Austin Byrne relates the harrowing account of his ordeal on the SS Induna, a defensively equipped merchant ship sunk by a German submarine in hostile waters. Joining the navy to see the world at nineteen, he recalls his initial exciting experiences on the ship, learning the ropes, navigating mines, and enduring storms. However, this is quickly cut short when a torpedo hits the Induna's stern and Austin’s account of the ships’s last moments are rivetingly well told. He recounts the subsequent excruciating, and very long, four days spent adrift on a small, exposed lifeboat with his remaining shipmates, as fears and emotions run high in fatal conditions. When the lifeboat is finally picked up by a Russian minesweeper Austin is taken to a Russian hospital, his memories of which are filled with both grief and humour.  Within only a couple of weeks of his return to the UK, however, Austin was back on the sea again and just over a year later, he was on a ship bound for Russia. Austin’s story is not one that is easily forgotten and is reflective of the remarkable bravery and resilience of many a navy veteran during WW2.

Henry William “Buster” Brown grew up during the Second World War, evacuated as a child and training later as an apprentice electrical engineer. Determined not to end up in the mines, he went against his father’s wishes and volunteered for the Royal Navy. His skills as a wireman saw him posted to a specially adapted Landing Craft Flak — a flat-topped vessel bristling with anti-aircraft guns and manned by a close-knit crew of sailors and Royal Marines.

In his interview, Buster recalls training in Combined Operations, landing on Sword Beach on D-Day and almost immediately being placed in charge of 12 German prisoners. He describes patrolling the Gooseberry line off the Normandy coast under shellfire, cramped and damp life aboard LCF 39, and the loss of close friends. He recounts rescuing men from HMS Swift after she struck a mine, and the ferocious fighting of the Walcheren landings to open up Antwerp.

Buster’s story ends with his memories of VE Day and an unexpected posting to America — a vivid, humorous and heartfelt account of a remarkable naval career.

David Sayer delivers an intricate account of his service aboard HMS Plymouth during the Falklands War. His fascination with the sea began at a young age, having fond memories of watching ships transiting across Torbay from the upstairs bedroom of his grandmother's cottage. Recognising his interest, his parents would send him to HMS Mercury to begin his training. Some time later, he qualified as a Master gunner, serving aboard many frigates. When war in the Falklands broke out, he had been serving aboard HMS Plymouth as a Squadron Gunnery Officer. Following the conclusion of Exercise Spring Train in the Mediterranean, Plymouth, along with an assemblage of other ships, were sent to the Falklands for naval support. The crew soon reached Bomb Alley in San Carlos where they were tasked with fighting off Argentinian resistance. David describes his position in the operations room and the process in which they used their weapons against the enemy. Being well prepared, David was infused with a sense of confidence which benefited the navy in the success they achieved early on. However, as he expected, it would only be a matter of time when their ships would receive a hit. He recalls how Plymouth lost power when it finally received a heavy blow. Thankfully, since it was a steel ship, it did not take long to recover. He reveals how this particular story was overshadowed by the RFA Sir Galahad being attacked on the same day. During the war, David also remembers the implementation of new weapons which were experimental at best. This included the Razzle Dazzle, a new type of laser weapon which was ultimately considered unwieldy. David's journey in the Falklands offers insight into the ingenuity of warships used in the war and the dependability of the officers who served aboard them.