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The Veteran Archive

Heartfelt thanks to the veterans who have shared their stories, so we may learn from their experiences and ensure they are never forgotten.

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An interview with

Leslie Jenkins

Leslie has shared some wonderful photos from his time onboard. Check them in the gallery.
Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Tim MacMahon

During the Falklands War, Tim MacMahon was the Flight Commander and pilot of a Lynx...
Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Paul Dilks

Paul not only provided us with lots of detail, he also shared some excellent photographs....
Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Garry Burns

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Andy Tuft

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Peter Steele

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Nick Tobin

Nick Tobin joined the Royal Navy in 1962 first serving in the minesweeper HMS Glasserton...
Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Bill Walworth

Bill was awarded the CBE to the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of...
Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Andrew Cassels

Captain A Cassels Andrew was appointed Chairman of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board in June...
Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Alison Harris

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Jeff Warren

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

David Sayer

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Howard Ormerod

Howard married Liz who was also serving in the Falklands. She was on the hospital...
Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Tom Howard

In 1970 Tom joined the Royal Artillery in order to support his family. What follows...
Army
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Malcolm Farrow

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Philip Rentell

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Jeff York

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Rachel Webster

 
Army
Stoll Veterans' Voices
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An interview with

George Higgins

George Higgins was a career soldier who served in Hong Kong, Korea and Cyprus. One...
Army
Korean War (1950–53)
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An interview with

Michael Fryer

Michael specialised in bomb disposal whilst in the Royal Engineers.
It could have been...

Army
Korean War (1950–53)
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An interview with

Andree Dumon

Whether it was delivering false newspapers or concealing English soldiers, when the Germans invaded Belgium,...

Civilian
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

George Duffee

George Duffee was a Captain pilot in the RAF.  Returning from a bombing raid, his...

RAF
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Daphne Park

 Daphne Margaret Sybil Désirée Park, Baroness Park of Monmouth  joined the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry...

Civilian
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Leslie Fernandez

Leslie Fernandez was a fit man when he was young. He loved sports and was...

Army
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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Women of the Army (1949-92)

In 2024, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we proudly added 30 female voices to the Legasee Archive...
Browse Project
An interview with

Leslie Jenkins

An amazing newfound volunteer on the SS Canberra, Leslie Jenkins shares his experience working on a requisitioned P&O cruise ship that serviced the British Forces throughout the Falklands War as a troopship.

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Leslie Jenkins was a shop manager on a P&O cruise ship that was returning to Southampton to conclude its world cruise. An unexpected detour to Gibraltar brought the SS Canberra into the Falklands war as a requisitioned troopship. Now a volunteer in the war, Leslie, travelled to the South Atlantic Ocean and recalls what it was like to adjust to being a shop manager servicing British troops, Gurkhas, Argentines and reporters. He recalls the Canberra led by Captain Burne travelling to Ascension Island and offloading troops and supplies in San Carlos. Leslie remembers hearing the bombs dropped by aircrafts in San Carlos and the Canberra making it safely out of the foray to later meet the QE2 in South Georgia to take on more troops and stores. Leslie recounts his time in the heart of the conflict, being very busy and having notable visits from Prince Andrew and when the war was declared over, the Canberra continued to provide its service and transported nearly 4,200 prisoners back to Argentina. Leslie fondly recalls also being visited by the Prince of Wales on board the vessel on its voyage home to Southampton where they were greeted by a grateful crowd. His story unveils an untold personal history of the experience of non-uniformed volunteers in The Falklands War.
Photo Gallery icon 16 Photos
Service:
Civilian
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Philip Roberts

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Jeff Warren

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Chris Clarke

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Peter Steele

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Tim MacMahon

Unique account of the Falklands war by Helicopter pilot assigned to HMS Antelope

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Tim Macmahon, was Flight Commander and pilot of a Lynx helicopter aboard HMS Antelope during the Falklands War. He recalls his sudden deployment to the South Atlantic in April 1982 where initially he performed routine duties including transporting the Argentinian POW Alfredo Astiz and British Antarctic Survey members.  The mood shifted after the sinking of the Belgrano and HMS Sheffield, leading to a mission on May 23rd, where Tim and his crew fired Skua missiles at an enemy supply ship. While away, HMS Antelope was severely damaged by bombs. Tim evacuated casualties and assisted bomb disposal efforts by hovering with floodlights above the ship. He returned to the UK onboard the QE2. Reflecting on the war, Tim shares experiences of refuelling without modern technology and the emotional weight of attacking an Argentine carrier once crewed by his father.
Photo Gallery icon 1 Photo
Service:
Navy
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Colin ‘Sam’ Smee

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Philip Rentell

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

David Sayer

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

John Curtiss

RAF
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Paul Dilks

Paul Dilks recounts his experiences serving on the merchant ship Uganda during the Falklands War, detailing his journey as a merchant seaman in a wartime environment. He also records Uganda’s transformation from an educational cruise vessel to a hospital ship.

