Growing up in an Army family gave Tim Toyne-Sewell a sense of curiosity that would stay with him throughout his military career. Commissioned into the King's Own Scottish Borderers in 1961, he describes himself as a “schoolboy” in the Army, learning how to lead from the experienced platoon sergeants around him. Tim first went to Aden in February 1962, where his battalion was unusually stationed for two years at Waterloo Lines. His experiences ranged from basic barrack life and rugby on the RAF pitches to six months as ADC at Government House, where endless dinner parties brought him into contact with an extraordinary range of public figures. Only a few months after returning home, Tim found himself unexpectedly sent back to Aden and into the Radfan. There, life could hardly have been more different. He recalls convoy duties, patrols and ambushes, and being left with 30 men on a remote hilltop – an experience he credits with teaching him how to lead and earn the trust of others. Tim went on to command his battalion, 19 Brigade and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, before running Goodenough College in London. Looking back, he reflects particularly on how Aden taught him to deal with people at every level, a skill that shaped the rest of his career.

Serving in patrol, John Bowman shares an uncommon glimpse into the delicate ceasefire which took place during the aftermath of the Korean War. Called up in 1952, the war had already lasted two years when John joined the Essex Regiment in Korea. Before this, he underwent extensive training, crossing between both Britain and Germany in preparation for the difficult terrain of a new environment. Common amongst new recruits from the UK, he possessed little knowledge of Korea itself. Arriving in Pusan, expectations were subverted upon receiving the sudden news that a ceasefire had been called; the calm of their newfound surroundings making this more apparent. However, it was a fragile peace and the UN still required troops to patrol their position and ensure stability. At Camp Salamanca, it was John's duty to re-fortify and strengthen their defences while the uncertainty of another North Korean attack hovered over them like a ceaseless cloud of dread. To add assurance, a new rule was implemented in which each side had to stay approximately 8 miles away from the 38th Parallel to reduce volatility of the situation. He spent many months in Korea, rebuilding the fortifications, discovering the remnants of previous battles, enduring harsh weather conditions and studying the difficult terrain of what was nicknamed 'Basterds' hill. Aside from his patrol duties, John still managed to have moments of respite: being able to express his love of painting for certain projects and contributing to a theatre production performed by famed comedian, Cheerful Charlie and his dancing troupe, the latter of which John found pleasant company. Many years later, he reflects on the reputation of Korea, amazed by their ability to overcome the devastation of the war but also questions the purpose and effectiveness of his country's involvement. John's interview provides a rare view into the aftermath of the Korean War, the conditions of its soldiers and the sensitivity of achieving peace.