Veterans Voices UK

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 thr...

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 po...

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...

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 mos...

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 wor...

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 defe...

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 Curtai...

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...

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 pe...