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Paul Dilks began his maritime career in 1970 with P&O as a navigating cadet and attended Nautical College at Warsash, later qualifying as a Deck Officer in 1974. In 1982, Paul was serving on Uganda, which was conducting educational cruises for school children when it was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence to serve as a hospital ship during the Falklands War. Uganda underwent significant modifications in Gibraltar to become a hospital ship, including the creation of hospital wards, an intensive care unit, and a helicopter platform. The crew faced numerous challenges, including water rationing, misunderstandings with Royal Navy colleagues, and the need to perform fresh water replenishments at sea under extreme conditions. Uganda operated alongside other vessels such as survey ships and ambulance ships, and there were amicable interactions with the Argentine hospital ship Bahia Paraiso. The crew learned of the Argentine surrender on June 14, 1982, and subsequently prepared for the journey home, including repainting the ship and discharging patients. Notable incidents included a visit from Prince Andrew, a tragic accident involving the Welsh Guards, and the emotional homecoming reception in Southampton. After the war, Uganda transported the Royal Army Medical Corps and the Gurkhas back to England, and Paul describes his revisiting the Falklands the following year. Paul ends with reflections on the lasting impact of the Falklands campaign on his life and possible challenges faced by the British government in requisitioning merchant ships in any future conflicts.
Photo Gallery icon 36 Photos
Service:
Navy
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Andy Tuft

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Graeme Golightly

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Peter Steele

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Chris Clarke

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Garry Burns

Born multiracial to a place of austerity, Garry Burns transitioned seamlessly into the Royal Navy and later, the Merchant Navy.

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Garry Burns shares an engaging account of his service aboard RFA Tidespring during the Falklands War. Raised in a Children's home, Garry understood hardness and strict discipline from a young age. These qualities would benefit his transition into the Royal Navy when he joined. After enlisting at sixteen, he trained as a Gunner, working aboard many warships from HMS Cambridge to HMS Reclaim. This was before choosing to become a merchant sailor, serving aboard RFA Tidespring as a Paint locker-man. Despite leaving the navy, he would soon find himself entering a warzone after Tidespring was called to Ascension Island in preparation for war in the Falklands. Something Garry thought was a joke because the message was received on April 1st. While sailing to South Georgia with a group of other warships, Garry recalls how they were required to bunch up and mimic cargo ships to avoid detection from Russian Satellites who were monitoring them. At South Georgia, many crazy stories unfolded such as, struggling to send marines ashore after the crashing of two helicopters and the drifting of a recovery boat. After the bombardment and surrender of South Georgia, the crew were given the opportunity to inspect the hamlet of Grytviken. Garry was stunned by how forsaken it was. It resembled a ghost town in which everyone had left, yet much was left behind. During the war, they brought hundreds of POWs aboard, including crew members of the Santa Fe submarine which had limped onto Grytviken after being attacked. When meeting the prisoners, Garry noticed how bedraggled some of them appeared. He managed to form healthy relationships with some of them, especially since he knew Spanish from his earlier voyages in both South and Central America. This made him the crew's unofficial translator. Being born mixed race in the 1950s, Garry never had an easy time making friends, especially early on. However, his life aboard Tidespring proved to be a happy one and his skin colour was valuable in gaining the assurance of POWs who may have found it difficult to trust someone of a more English disposition. Garry's story captures the advantages that come from growing up in undesirable circumstances, from the success that can still be attained and the surprising way in which new bonds can be formed.    
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Service:
Civilian
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Leslie Jenkins

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Liz Ormerod

Army
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

John Ramage

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Jeff Warren

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Andy Tuft

Possibly the youngest British seaman to take part in the Falklands War

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Andy Tuft was born into a military family but stumbled into the merchant navy by accident. He expected luxury cruises but joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) instead.
Signing on April 1st, he was en route to the Falklands by April 5th onboard RFA Resource where he was a Junior Communications Rating (JCR).  He quickly adapted to his first deployment, detailing his work and life aboard the Resource. Although inexperienced, he served on the fire attack team and quickly matured.
He fondly recalls his skipper, "Sally Seymour," and memories of San Carlos and South Georgia, where icebergs, more than bombs, unsettled him. Andy also recounts sharing a cabin with a Special Boat Service [SBS] member, an eye-opening experience. Mixed emotions coloured his Falklands experience; while proud to have served, he felt conflicted about the service and its long-term affects.
He retired from the Merchant Navy in 1989, and sadly passed away on May 12, 2023, following a short illness.
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Service:
Civilian
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Peter Steele

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Jeff York

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Rupert Ballantyne

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Bill Walworth

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Peter Steele

Peter shares his unique experiences of going from P&O bar manager to delivering troops to the Falklands with SS Canberra.

