Blitz Spirit

03/03/2026

The explosion sent his coat and gas mask flying. Grit and shrapnel cut his face, while another man was struck between the legs.

Part Four, Crashes and Cold, of Jack Waterfield’s extraordinary World War Two experiences is now live.

Beneath the Beret is our interview series preserving the stories of World War Two veterans, capturing voices from the greatest generation before they are lost forever.

Read Part Four here 👇

One freezing day, the corporal ordered the men to turn up their coat collars against the cold. The SWO appeared, bellowed “Halt!”, and demanded to know who had authorised it. “I say when it’s inclement,” he roared.

27/01/2026

We've been working on a new blog series telling the stories of veterans as seen through their eyes. 💂‍♂️

Beneath the Beret. Personal stories and hidden archives. Told by the veterans who were there. 🧓

Cpl George Durrant. Intelligence Corps.

"There was an incendiary bomb and I went out with my father to where it had fallen, a couple of streets away. I had to go up into the loft with a bucket of water and a stirrup-pump to put it out. When I came back down the stairs, though, they gave way completely and I fell and hurt my leg."

28/10/2025

28/10/2025

📌 The next Salisbury Manor Care Home Veterans Club is on Tuesday 28th October from 1430 - 1600.

📌 Open to all members of the armed forces community. Please register your interest with:

📨 Jennifer.ettimari@careuk.com
🤳 01722 567 645

27/10/2025

More on the journey to recover 2nd Lt Lowry. Hidden Wonders airs on Ch4 from 04th November. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/27/archaeological-dig-to-unearth-wreckage-of-ww2-hero-pilot-crash-under-way

17/08/2025

"There was an incendiary bomb and I went out with my father to where it had fallen, a couple of streets away. I had to go up into the loft with a bucket of water and a stirrup-pump to put it out. When I came back down the stairs, though, they gave way completely and I fell and hurt my leg."

This we remember the sacrifices of 101 year old Burma Star veteran George Durrant and his colleagues. 🎖💂‍♂️

George and his family were at the National Memorial Arboretum last Friday where he delivered a reading alongside his great granddaughter. You can read his story here. 👇

"There was an incendiary bomb and I went out with my father to where it had fallen, a couple of streets away. I had to go up into the loft with a bucket of water and a stirrup-pump to put it out. When I came back down the stairs, though, they gave way completely and I fell and hurt my leg."

11/05/2025

Tilford. A Village at War 2025.
Rural Life Living Museum

11/05/2025

A selection of photos from our VE Day 80. 🇬🇧

09/02/2025

We're researching some of our veterans' service history. 🧓💂‍♂️

This gentleman was captured on Crete after fighting in the rearguard. 🪖🎖

He spent the rest of the war in Stalag IV A. 🇩🇪

Follow us as we find out more about his story. 📖💻

25/11/2024

Remembrance weekend.

04/06/2024

Fair winds and following seas 🫡