on to talk about the six-month operational tour of Iraq that followed, and shares the harsh realities of his first real soldiering experience compared to the practice of training. After a brief decompression in Cyprus, Anthony returned to Catterick where training for combat in Afghanistan began. He recalls the relentlessness of the conflict on arriving in Nad Ali, and talks about living with the fear of a constant threat to life which became all too real in 2010 when a 45kg IED exploded beneath his feet on a routine patrol in Helmand Province. Anthony talks candidly about his injuries, the long road to recovery and the hard work needed to adapt to life as an amputee with severe brain trauma and visual impairment. The extraordinary courage and resilience of his service now manifest themselves in his determination to overcome any new obstacle in his path, and to achieve his dream of running again one day on blades.