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Peter was 18 when he started working for P&O on the SS Canberra. Having attended catering college, Peter first worked as a silver service waiter and was quickly promoted to running all the bars. The liner had just been on a world cruise and heading home from Hong Kong when they detoured to Gibraltar to pick up military personnel, rumours flew round about the Falklands and finally they heard the Canberra was being requisitioned. Peter volunteered to remain, in his words for “pride and love of the ship”, never thinking at that stage that anything serious would happen to them. Peter recalls the physical transformation to the ship including the incorporation of two helicopter pads. He also tells us that the first night running the bars and nightclub felt like a party and he worried they were going to run out of beer. They quickly brought in rationing after that. The rapport with the commandos was good and some are still friends to this day. They had to do lots of training for abandoning ship and it was very apparent that, if hit, there weren’t the resources to get everyone off. It became Peter’s responsibility to look after passenger mustering for evacuation. Peter recalls the incredible amount of ships at Ascension Island and the shocking news that, contrary to their contracts, they were being asked to go into the Falklands. Again, he chose to stay with the ship. It was a beautiful day when they arrived in the San Carlos waters and started offloading troops. For a time, Peter thinks they might just have succeeded without detection but all that quickly changes. He describes the chaos and confusion for those, like himself, with no military training when Argentinian aeroplanes start flying over. Peter also recalls his disbelief at seeing the QE2 as he couldn’t believe they would send a ship bearing the Queen’s name into conflict. Thankfully, they come through unscathed but a false report is issued that the Canberra was sunk which shocks family at home. Peter describes the amazing return they experienced with family and friends as well as the Royal Marine band on the quayside. Peter explains that it is difficult to talk about this time but he is proud of his involvement.
Service:
Civilian
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Lord Alan West

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Garry Burns

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Rupert Ballantyne

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Martyn Coombes

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Nick Tobin

Nick recalls in incredible detail his immense pride in commanding HMS Antelope but also the heartbreak of its sinking during the Falklands War.

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Nick was always keen on a career in the Navy and enlisted in 1962. By 1981 he was in command of  HMS Antelope which was a privilege to command as Nick says he was blessed with an excellent ship’s company and modern equipment. It comes as no surprise to Nick when they are instructed to return from training operations to prepare to travel to the South Atlantic. On the way down they practice military operations intensely. Nick is also put in tactical command of six support vessels, a supply ship, a tanker and four landing ships which increases his responsibilities significantly. They arrive at Ascension Island on 21st April where the Antelope acts as guardship. Nick is then instructed to shepherd the support groups to the total exclusion zone and return with the tanker the RFA Tidespring which is carrying Argentinians to be repatriated. Nick was doubly worried that the conditions onboard for the prisoners did not meet the terms of the Geneva Convention but also that incredibly dangerous members of the Argentinian special forces were in the group and had to be held safely. On 23rd May the Antelope comes under attack. Nick recalls events in incredible detail how two bombs hit them but did not explode. They are able to manoeuvre the ship to the San Carlos waters to enable bomb disposal but, tragically, the attempts fail and one of the bombs detonates, killing one, injuring more and causing significant damage to the ship. With the ship both lurching and in flames, and communication out, Nick gives the command to abandon ship. They are picked up by the QE2 where Nick is able to decompress with fellow commanding officers of  HMS Ardent and HMS Coventry, both also sunken. It was a relief to return home to family and the grand reception at Southampton. It was heartbreaking for Nick to leave the Antelope and a frustrating Board of Inquiry followed where Nick and two fellow officers were found negligent. Thankfully, the Commander-in-Chief dismissed the findings so the men did not face court martial but Nick says he didn’t feel completely vindicated until after he retired when the surviving bomb disposal expert was interviewed and said the correct decision had been made.
Service:
Navy
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

John Ramage

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Tim MacMahon

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Martyn Coombes

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Bill Walworth

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Bill Walworth

Former Head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary recalls the Falklands War

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Bill Walworth discusses his early career in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. At the time of the Argentine invasion of South Georgia, he was studying at the Staff College in Greenwich but knew that tensions were escalating. He joined the stores ship Saxonia in April 1982, shortly after the sinking of HMS Sheffield and describes how wartime conditions altered the ship's operations. Adaptable to life aboard the Saxonia with its 28 crew, Bill details the ship’s role in storing and organising supplies. He recounts the Saxonia’s challenges, including the impact of the Atlantic Conveyor’s sinking and difficulties anchoring in South Georgia. Upon returning to Ascension, Bill drafted reports about the Royal Fleet Auxiliary [RFA] and began a distinguished career, reflecting on how the Falklands conflict shaped the RFA’s future role in the Royal Navy.
Service:
Civilian
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Graeme Golightly

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Leslie Jenkins

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

John Ramage

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Chris Clarke

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Andrew Cassels

During the Falklands War, Andrew Cassels was 2nd Mate on the BP tanker the British Avon

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Andrew Cassels spent his entire career at British Petroleum (BP), joining at 17 and retiring at 60. He admits that a highlight of his time was during the Falklands Conflict when he served as 2nd Mate on the requisitioned Petroleum tanker, the British Avon. With his brother-in-law already involved in the conflict, Andrew happily volunteered. He describes preparing the ship for the journey south, highlighting the technical procedures for filling the tanks and the impressed Royal Fleet Auxiliary [RFA] crew who joined to assist with navigation. Refuelling at sea, particularly with the RFA Olna, was challenging and the stress on the ships' Captain ensured that Andrew had plenty of responsibility. He fondly recalls tuna fishing in Ascension and the Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) navigational system on the Avon, though he still enjoyed using traditional star and sun sights with his sextant.
Service:
Civilian
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Nick Tobin

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Philip Roberts

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Lyle Thomson

RAF
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Steve Overall

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Alison Harris

Alison Harris shares her experiences aboard the Uganda, a cruise ship turned Falklands War hospital.

