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.

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.

• No. of episodes: 8
• Latest episode: 2025-03-21
• Society & Culture History Documentary

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