For Mary Overill, the war offered opportunities for life and work far beyond the bounds of her rural upbringing… although her first posting upon joining the WAAF sent her only 22 miles away to Plymouth! Six months later, Mary was posted to RAF St Eval in Cornwall where she worked with Squadron Leader Shackleton, son of the famous explorer, and she shares her memories of life and work during this time. In 1943, Mary was called to the Air Ministry in London, where she signed the Official Secrets Act and began working at the Cabinet Office Cipher Office (COCO). She vividly recalls operations there, and how regularly she saw Winston Churchill ‘disappearing off somewhere else’ in the building. Mary also shares memories of living in London during the war, navigating the dangers of bombings and experiencing the joy of VE Day. Her stories provide a glimpse into her extraordinary life during wartime, both at the RAF bases of her service and in the heart of London itself.

Frank Ashleigh was born in Stepney, London on the 23rd of December, 1924. In this interview he provides a detailed account of his service as a Horsa glider pilot with A Squadron. Following extensive training and some great stories, Frank talks about the 18th September and his role in Operation Market Garden. It's a thrilling account and the start of an amazing chapter of his life. Eventually, he is taken POW and although he admits to being Jewish, says he was treated impeccably. That's despite the long march! After the war he admits to being very anti-german and now puts this down to PTSD. He was a popular and active member of the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen. This interview was one of several filmed in partnership with the Airborne Assault museum.