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Alison Harris was serving as an assistant purser on the Uganda when the ship was unexpectedly requisitioned for service in the Falklands War. Originally a school cruise ship, Uganda was swiftly converted into a hospital ship, with public rooms transformed into wards and a helicopter pad built over the swimming pool. Alison’s role involved maintaining detailed records of personnel onboard, including injured British and Argentine soldiers. She recalls the surreal experience of maintaining a sense of normality—printing daily menus and holding quizzes—even as the ship sailed into a war zone. Despite the challenges, including water shortages and harsh weather, she speaks of the camaraderie among the crew and the deep friendships formed. Alison reflects on the Uganda’s vital but often overlooked role in the conflict, feeling privileged to have been part of an extraordinary chapter in history.
Service:
Civilian
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Andy Tuft

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Martyn Coombes

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Liz Ormerod

Army
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Garry Burns

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Jeff Warren

A Seaman of unswerving ambition who made the remarkable transition from Radar to Gunnery in time for the Falklands War.

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Jeff 'Bunny' Warren provides a compelling account of his service as a Gunner aboard HMS Antelope during the Falklands War. Raised in Birmingham, his upbringing was landlocked, having no knowledge of the navy. He was inspired to join, following a family boat trip in Weymouth where he caught sight of all the warships stationed at Portland Harbour. After finishing his basic training at HMS Ganges, he was given the choice between Sonar Radar or Gunnery positions. He proceeded with Radar but as the years passed, his disposition leaned more towards Gunnery. Only a few months after switching, war erupted in the Falklands. When his crew set sail on HMS Antelope, they found themselves needing to fulfil some prerequisites relating to Ascension Island before going further south. Even before reaching Ascension, they figured the war would end before they finally arrived. Jeff details their preparation for a potential attack in South Georgia. Unfortunately, the only thing to hit them was disappointment upon discovering that this particular battle was already won, leaving prisoners for them to escort back to Ascension. They would finally see action after the Antelope was sent to San Carlos. Jeff remembers the battle like it was yesterday; the firing of guns as a raid of Skyhawks descended upon their position. At one point, he became a sitting duck in his attempts to fix the gun magazine which jammed. Sadly, they had to abandon ship following the penetration of two inactive bombs which eventually triggered. Before returning home, Jeff assisted the crew aboard MV Norland in the security of POWs. He recalls a mystery surrounding an inmate who wore a marine uniform and the circumstances behind why it was in his possession. Some years after the war, he received devastating news that he was to be discharged following a medical examination that revealed problems with his hearing. Despite this regrettable end, Jeff's display of bravery would be remembered after already being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 1982, something he didn't feel worthy of receiving. Jeff's interview captures the passion instilled in those who dream of joining the Royal Navy as well as the substantial achievements and the harsh realities one faces when choosing such a career path.
Service:
Navy
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Bill Walworth

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Rusty Firmin

Army
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Garry Burns

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Jeff York

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

David Sayer

Destined for the sea, David Sayer showed great proficiency as a naval officer aboard HMS Plymouth during the Falklands War.

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David Sayer delivers an intricate account of his service aboard HMS Plymouth during the Falklands War. His fascination with the sea began at a young age, having fond memories of watching ships transiting across Torbay from the upstairs bedroom of his grandmother's cottage. Recognising his interest, his parents would send him to HMS Mercury to begin his training. Some time later, he qualified as a Master gunner, serving aboard many frigates. When war in the Falklands broke out, he had been serving aboard HMS Plymouth as a Squadron Gunnery Officer. Following the conclusion of Exercise Spring Train in the Mediterranean, Plymouth, along with an assemblage of other ships, were sent to the Falklands for naval support. The crew soon reached Bomb Alley in San Carlos where they were tasked with fighting off Argentinian resistance. David describes his position in the operations room and the process in which they used their weapons against the enemy. Being well prepared, David was infused with a sense of confidence which benefited the navy in the success they achieved early on. However, as he expected, it would only be a matter of time when their ships would receive a hit. He recalls how Plymouth lost power when it finally received a heavy blow. Thankfully, since it was a steel ship, it did not take long to recover. He reveals how this particular story was overshadowed by the RFA Sir Galahad being attacked on the same day. During the war, David also remembers the implementation of new weapons which were experimental at best. This included the Razzle Dazzle, a new type of laser weapon which was ultimately considered unwieldy. David's journey in the Falklands offers insight into the ingenuity of warships used in the war and the dependability of the officers who served aboard them.
Service:
Navy
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Jeff York

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

John Curtiss

RAF
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Andrew Cassels

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Howard Ormerod

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Howard Ormerod

A man of charity and survivor of the SS Atlantic Conveyer which was tragically sunk by enemy forces during the Falklands War.

