Veterans Voices UK is a podcast dedicated to preserving the personal stories of British military veterans from across the generations. Through candid and heartfelt conversations, we explore not only their experiences of war and conflict but also the incredible people behind those stories.
From World War Two to modern-day military operations, our episodes bring to life the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs veterans face during their service and beyond.
Each episode dives deep into the unique journeys of these individuals, highlighting their courage, resilience, and humanity. But these aren’t just historical accounts; they’re living legacies, told in the veterans' own words. By sharing their stories, we ensure that their voices are heard, their experiences are remembered, and future generations gain a deeper understanding of the impact military service has on individuals and their families.
Subscribe to Veterans Voices UK to join us in honouring those who answered the call to serve their country.
Pat Moir – Soldier to Chelsea Pensioner and a Lifetime of Memories
Pat Moir's life has taken him from working at sea as a young man to many years in the British Army and eventually to the famous scarlet uniform of a Chelsea Pensioner. In this episode of Veterans Voices UK, Pat looks back on joining the Royal Signals before transferring to the Royal Horse Artillery, serving overseas in Hong Kong, completing tours of Northern Ireland during The Troubles and spending several years with the Army Youth Team. Along the way there are plenty of stories, humour and the unmistakable comradeship of Army life.
But behind Pat's infectious humour are memories that have remained with him for more than half a century. He reflects on friendship, loss, leaving the Army and building a new life beyond military service, before eventually finding a new home and community at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Warm, funny and at times deeply moving, this is not simply a story about a soldier. It is the story of a veteran, a lifetime of experiences and the memories that never quite leave us. This is Pat Moir's story.
2 Jul 2026
Paul Roberts: Resilience, Service and Recovery
Born in North Wales and given little chance in life from the very beginning, Paul Roberts grew up facing serious challenges, struggling at school and finding himself on the margins. In this episode of Veterans Voices UK, he reflects on those early years and the moment he chose a different path, one that would take him into the British Army and a distinguished career with the Welsh Guards, including operational tours and the great honour and rare privilege of instructing Officer Cadets at Sandhurst.
But as Paul explains, the real story begins after service. Returning to civilian life, he found himself facing a very different kind of battle, one that could not be seen. In this honest and deeply personal conversation, he speaks openly about his struggle with complex PTSD, the impact it had on his life and the steps he took towards recovery, carrying a powerful message for others - asking for help is not weakness - it is the start of rebuilding.
Paul's story continues in his book, Echoes in the Silence, which is available now from Amazon
7 May 2026
Chris Finney GC – Service, Courage and Life Beyond the Medal
Chris Finney GC joins Matt Limb to reflect on an extraordinary life shaped by service, courage and purpose. From a happy childhood in Dorset, a love of sport, time in the Army cadets and an early determination to join the Army, Chris traces his journey through Harrogate and Bovington into the Household Cavalry, before deployment to Iraq in 2003 at just eighteen years of age.
In a rare and deeply personal conversation, Chris speaks about the events of 28 March 2003, the action for which he was awarded the George Cross and the life-changing consequences that followed. He reflects not only on bravery, injury and recovery, but also on the weight of recognition, the realities of life in the Army afterwards and the quieter path he has built since; beyond the uniform and beyond the medal. But today, as Chairman of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, Chris helps carry forward the legacy of our highest awards for gallantry, while promoting their values through education, remembrance and charitable work. Chris’s story is one of quiet resilience, service and perspective.
9 Apr 2026
Pete Cook: From the Farm to the Far East
I sat with Pete Cook for this interview just weeks after his 100th birthday, reflecting on a life that has spanned a century of change. Growing up on the family farm in Bedfordshire, he left home as a young man to join the Royal Navy during the Second World War, a decision that would take him far beyond the fields he knew.
In this episode, Pete shares his memories of VE Day, the surrender of German U-boats in the Irish Sea, and then his journey to the Far East, where he witnessed the surrender of Japanese forces on remote islands. Returning to the farm after the war, his story is one of quiet resilience and a life shaped by service, both in uniform and at home on the farm.
13 Mar 2026
Chris Randall - From RAF Regiment Gunner to Army Officer, A Lifetime of Service
Host Chris Randall shares his journey from RAF Regiment gunner to Army officer, detailing decades of service and lessons learned supporting soldiers and in public service.
9 Dec 2025
RAF Fireman, Rescuer & Paramedic - The Life of Roger Stevens
Roger Stevens recounts his time as an RAF fireman and paramedic, highlighting his pivotal role in rescuing a German Starfighter pilot and how military discipline shaped his civilian career in this interview.
25 Oct 2025
Echoes of Bravery – From Battlefield to Book
Author Matt Limb discusses his book "Valour," which chronicles the stories of ten Victoria Cross recipients from the Lincolnshire Regiment, highlighting their courage and lasting impact in this interview.
3 Oct 2025
From Malaya to Cycling Across Europe - The Story of Peter Franklin
Peter Franklin recounts his life shaped by family coal mining traditions, military service in the Malayan Emergency, and a lifelong passion for cycling across Europe in this interview.
19 Jun 2025
Arthur Walker: 100 Years of Quiet Bravery - from Air Gunner to Headmaster
Arthur Walker recounts his experiences as an RAF air gunner during World War II and later as a headmaster, highlighting his dedication to service and community in this interview on Veterans Voices UK.
2 May 2025
A Day to Remember: VE Day Through the Eyes of Our Veterans
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.
21 Mar 2025
Farm Life to Frontline, John Waller’s Journey from County Durham to Korea
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.
21 Feb 2025
Bravery, Injury and the Future - Ian Bailey, the Falklands War & the Battle for Mount Longdon
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.
17 Jan 2025
From Cornwall to Conflict, Jazz and her Military Working Dogs
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.
23 Dec 2024
Letters from No Man’s Land - The 1914 Christmas Truce of The Great War
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.
30 Nov 2024
Valentine Howard’s Journey, from the Somme’s Trenches to Egypt’s Deserts
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.
9 Nov 2024
Beyond the Battlefield - Steve Bonde’s Story of Service in a Cold War World
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.
1 Nov 2024
Arthur Perkins - A Century of Service & Stories
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.
24 Oct 2024
Hello & Welcome to Veterans Voices UK
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.
Who has been a guest on Veterans Voices UK
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Chris Randall
Roger Stevens
Matt Limb
Peter Franklin
Arthur Walker
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