Eric Conway joined the Royal Navy at the young age of 16, starting his service on the very day World War II broke out. He served as a Leading Telegraphist, specialising in communications and coding. Eric's submarine experience was primarily on U-class submarines, known for their small size and challenging conditions. He was involved in several significant events during the war, including the tragic PQ17 convoy, where his submarine was part of a screen protecting merchant ships from German U-boats. Eric witnessed the devastating aftermath of the convoy's scattering, resulting in the loss of numerous ships. He also had close encounters with German U-boats, including one instance where his submarine fired a torpedo and engaged in a gun battle with a U-boat. Eric's wartime experiences took a toll on his mental health, leading to a period of hospitalisation and a change in his service category. Despite the hardships he faced, he completed his service and carried the memories and impact of the war with him throughout his life.

Graeme Golightly attended a merchant navy boarding school before passing the Royal Marines entrance tests at sixteen. He was proud to complete the gruelling thirty-week training, one of fourteen to pass from a group of fifty-two. Posted to 40 Commando in Plymouth, he was deployed to the Falklands with Bravo Company and despite hopes for diplomacy, recalls the poignant moment the company prepared for war and secured Port San Carlos, stepping into freezing water weighed down with heavy kit and ammunition. Graeme remembers hearing there were white flags flying over Stanley and being tasked to take the surrender of the Argentinean military force. He went on to serve in Northern Ireland until illness ended his frontline role, moving to a desk position before transitioning to civilian life. Graeme remained deeply proud of his green beret, the perspective gained through service, and the lifelong camaraderie of the Royal Marines family.