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Howard Ormerod provides an enthralling account of his service with Royal Navy supplies aboard the SS Atlantic Conveyor during the Falklands War. Already having a background in trade, Howard's introduction to the navy began after receiving a job at the naval supplies department as part of the Ministry of Defence. However, it would take him four years before finding himself at sea where he volunteered as a civil servant aboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. When war broke out in the Falklands, his services became valuable to the SS Atlantic Conveyor, commanded by Captain Ian North. Howard recalls the immensity of the ship, acting as a carrier not just for small items but also large vehicles. He was tasked with managing and protecting the stores onboard. During her voyage, the Conveyor managed to offload supplies to RFA Stromness at Ascension Island and later transferred Harriers to HMS Plymouth. Things were running smoothly until the carrier was hit by an Exocet missile. The situation became so disastrous that the crew was forced to abandon ship. Howard describes his thrilling escape, passing though rising smoke which obscured his view and falling into water after missing a life raft beneath him. Ironically, the same life raft came on top of him at one point, nearly drowning him. His life had briefly flashed before his eyes. After being rescued by HMS Alacrity, Howard noticed that many of the stores were caught in the destruction and even more tragically, the loss of human lives, including the captain himself, Ian North. Following the catastrophe, Howard was sent home by aircraft, an experience he reflects on despairingly. After the Falklands, he would continue his naval supplies career for another three years before moving into accountancy. Despite having no regrets, Howard's brief time in the Falklands War made him wish that some things had gone differently and that more people recognised the success of the civil servants who helped in the offloading of stores. His interview reflects their bravery and achievements in the navy during the conflict.
Photo Gallery icon 2 Photos
Service:
Civilian
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Lyle Thomson

RAF
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Andrew Cassels

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Philip Rentell

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Graeme Golightly

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Tom Howard

A powerful and unflinching account of a journey through conflict, comradeship, and personal sacrifice during military service.

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CONTENT WARNING This interview contains some strong language and graphic descriptions of war casualties, wartime violence and fatalities that some readers may find upsetting. If you are affected by these topics, please consider seeking support from a trusted person or organisation.   Tom Howard’s interview offers a vivid, deeply personal account of his varied and often perilous military service. He begins by reflecting on his transition into the Army and initial training, before being posted to Northern Ireland during a period of intense unrest. He recalls arriving at Musgrave Park Hospital on a day marked by 18 car bombs and describes duties defending police stations and participating in Operation Motorman to dismantle IRA barricades. His reflections include a disturbing revelation that a former friend had joined the IRA. After earning his wings through P Company, Tom joined the 7th Parachute Regiment, taking part in covert operations and jungle training in Malaya. Later, as a medic with the Army Medical Corps, he was deployed to the Falklands. There, he helped establish a field hospital under daily bombardment. Despite severe personal sacrifices, including two failed marriages, Tom remains proud of his service. His testimony is marked by courage, honesty, and resilience.
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Service:
Army
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Matt Breakall
An interview with

Anthony Pitt

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Leslie Jenkins

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Chris Clarke

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

David Sayer

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Malcolm Farrow

Malcom shares his vivid memories and experiences of his time with the Navy in the Falklands where he specialised in communications and electronic warfare.

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Having joined the Navy first as an engineer, then as a Seaman Officer, Malcolm had reached the position of Lieutenant Commander Staff Officer and was incredibly busy on the HMS Antrim taking part in Exercise Spring Train by Gibraltar when they starting to hear rumblings about what was happening in the South Atlantic. It then came as no surprise when they were mobilised to head south. Malcolm recalls that there was initially a degree of making things up as they went along as they didn’t know what to expect and nobody, except one Royal Marines Officer, had ever been to the Falklands. One of Malcolm’s jobs was to work on deception tactics such as laying chaff around this ships to appear a larger flotilla and charting a course which looked like they might actually be heading for Argentina. At Ascension, Malcolm transfers to HMS Hermes where he recalls a frenzied race for better sleeping conditions when the Admiral said the officers could share his cabin which included the luxury of a double bed and shower. During this time, Malcolm had two main responsibilities. When on watch he was the Anti-Submarine Warfare Screen Coordinator and when not on watch he managed communications, including highly classified messages. He vividly recalls hearing the tragedy of the Sheffield directly through his headphones but that they only had a brief time to reflect before pushing on with their jobs. Malcolm describes some of their biggest challenges being rudimentary communication, lack of advance warning about airborne attacks and confusion which could arise from the three services not really having collaborated since WWII. He also remembers the tragedies of helicopter crashes and a Harrier exploding, he thinks it was often luck that meant things weren’t worse. Malcolm says it was difficult readjusting to life at home and is grateful to the public who offered members of the task group free holidays. It was a week in Wales with his family, away from home and work, that finally helped him decompress. He reflects that the Falklands will probably have been the last time the Royal Navy will fight a fleet action in that way.
Service:
Navy
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Garry Burns

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Nick Tobin

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Anthony Pitt

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Colin ‘Sam’ Smee

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Philip Rentell

Philip offers a unique and detailed perspective on the Falklands War in his capacity as Liaison Officer onboard the Queen Elizabeth II.

