Bob Gill shares his remarkable journey of military service, starting with his commission into the Manchester Regiment in 1945, before later transferring to the Royal Ulster Rifles. His service took him from post-war Europe and the Berlin Airlift to the frontlines of the Korean War in 1950, where his experiences would leave an indelible mark. During the Korean War, Bob took part in critical campaigns, including the Third Battle of Seoul. Reflecting on the conflict, he believes the losses could have been significantly reduced if not for a complacent British attitude toward the severity of the situation. He vividly recounts the harrowing retreat from 'Happy Valley,' where his unit faced overwhelming Chinese forces. Amid the chaos, his jeep broke down, and he narrowly escaped by seeking refuge in a tank. Bob also worked closely with Korean porters, forging strong relationships as they navigated the rugged terrain to transport essential equipment. Throughout his time in Korea, Bob observed evident rivalries and differences in combat tactics between the British and American forces. After returning home from Korea, Bob's military service left a lasting impact on him, shaped by his personal sacrifices, the camaraderie he shared with his fellow soldiers, as well as his firsthand experiences of the brutal realities of war. He also reflects on how the horrors of conflict persist in the world today, serving as a stark reminder of the enduring cost of war.

In this interview Karen shares an inspiring story which began with her passion for sports and a determination to transgress the roles available to women in the army. Although she began her WRAC journey as a chef, she had plans to be a Physical Training Instructor and it was only after serving two years in Cyprus as a cook that she applied for her second trade. Karen describes how she passed the initial selection but suffered an unfortunate ankle injury which prevented her from completing the specialised PTI training. Feeling lost after her injury, she recalls the frustration she began to feel with the options available to women in the WRAC and considered leaving. Therefore, for Karen, the disbandment of the WRAC came as a sign that she and many other women alike could move forward and beyond the restraints of female specific roles. At Deep Cut she trialled for the military training instructors course with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, and in her interview describes the constant discrimination she faced in such a male dominated field. Karen became the first female instructor and went on to serve as Sergeant Major in Bosnia, Macedonia and Iraq before her career was ended by misfortune. This interview provides an example of one of the many trailblazing veterans of the WRAC.

When war broke out, Joan was initially in Civil Defence. However, after two years she was called up to the Auxiliary Territorial Service at the age of twenty-two; this was the women’s branch of the Army. She was sent to London for training, where she learned how to drive an ambulance. Joan was posted to Edinburgh where the barracks were so cold she slept with her greatcoat on. Later she drove her ambulance during the bombing of London. Just before D-day she remembers seeing huge columns of tanks and other vehicles, in preparation for the landings. After the invasion there were a lot more wounded to take to hospitals but the casualties decreased toward the end of the war. In Aldershot her barracks was bombed, and she also remembers the rations of unpleasant marrow jam and horse meat. She used to swap her cigarette ration for sweets. Like many others, once the war was over she missed the camaraderie of the Army. Thank you Joan for sharing your memories at the wonderful age of 107!