Tom Cromie’s free spirit sparked initial ambitions to be an RAF fighter pilot, but so did every other nineteen year old, so instead he joined the Royal Artillery as a soldier of the 231 Mortar Brigade. His story starts with the invasion of Sicily as a dispatch rider and Tom shares fond memories of practicing trick cycling on his motorcycle in quiet lulls. But his part in Sicily was cut short when a Bren Gun Carrier reversed over his leg, breaking it and sending him back home to England, not before, however, a remarkable moment in which he shared a cigarette with a terrified German who lay in the bed next to him in hospital. Tom then shares his memories of the D-Day landings as a field gunner, and recounts his lucky escape from almost drowning off of Green Beach. Another injury ends his part in the Normandy invasion and unable to return to his brigade, he eventually volunteered to be sent out to the Far East, ending up in India. Tom’s story is one full of character and gives glimpses of lightheartedness and humour into the terror of WW2 invasions.

Stephen Murtagh joined the Army at 16, determined to build a better future for himself. Serving with 5 Rifles, he trained as an infantryman before becoming a dog handler – a role that saw him forge a powerful bond with his military working dog, Chance. Together they trained in Germany and the United States before deploying to Afghanistan, where Chance played a vital role on patrols searching for improvised explosive devices.

In his interview, Stephen shares vivid memories of Army life, from the camaraderie of training to the intensity of combat operations. He speaks openly about the day he was seriously injured by an IED, losing his leg at just 18 years old, and the remarkable determination that carried him through recovery.

Beyond his service, Stephen reflects on the challenges of adapting to life after injury, his battles with mental health, and his drive to support others through new work and ambitions. His story is one of resilience, honesty, and the unbreakable bond between a soldier and his dog.

Leon Gautier joined the French navy in 1940 to fight against the German invasion. He retreated to England, where he would join the Free French and serve as a gunner on both battleships and submarines (The Surcouf). In 1941 he joined the French Marines and served all over Africa and the Middle East. It was in Africa that Leon volunteered for the commandos. He was shipped to Scotland, where he undertook the brutal training regime to become a ‘Beret Vert’. When he had completed his training, Leon travelled down to Portsmouth, where, on 5^th June 1944 he was sent to Normandy for the D-Day invasion. Leon provides a vividly accurate first-hand account of 78 straight days (without relief) on the Normandy front lines. He recounts the sights and sounds of the initial landing at Ouistreham, life on the front lines in the early days of the invasion and repelling the German counterattack at Amfreville. Leon served until August 1944, when he was excited to return to the U.K. and be reunited with his wife Dorothy. It is a truly remarkable interview that reinforces the important role that the Free French Commandos played in the D-Day invasion.