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Philip’s career at sea has covered a range of experiences including working his way up from cadet to third mate on a cargo shop and a summer season on a hovercraft, which he calls “the original vomit comet” making journeys across the Channel. He joined the Queen Elizabeth II in 1978 and spent 10 years working onboard. Philip was meant to be on leave when the ship was requisitioned to attend the Falklands but he honourably stepped up and offered to swap with a married man. As a Cunard employee, but having spent time in the Royal Navy Reserves, Philip was well placed to become the Liaison Officer between ship operations and the military. He describes in detail the changes made to the QE2 to make the ship ready for transporting over 3000 troops and the technical difficulties they had to surmount. He also recalls the press interest in the ship and how visiting dignitaries, such as the Foreign Secretary, would have to be accommodated. Philip says the mix of personnel worked well and most people rehearsed a number of roles due to the uncertainty ahead, in particular, the Gurkha troops were incredibly diligent in practicing evacuation drills. The closer they get, the more the reality hits of what is ahead as they receive news of casualties and sunken warships. Icebergs are a real threat too and having to travel without radar (in case of detection) was risky. One treacherously foggy day a Cunard officer switched the radar back on and just as well he did because it alerted them to icebergs all around. Even anchoring the ship at Grytviken was dangerous as the water was so deep. Philip is able to recall in detail the operations taking place followed by a complex refuelling process to get them home safely. The return was very emotional as they were the first major ship to get back and carrying hundreds of survivors. They were welcomed home by the Queen Mother. Philip reflects that this time was a huge adventure and not something he could ever have imagined being part of as a normal Merchant Navy sailor.
Service:
Civilian
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Liz Ormerod

Army
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Rusty Firmin

Army
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Jeff Warren

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Alison Harris

Civilian
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Jeff York

Far reaches and new challenges, Jeff York served as a Sonar operator during his underwater voyage aboard HMS Spartan in the Falklands War.

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Jeff York offers a gripping tale of his service as a Sonar operator aboard HMS Spartan during the Falklands War. Raised in Northampton, Jeff grew up far from the sea. His first sample of seamanship began after becoming a member of the Sea Cadets. However, at the young age of sixteen, he received permission to enlist in the Royal Navy, seeing it as the natural course for his career. Even before his basic training, Jeff was determined to become a submariner, recalling a trip to Portsmouth where he went down in a submarine. From that moment, he was hooked. Once he was given the choice, he joined HMS Dolphin to do his submarine training. During this period, he served aboard ships from HMS Sceptre to HMS Aurora in the Mediterranean before being assigned to HMS Spartan, a new type of submarine which had a trial system implemented. During an exercise in the Bay of Biscay, the Ship's captain, Jim Taylor received an order to head for Gibraltar to make preparations for something. The young crew remained oblivious all throughout until Taylor revealed that they were preparing to join the Task Force in defending the Falklands from Argentinian rebels. HMS Spartan would become one of the first vessels to reach the islands. Jeff describes some of the ship's systems, including a dependable sonar which was used to locate enemy targets from a long range. He discusses the difficulties of being in unfamiliar waters, from the uncertainty of submarine combat to facing many navigational problems. The crew was not immune to a sense of confusion and vulnerability, feelings that increased after the loss of HMS Sheffield. Their unfamiliarity led to many precarious situations, including the ship getting trapped in a forest of kelp which jammed their systems. This posed a serious threat to the Spartan since it was fuelled by a nuclear power source. Despite these hardships, the crew managed to pull through, benefited by the strong comradery shared among everyone onboard. Jeff reflects on the overlooked contributions of submariners, taking pride in their obscurity whenever the topic of the  Falklands War is brought up in a conversation. His interview reveals their importance to the War effort as well as providing a glimpse into how submarine warfare changed during the period.
Service:
Navy
Project:
Falklands Conflict (1982)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Chris Clarke

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Liz Ormerod

Army
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Tim MacMahon

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Colin ‘Sam’ Smee

Navy
Falklands Conflict (1982)
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An interview with

Rachel Webster

Rachel Webster's 24-Year Incredible Military Journey: Serving in Iraq and Witnessing Harrowing Atrocities in Bosnia and Kosovo

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Rachel Webster served all over the world with the RMP (Royal Military Police), including deployments in Northern Ireland during The Conflicts and in Afghanistan during the 2001 allied invasion. After completing an apprenticeship in welding she wanted to join the Royal Engineers, but she was laughed out of the recruiting office for being a “girl”. After some consideration, she decided to join the RMP instead. She completed her basic training with the WRAC (Women's Royal Army Corps), and did further training with the RMP before being deployed to Germany. In her interview she discusses the challenges of being a female within the military and the challenges of trying to keep up with the frontline military units she was supporting. She talks about her experience of integrating herself into a very male dominated space, and how she became someone who the men could confide in during difficult times. Rachel talks about being deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo with the Green Howards, remembering it as her toughest deployment. The atrocities she witnessed over there are something that she has never forgotten, needing counselling when she returned home to help her emotionally come to terms about what she witnessed over there. One of her proudest moments was deploying to Iraq in 2003, where she helped build a local girls' school, impressing the Iraqi men with her welding skills and forming strong relationships with the locals. After being put up for commission, she supported 1st Battalion, The Rifles in Afghanistan as a regimental admin officer, the highlight of her career. After 24 years, she left the military for a new challenge.
Service:
Army
Project:
Stoll Veterans' Voices
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Francis Dobbie

Army
Stoll Veterans' Voices
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An interview with

David Wilkins

Army
Stoll Veterans' Voices
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An interview with

Bob Barrett

Army
Stoll Veterans' Voices
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An interview with

Jonathan Kempster

Army
Stoll Veterans' Voices
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An interview with

George Higgins

From as early as twelve, George Higgins served his country, becoming a soldier who found satisfaction even when faced with great struggle.

