Hearing what was happening in Europe, Sidney joined the territorials in 1937 ahead of being called up in 1939. He remembers his excitement at being able to walk away from his desk job and there being people out on the streets cheering and waving at the heroes going to war. Sidney joined the Royal Corps of Signals which he admits he knew nothing about and at times struggled with the technical work. There was a lot of training in Morse Code in particular. After a year’s training Sidney was sent to Africa. The Italians had landed in Egypt and their mission was to stop them taking Cairo. It was on a mission in Tobruk that Sidney experienced warfare full on, witnessing the death and devastation caused by previous battles and experiencing the immediate loss of a man when a truck hit a mine, all while guns were continually firing. Sidney remembers coming across the body of an Italian soldier and the futility of war hitting him hard. That said, Sidney thinks his time in the army was ultimately worthwhile, there was no question about having to defeat the Nazis. Sidney also spent time in Greece attached to the 7^th Armoured Division, aka the Desert Rats, but the German forces were so strong they were forced to evacuate. Sidney recalls in blistering detail their attempted escape on the HMS Carlisle, how they were hit and had to change course for Crete where Sidney ended up in the Battle of Crete which he remembers vividly.

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

David reflects on his journey from playing in his school’s local brass band to touring Hong Kong with a military band. In 1977, he joined the Queen's Own Highlanders as a tuba player. He toured the UK with the band, performing alongside the bagpipe section, which had a love-hate dynamic. In 1978, he started his studies at Kneller Hall where he had memorable experiences, including performing at Buckingham Palace. David also recounts two tours in Northern Ireland, where his band performed while carrying out military duties. He felt on edge, as military musicians were often targeted in Ireland. In 1980, David was posted to Hong Kong, where he assisted with illegal immigration duties along the Hong Kong-China border. During this time, he suffered a tragic accident that led to the amputation of both his legs. Afterward, his faith deepened, and he became the padre at Kneller Hall. In this role, he supports fellow soldiers, leads chapel services, and shares the teachings of Jesus. David takes great pride in his time with the military band, looking back on his brave and inspiring story with fondness.