In 1951, Norfolk-born John Lincoln volunteered for National Service. He was trained in Norfolk and Hong Kong before being shipped to Korea. John was recruited to the Royal Fusiliers after spending two weeks with the Black Watch. In the Fusiliers, he served as a stretcher bearer and jeep driver. John recalls life on the hills of Korea; he experienced frostbite, regular shelling’s, and – as a stretcher bearer – treacherous journeys into no man’s land to recover wounded soldiers. He recounts being hit by shrapnel whilst on duty and details how this still affects him today. John talks about the battle of the Hook and how he was stationed in a nearby wireless post. He speaks of the horror of hearing the battle, and the awful scenes the following morning. John goes on to briefly recall life on Hill 355 (Kowang San), specifically his use of the “Flying Fox” a Royal Engineer-made cable car which could transport soldiers up and down Gibraltar Hill – making his life much easier! Today, he laments the idea of a “forgotten war” as any soldiers lucky enough to survive still bear the physical and psychological scars from Korea.

Born and raised in Bristol and with his heart set on wanting to serve with the RAF, John Skene actually found himself serving with the Army on the frontlines of WWII. After finishing his basic training, John's story begins in Yorkshire, he talks about the tactics used by British defences when preparing a coastline for invasion. Follow John's story as he travels from France to Burma fighting the Axis forces across the world. Learn about the unique and often highly dangerous strategies of the British Army which almost result in John's death; the exotic illnesses faced by soldiers while fighting abroad; and just how much damage a single cigarette can do.