For decades, the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) was the main route for women into the British Army. Their motto—"Gentle in Manner, Resolute in Deed"—reflected their professionalism, but their service demanded far more. From Cold War frontlines to Northern Ireland and the Gulf, these women helped keep armies moving and intelligence flowing. Yet, their contributions are often overlooked.

In this episode, we hear from Bernie Dolan, who joined the WRAC in 1978 and went on to serve for 16 years. Bernie shares her experiences in Northern Ireland, Germany and the Falklands, where she worked in postal and courier services before becoming a quartermaster. She also speaks candidly about the challenges of being gay at a time when homosexuality was prohibited in the Armed Forces, and the investigation that turned her life upside down. Her story is one of service, resilience and pride, but also a powerful reminder of the discrimination faced by LGBT+ personnel.

• Podcast Producer: Georgina Close-Smith
• Executive Producer: Kate Haddock
• Music: Iain Kitching, Tim Laulik-Walters & Pond5
• Special Thanks: Bernie Dolan for sharing her story

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By the end of 1948, the airlift was faltering. Supplies were running dangerously low, Berliners were bracing for the worst, and the Soviets were still watching the skies.

In this final episode, veterans reflect on how a fragile operation held its nerve, how cold weather, hostile threats and tight air corridors tested every crew, and how the lessons learned in those months would shape aviation for generations to come.

You'll hear how the Allied response — improvised at first, then relentless — forced Stalin to blink first, and how those who served were later welcomed back to Berlin by the very people they helped to keep alive.

Featuring first-hand accounts from: Tom Holland, John Curtis, Dick Arscott, Fred Danckwardt, Freddie Montgomery, and William Ball.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the dedication, skill and expertise of some wonderful volunteers.

• Podcast Executive Producer: Scott McDonald
• Series Advisers: Martin Bisiker, Kate Haddock
• Series Researchers: Danny Booth, Eamonn Bownes, David Mishan
• Audio Production: Will Graves, Liz White
• Music: Iain Kitching, Tim Laulik-Walters
• Narrator: Alfie Jepp

If you value our work, please consider supporting the Legasee Archive: www.patreon.com/LegaseeEducationalTrust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The scale of the Berlin Airlift was almost unimaginable, and so were the risks. With West Berlin on the brink and winter setting in, Allied forces had to move fast, adapt quickly, and work against the odds.

In this episode, veterans recall the early days of Operation Plainfare: the crushing shortfall in supplies, the perilous flying conditions, and the loss of comrades. You'll hear how aircraft began landing every three minutes, how a disused airstrip became a vital new airport in record time, and how even the lakes of Berlin were pressed into service.

But it wasn’t just about logistics. This was a battle of wills, a moment when Anglo-American cooperation, German resilience and French ingenuity were put to the test under the shadow of Soviet pressure.

Featuring first-hand accounts from: John Eddy, Dick Arscott, Leo Hatcher, Larry Lamb, David Edwards and Fred Danckwardt.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the dedication, skill and expertise of some wonderful volunteers.

• Podcast Executive Producer: Scott McDonald
• Series Advisers: Martin Bisiker, Kate Haddock
• Series Researchers: Danny Booth, Eamonn Bownes, David Mishan
• Audio Production: Will Graves, Liz White, Tim Laulik-Walters
• Music: Iain Kitching, Tim Laulik-Walters
• Narrator: Alfie Jepp

If you value our work, please consider supporting the Legasee Archive: www.patreon.com/LegaseeEducationalTrust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.