In 2007, The Northern Echo spoke to several veterans from around the North-East and asked them to recount their incredible stories of life as a soldier. Recently we also caught up with Battle of Britain veteran Len Davies.
D-DAY
Dick Bowen, a sergeant major, was one of thousands of men who landed on the beaches of Normandy.
DUNKIRK
George Muckle's memories of the evacuation of British and allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk and life as a Japanese POW.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN: PT1
Len Davies entered the war as a pilot and was shot down by the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN: PT3
Len Davies and his comrade got into a spot of bother causing them to land on a beach.
BEN GUNN
Former Green Howard and SAS soldier, Ben Gunn, remembers an incident he describes as the saddest experience of his life.
D-DAY
Jim Peaks shares his memories of the men who gave their lives clearing a safe route through the beaches
MARKET GARDEN
John Jeffries, a parachute wireless operator, dropped into Holland during Operation Market Garden in 1944.
CHURCHILL'S VISIT
Len Howell, 95, from Darlington, recalls his visit from Prime Minister Winston Churchill as he was stationed at Beachy Head.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN: PT2
Len Davies was stationed in the Middle-East and flew Hurricanes from an Aircraft Carrier.
SPITFIRE PILOT
Gordon Rider talks about flying the legendary Spitfire fighter plane in the Pacific during World War II.