Cyril Blackman joined the Royal Marines in May 1949. He undertook his training at Deal and then Bickley before being shipped to Malaya to join the 3^rd Commando Brigade. Upon reaching Asia, Cyril volunteered for Lieutenant Colonel Drysdale’s 41 Commandos and commenced training with American Marines at Camp McGill in Japan. Cyril’s role in Korea was to raid targets along the Korean coastline as part of Charlie troop, he was mostly tasked with defending the perimeter. When the raids became less effective Cyril’s troop was withdrawn and re-deployed to Korea to journey to Chosin reservoir. Cyril speaks of the bleak conditions on the ground in Korea, and how he was fortunate to be evacuated as a result of contracting pneumonia. When he recovered Cyril returned to raiding on Yodo island near Wansam harbour. Despite being stationed in North Korean waters Cyril faced little hostility; he believes this was because all enemy resources were focused on the front line. Cyril’s 12 months in Korea shed light on a war that should never be forgotten or overlooked. He will always hold dear his time in the 41 Commandos for the long lasting friendships he built.

William O’Brien joined the navy as a 13-year-old cadet in 1930 and qualified as a Sub Lieutenant in 1937. He served on HMS Garland in the Mediterranean and, after World War II broke out, transferred to the destroyer HMS Wolsey patrolling the UK’s East coast. In May 1940, O’Brien was involved in a land-based operation ‘Royal Marine’ laying mines on the Rhine, but had to retreat when German forces advanced. Returning to sea, he became First Lieutenant of HMS Witherington, which patrolled the English Channel but was damaged during a bombing raid whilst docked at Portsmouth. At the end of  1941, O’Brien transferred to HMS Offa, participating in a raid on Norway and escorting Arctic convoys, including the ill-fated PQ17.  In February 1943, O’Brien took command of the destroyer HMS Cottesmore, conducting patrols and participating in D-Day operations at Gold Beach, where they supported the beach landings. Promoted in late 1944, O’Brien was sent to the Asian theatre as a planner for amphibious assaults in Burma. He witnessed the surrender of Singapore and became the Allied Forces Naval Liaison Officer in Jakarta. O’Brien continued his naval career after the war, retiring as an Admiral in 1971

Robert Watts, an electrician on a tank landing craft, participated in the D-Day invasion at Juno Beach during World War II. He joined the Navy at eighteen and a half, and by the time of the invasion, he had nearly three years of training. Although not experienced in landings, his crew of fifteen was close-knit and well-prepared. On D-Day, rough seas caused significant seasickness among the troops on board. Despite the danger, Robert felt a strong sense of duty and discipline. He vividly recalls a humorous moment with a crewmate nicknamed "Bright Eyes", who was over-hyped. The landing was intense, with dive-bombing and mines, resulting in casualties. Robert was responsible for releasing the ramps and experienced a close call with a mine. The aftermath was harrowing, with dead soldiers and the challenge of helping troops navigate the water. Despite the chaos, Robert and his crew maintained their sense of humour and resilience, helping to transport supplies and German prisoners. Reflecting on these experiences helps Robert cope with life's challenges today.