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George Higgins delivers a captivating tale of his travels as a soldier during the 1940s and 1950s. Growing up in London, George first joined the military at the age of twelve (lying that he was fourteen) where he became a runner for the Home Guard. He was forced to keep it a secret from his father who was, at first, adamantly against the idea of a military career after he received a low pension from serving in WWI. When he finally turned eighteen, George enlisted with the Royal Engineers before transferring to the Royal Artillery. In 1948, he was awoken early one morning by an officer, announcing that was being sent to Hong Kong. He remembers a tumultuous voyage to the east. At one point, he was taken ill after developing kidney problems, something which became a reoccurring liability during his service. Arriving in Hong Kong, he recalls defending the border against the Chinese who were trying to cross the Sham Chum River. However, he saw little action. Soon war in Korea erupted and he decided to volunteer for the Middlesex Regiment. Landing during the winter, George was faced with unpleasant conditions. Much of his experience consisted of hiding in trenches where there was less combat and more sleeping. Food became a constant struggle and the British lacked the equipment to keep clean and sustain warmth. Despite these issues, he was saddened after he was eventually invalided from Korea when his kidney problems returned. A few years later, he joined the regiment in Cyprus during the Cyprus Emergency. The Greek General Georgios Grivus had begun a war of independence against the British and the troops were tasked with reducing the riots. He remembers the confusion of a terrorist war, fought at close quarters, and finding it hard to distinguish who was a terrorist and who wasn't. This confusion led to one incident where an innocent elderly lady on a donkey was shot in a case of mistaken identity. Tragically, the conflict’s toll also affected his personal life; George's wife was with him in Cyprus, but amid the constant strain, she suffered a miscarriage, which led to her decision to return to England. She asked him to accompany her, and though it meant leaving the military, he agreed. Sadly, they later separated. Despite these hardships, he remembers his military years fondly, always finding humour even in challenging times. George's interview captures the harsh realities and strengths of being a soldier; forced to accept one's mortality and the consequences of their actions while managing to retain courage and optimism.
Service:
Army
Project:
Korean War (1950–53)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Neil Rostron

Army
Korean War (1950–53)
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An interview with

Alan Guy

Army
Korean War (1950–53)
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An interview with

Donald Walton

RAF
Korean War (1950–53)
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An interview with

Mike Mogridge

Army
Korean War (1950–53)
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An interview with

Michael Fryer

Michael Fryer’s Korean War journey included defusing bombs by the Imjin River and The bloody Battle of the Hook.

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Michael Fryer joined the National Service at 18 and after completing basic training, he chose to specialise in bomb disposal with the Royal Engineers. Later, he was deployed to Korea and boarded the HMT Lancashire for the journey. He flew into Korea on a Globemaster, then took the train to Seoul. He travelled to the frontline, joining up with the 55th Field Regiment, based at the 38th Parallel. Michael's duties included bomb disposal along the Imjin River. During the Battle of the Hook, he also took on the dangerous task of transporting ammunition to and from the frontlines. The Chinese forces swarmed over the hills, only to be cut down by machine gun fire. He fondly remembers his Rest and Recuperation in Incheon and Tokyo. This was a time for soldiers to rest, eat nice food, and experience Japanese culture. Whilst in Tokyo he stayed at The Kookaburra Club in the Ebisu Camp. Michael was demobbed in June 1953, he travelled home aboard HMS Fowey. Returning home was very hard, and later in life he realised he had been suffering with PTSD.
Service:
Army
Project:
Korean War (1950–53)
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Geoff Grimley

Army
Korean War (1950–53)
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An interview with

Peter Lawrence

Army
Korean War (1950–53)
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An interview with

Bill Fox

Army
Korean War (1950–53)
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An interview with

Bernard Cohen

Navy
Korean War (1950–53)
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An interview with

Andree Dumon

Andrée Dumon was a Comète escape line organiser and courier who was arrested by the Germans.

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Andrée Dumon's first encounters with evaders were exciting because she realised the danger she was putting herself in. Working full-time for the Resistance, she guided English soldiers across the Pyrenees Mountains. Nearing her 20th birthday she was arrested with her parents in Brussels but refused to divulge information despite German police threats. Her bravery and  determination were crucial attributes during her imprisonment. Following her 1942 capture, her sister Michou took her place in the Resistance, showing similar characteristics. After her 1945 liberation, she battled typhus in an English hospital, again displaying remarkable resilience. Andrée reflects on her experiences during the D-Day landings and post-war involvement with the English.
Photo Gallery icon 1 Photo
Service:
Civilian
Project:
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
Interviewed by:
Martyn Cox
An interview with

Peter Lee

Army
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Marjorie Inkster

Army
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Patricia Davies

Navy
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Vera Morgan

RAF
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

George Duffee

Stranded and separated from his crew, RAF Pilot George Duffee travelled a war-ridden Europe, managing to escape enemy territory during World War II.

