At 100 years old, Arthur Walker looks back on a century shaped by war, resilience and quiet service. In this moving episode of Veterans Voices UK, Arthur shares his remarkable journey, from witnessing the London Blitz and his childhood evacuation. To earning a place in the RAF and serving in the Caribbean with Coastal Command. His reflections reveal not only a life shaped by conflict, but one defined by determination, kindness and purpose.

After the war, Arthur trained as a teacher, eventually becoming a headmaster. Even in retirement, he continued helping others, this time supporting stroke survivors through his charity work. His story is a powerful reminder that service comes in many forms. Listen now to hear from a centenarian veteran whose life is a testament to compassion, courage and community.

On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we pause to honour the men and women whose courage and sacrifice brought about the end of the war in Europe. Through personal stories of remarkable veterans, we explore the significance of VE Day, the emotions surrounding the victory and the challenges that continued even after the celebrations finished.

By sharing the accounts of those who lived through it, this episode brings the history of VE Day to life, reminding us that behind every flag waved and every bell rung were real people, enduring great sacrifices. Their stories remind us of the resilience and strength that defined a generation. As we remember, let’s ensure we listen, honour and never forget.

In this episode, we sit down with John Waller, a 92-year-old veteran of the Korean War whose incredible journey began on a busy family farm in County Durham. Conscripted for National Service, John made the decision to enlist as a regular soldier, trading farm life for military service.

John shares his memories of Berlin, where he played football in the Olympic Stadium, before being posted to Korea as a battalion signaller. He reflects on the challenges of war, including working under mortar fire and the daily demands of frontline service. He also looks back on his time in Egypt, his lifelong love of music and his return visits to Berlin and Korea decades later.

In this episode, we feature Ian Bailey MM, a Falklands War Veteran and former Parachute Regiment section commander. Growing up in North Wales, Ian followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, a fellow Military Medal recipient from World War One. At just 22 years old, Ian led his section in the Battle for Mount Longdon, one of the most intense and decisive engagements of the war. Shot in the thigh as he advanced on an enemy machine gun, Ian was left unable to move, before being shot again - his leadership and bravery that night in the chaos of battle earned him the Military Medal.

In this episode, Ian reflects on his journey from a young soldier to a war veteran, the realities of combat and how the injuries he sustained on Mount Longdon have caught up with him in later life. He also shares his thoughts on veteran care today and whether it’s time to rethink how the nation supports those who have served.

In this episode, we share the extraordinary story of Jazz, a military working dog handler from Cornwall whose lifelong love of working dogs inspired her to take on a unique and critical role in the army. Deployed to Afghanistan, Jazz and her canine partners operated on the front lines, searching vehicles detecting improvised explosive devices and safeguarding their unit in one of the most perilous environments imaginable.

We trace Jazz’s journey from her home in Cornwall through rigorous military training to the battlefields of Afghanistan, uncovering the unbreakable bond between handler and dog and the bravery it takes to face danger every day. Then after an IED attack tragically ended her military career, Jazz's enduring passion for working dogs continues as she leads efforts in training the next generation of canine partnerships. This is a story of trust, courage and resilience in the face of immense adversity.

In this episode of Veterans Voices UK, we revisit one of the most extraordinary moments of the First World War, the Christmas Truce of 1914. When amid the bitter cold, the mud-filled trenches and the horrors of war, soldiers from opposing sides laid down their weapons to share an unexpected and fleeting moment of peace.

This episode brings that remarkable story to life through the words of those who witnessed it. We’ll hear letters written by soldiers describing the carols sung, the gifts exchanged, and the humanity that emerged in the midst of unimaginable hardship. Their voices offer us a glimpse into a unique moment in our history, a moment when humanity and hope rose above the chaos of war, even if only for a brief moment.

In this episode, I’m joined by Valentine Howard, a 94-year-old veteran whose life and experiences span almost a century. Valentine’s story reaches back to World War One, as he shares memories of his father and uncle who served at the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Then growing up in County Durham in the 1930s, Valentine recounts his early life, school days and the path that led him to defer his National Service in the early 1950s.

His journey takes us to Egypt, where Valentine served in the challenging years following World War Two. He recalls the remote desert, including one near-miss after dark that almost caught him off guard. Alongside these experiences, Valentine reflects on moments that shaped his view of others, such as the loss of respect for a fellow soldier, who abandoned him. Finally, he shares his return to civilian life and how his time in uniform left a lasting mark on him.

Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Steve Bonde, a Yorkshire lad whose path led from the northern hills to the corridors of the Foreign Office, only to be called back for National Service at the height of the 1960s Cold War. With a gift for languages and a drive to serve, Steve’s life took him from London’s vibrant streets to pivotal diplomatic posts behind the Iron Curtain and across continents — from the Middle East to the remote corners of Africa.

Beginning with his christening on the day World War Two was declared, Steve’s story is a tapestry of unique experiences. In this episode, we explore his time during National Service on the Inner German Border, the challenges he met in his Foreign Office career and the defining moments that shaped his perspective and legacy during one of the most politically charged eras of the past century.

We are privileged to share an interview with Arthur Perkins, recorded just weeks before his 100th birthday.  It was part of the research for Matt Limb's book, We Will Remember - World War Two Veterans, and despite his age, Arthur was kind enough to share his time.

In this episode, we explore Arthur’s early life in his hometown of Nottingham, including the story he heard as a young boy from his uncle, a World War One veteran. We’ll also discover how a childhood accident, with his bicycle, may have saved his life when he was conscripted during World War Two.

Then we hear why Arthur was transferred to the Royal Engineers, as he worked loading shipping in preparation for D-Day and the liberation of Europe. Finally, Arthur shares his experiences serving in Egypt as a Medical Orderly and his transition back to civilian life after the war.

In this special introductory episode, host Matt Limb introduces you to Veterans Voices UK, a podcast dedicated to capturing the personal stories of British military veterans across generations. From the battlefields of World War Two to more recent conflicts, we explore not only their experiences in conflict but also the unique lives behind the service — their challenges, triumphs, and personal sacrifices.

But Veterans Voices UK is more than just a collection of war stories; it’s a platform for veterans to share their untold experiences in their own words. By preserving these stories, we honour their legacies and ensure future generations can appreciate the courage, resilience and humanity of those who have served.

Subscribe today on your favourite podcast platform to join a growing community passionate about remembering and celebrating our veterans. Plus for exclusive updates and ways to get involved, visit our website at www.veteransvoices.uk and sign up for our VIP Newsletter.

Thank you for being here at the start of this important journey.