In 1941 at the age of 17, Joan Field applied to join the WRNS (Women's Royal Naval Service). Keen not to become a cook or a steward, Joan was happy when the discovery of her perfect eyesight meant she was chosen to become a signaller and sent to HMS Cabbala to begin her training. Joan talks in detail about the instruction she received – including Morse code, semaphore, the phonetic alphabet and naval discipline – before her first draft sent her north to the pier signal station in Oban. Joan shares memories of life in Oban, and the stark differences she encountered when she moved to the remote Ganavan signal station shortly after her arrival in Scotland, recalling one particularly frightening encounter that made her glad of the pistol training all Wrens received. She also talks about the improvements to planning that came when the Americans joined the war, but recalls with some horror their apparent lack of discipline within the ranks. Joan’s story provides a particularly engaging insight into the life and work of a female signaller, and highlights her deep connection both to the Scottish Highlands and the vital role she played in the war effort.

Baden Singleton shares his life as a young Seaman while serving in the Royal Naval Patrol Service. His fascination with the Navy began early as a boy when he found a Seaman's hat on the beach. He recalls the exhaustive experience of working in a smaller crew. He speaks about how the RNPS was ridiculed by others, earning nicknames such as  'Churchill's Pirates' after a visit from Winston Churchill who referred to them as pirates due to their lack of Naval clothing. After his deployment, he went on many perilous journeys through the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas, serving aboard the HMS Romeo and HMS Wolborough which were responsible for sweeping naval mines. Despite his hardships, he developed a strong sense of camaraderie and respect not just for his fellow Naval men but also for other Seamen and the ships they served. He reflects sentimentally on how the HMS Romeo was once berthed alongside the SS Ohio, the same ship which played a vital role in Operation Pedestal, the convoy which saved the people of Malta from starvation. Throughout the chaos of the war, he still managed to find moments of cordiality. On one occasion, he met a woman at a brothel in Alexandria where he was based, with whom he developed a nice friendship. Baden's interview offers insight into the honour and delightfulness but also into the adversity that comes from being a Naval man during World War II.