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George Duffee shares his extraordinary journey, serving as a young RAF pilot during World War II. Growing up in East London during the Blitz, he joined the RAF at the age of seventeen and a quarter. After his training, he was sent to an RAF station in Yorkshire where he was assigned to an air crew who were participating in the bombing of Germany. It was here, so early in his service, he witnessed his life flashing before his eyes when his plane was shot down by enemy forces above Holland. He describes feeling a strange sense of calm as the plane plummeted towards the ground, believing that it was already over for him. However, he managed to escape and reach the ground safely before it finally crashed. The next thing he knew, he was all alone in an unfamiliar environment, not knowing if his crew had survived. He would learn much later that he was the only survivor who did not become a POW. This marked the beginning of a long journey, crossing from border to border to escape enemy territory back into the safety of the British Military. After evading German patrols in Holland, he passed into Belgium where he met members of the Comet Line (a resistance organisation) who would be responsible for successfully helping over 700 Allied Airmen by escorting them away from Belgium and France into Spain where the British were occupied. After arriving in Paris, he exercised in preparation for his climb across the Pyrenees mountains into Spain, later taking a ship to Gibraltar where he finally felt a sense of freedom from the enemy. Along his journey, he met many interesting people of different professions or ranks who were willing to help him. This included a Dutch schoolmaster who he would later refer to as his Dutch brother, a French artist who offered him false papers to get through to Paris and a Gendarme who he initially thought was a potential foe but when George was forced to reveal his identity, he was no longer seen as a threat. However, his constant evasion from German patrols caused an inner battle with his morale as it became more compelling to surrender himself and become a POW, yet he managed to always fight back and regain control of himself. Some time later, after returning to England, he resumed his career as a pilot. He worked as a skipper, participating in 39 bombing missions, even after already being shot down and facing a near death experience so early in his military career. He also contributed to the Berlin Airlift, flying 236 flights in a Lancaster over Berlin while supplying food to the German people who were plagued by famine. George's journey is a fascinating example of the bravery, resilience and luck that is required to be an RAF pilot in WWII, especially when things don't go according to plan.
Service:
RAF
Project:
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
Interviewed by:
Martyn Cox
An interview with

John Sharp

Army
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Fred Bailey

Army
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Peter Lee

Army
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Irene Bellamy

Navy
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Daphne Park

Daphne Park, Baroness Park of Monmouth, was a distinguished British intelligence officer

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Daphne Margaret Sybil Désirée Park, Baroness Park of Monmouth, joined the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) in 1943 and caught the attention of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) due to her cipher skills. Promoted to sergeant, she trained operatives for Operation Jedburgh, supporting the Resistance in Europe. Despite a demotion, Daphne served as a Briefing Officer, working with French soldiers before D-Day. Major-General Sir Colin McVean Gubbins ensured she became a commissioned officer. Post-war, she joined the Field Intelligence Agency Technical British Intelligence Objective Sub-Committee in Frankfurt and Berlin. Daphne recalls various incidents, including her time in a jail, using food for intelligence, and training challenges. She discusses the SOE hierarchy, the notable secret agent Dennis Rake, and colleagues like Leopold Marks and the Gamble sisters. Daphne's remarkable service continued with MI6. She passed away on March 24, 2010.
Service:
Civilian
Project:
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
Interviewed by:
Martyn Cox
An interview with

Elizabeth Ward

Civilian
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Leonard Ratcliff

RAF
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Marsie Taylor

Navy
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Eileen Simpson

Civilian
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Leslie Fernandez

Captain Leslie Fernandez trained SOE operatives before undertaking sabotage missions himself in the mountains between France and Italy in 1944.

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For the first few years of the war, Leslie Fernandez was an Army Physical Training Corps instructor who trained SOE candidates in Hertfordshire and Manchester (parachuting). He was then invited by Colonel Munn to become an operative, deploying to SE France in July 1944; when the American landed there in August 1944, his group moved to Italy to help the partisans prevent the Germans in Italy from interfering with American operations. He provides a hugely detailed and modestly understated account of SOE operations (he does not mention his Military Medal or Croix de Guerre), starting with selection for different roles and his insertion by parachute, weighed down by weapons and equipment. He focuses heavily on little-known operations in the mountains between France and Italy, gathering explosives from his cache in a bakery, blowing up roads and negotiating the surrender of 80 Germans to 5 SOE. He also talks about the challenges of communication and receiving resupplies in harsh conditions where they were often isolated, as well as the psychological pressure of warfare and seeing people executed. He has fond memories and recalls the bravery of those involved, especially as he married a woman from the region, who was a courier.
Service:
Army
Project:
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
Interviewed by:
Martyn Cox
An interview with

Marian Jones

RAF
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Fred Bailey

Army
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Jean Argles

Army
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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An interview with

Pauline Payne

Civilian
Our Secret War (1939–1945)
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