John Ingle grew up in rural Cambridgeshire during the Second World War, he witnessed aerial combat above his home, saw the effects of bombing at close hand and developed a lifelong love of farming and the countryside. Like many young men of his generation, he expected his future to lie elsewhere. National Service changed everything. Originally hoping for a career in agriculture, John instead found himself in uniform, first training in England before travelling across the world to Hong Kong and eventually Korea. Serving with the Royal Fusiliers, he became a transport driver – a role that demanded skill, courage and nerves of steel. Driving alone at night on narrow mountain roads without lights, often under enemy fire, John experienced a very different side of the Korean War. His story reveals the hidden dangers faced by the men who kept the front line supplied: carrying ammunition, transporting troops, recovering casualties and navigating some of the most difficult terrain imaginable. Along the way, John encountered extraordinary characters. He recalls Cockney Fusiliers who became lifelong comrades, soldiers struggling with the psychological strain of war, acts of remarkable bravery and moments of humanity that have remained with him for more than seventy years. His memories also extend beyond the battlefield. He describes the poverty he witnessed among Korean civilians, the kindness of local people, the friendships formed within the regiment and the experiences that shaped him long after National Service ended. Thoughtful, candid and often humorous, John’s interview provides a vivid account of a war that many people know little about, told by a man who remains deeply proud of his service and of the Royal Fusiliers.

Already an accomplished musician, Eddie Pickering joined the 50th Signal Regiment Band of the TA as soon as he left school. After progressing through various short-term roles he joined the 1st Royal Tank Regiment, with whom he spent two years based at Catterick Garrison then four years in Germany. Eddie then enrolled at Kneller Hall as a student bandmaster, and he shares his memories of the privileges and pressures of the course. On successful completion of his studies, Eddie was posted to the Cheshire Regiment, with whom he spent the next 23 years of his career. Eddie shares details of some of the incredible events and diverse venues around the world at which the Cheshires played. He also recalls the devastating bomb blast at the Droppin Well in December 1982 when they were stationed in Ballykelly, Northern Ireland; and talks about the overwhelmingly emotional reception of the band at their first engagement after the blast later that same week. Eddie’s recollections give a wonderful insight into the life and career of a regimental bandmaster, and it’s a privilege to hear him talk about – as he describes it – his dream job: a role he held for more than a quarter of a century.

Following completion of an apprenticeship, Peter signed on as a regular in the Army for three years in 1951, because it meant he could choose where he wanted to serve. After training, he served in the Royal Army Service Corps as a driver. He tells of a posting to HQ Southern Command and from there being sent to Korea. Like many others, he explains that he hadn’t heard of Korea before this. Embarking at Southampton on the Empire Fowey, he and his compatriots travelled first to Japan. He recounts the journey from Japan to Korea, travelling through Hiroshima and seeing the crater, following which he was parachuted into Seoul. He was posted to the 26th Field Ambulance Division and drove both ambulances and transport. He tells of the poor conditions of the roads and the impact of the weather on their work, including that their trucks would freeze during the winter if not looked after properly. At the end of the Korean War, Peter tells of his brief foray into athletics, running for the battalion. He was then posted to Hong Kong. He expresses frustration at the lack of attention given to the Korean war in comparison to other wars.