WRAC Trailblazers:&nbsp;Julia M Crockett 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&nbsp;Julia Crockett, who joined the WRAC at 17 and went on to serve the nation in the intelligence corps at GCHQ.&nbsp;Julia&nbsp;shares her journey—serving in West Germany and then GCHQ — her work involved intense mapping and monitoring of foreign forces and she left the WRAC a changed woman, to serve in the Metropolitan Police. Her story is one of resilience and determination in some of the most personally challenging situations. This podcast is part of the&nbsp;WRAC Trailblazers&nbsp;project, an oral history series capturing the stories of women who paved the way for today’s female soldiers. It has been made possible thanks to funding from the&nbsp;National Lottery Heritage Fund. <ul><li>Podcast Producer: Emilie Stewart</li><li>Executive Producer: Kate Haddock</li><li>Music: Iain Kitching, Tim Laulik-Walters &amp; Pond5</li><li>Special Thanks:&nbsp;Julia M Crockett for sharing her story</li></ul>

WRAC 2: Julia M Crockett

<h3>WRAC Trailblazers:&nbsp;Sharon&nbsp;Broderick MBE</h3>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&nbsp;Sharon&nbsp;Broderick MBE, who joined the WRAC at 17 and went on to become the first female Master Chef in the British Army.&nbsp;Sharon&nbsp;shares her journey—from intense training and breaking gender barriers in the military kitchen to serving in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and leadership in the face of deep-seated challenges. This podcast is part of the&nbsp;WRAC Trailblazers&nbsp;project, an oral history series capturing the stories of women who paved the way for today’s female soldiers. It has been made possible thanks to funding from the&nbsp;National Lottery Heritage Fund. <ul><li>Podcast Producer: Georgina Close-Smith</li><li>Executive Producer: Kate Haddock</li><li>Music: Iain Kitching &amp; Tim Laulik-Walters</li><li>Special Thanks:&nbsp;Sharon&nbsp;Broderick MBE for sharing her story</li></ul>

WRAC 1: Sharon Broderick

In this, the fifth and final episode of our five-part series on D-Day and Operation Overlord, veterans share personal and emotional experiences of the special relationships forged during times of war and the long reaching aftermath of their experiences.&nbsp;The episode features veterans Bill&nbsp;Ward [1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers], Charles Eagles [Durham Light Infantry], George Batts [Royal Engineers], Tom Renouf [Black Watch], Bill Edwardes [15th Scottish division], Dennis Bowen [East Yorks Regiment], Gordon Smith [ Royal Engineers], Harry Hopkins [1st battalion Rifle Brigade], Vic Bignall [Royal Navy], Harold Addie [Royal Navy] and Mick Jennings [Royal Navy]. Each of them shares their unique perspective, providing an extraordinary glimpse into this pivotal chapter of history.&nbsp;To listen to any of the interviews in full, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.legasee.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.legasee.org.uk</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;To support the Trust with its on-going work, visit:&nbsp;Patreon.com/LegaseeEducationalTrust.&nbsp;With special thanks to Kate Haddock (Podcast&nbsp;Producer), Iain Kitching (Editor and Music), and Léonie Briendo and Melanie Boulton (Researchers) who made this podcast happen.

D-Day 5: Aftermath | The Veterans' Voice ep.5

In this, the fourth episode of our five-part series on D-Day and Operation Overlord, veterans share personal and emotional experiences of the days and weeks immediately after the D-Day landings, as the Allies battle for control in Normandy.&nbsp;The episode features veterans&nbsp;Pat Massett [WRNS], George Talbot [Airborne div, Bucks and Ox Light Infantry], John Mitchell [Royal Signals], Bill&nbsp;Ward [1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers], Charles Eagles [Durham Light Infantry], Harry Card [RN lookout HMS Swift], George Batts [Royal Engineers], Tom Renouf [Black Watch], Bill Edwardes [15th Scottish division], Doug Lakey [Wiltshire Regiment] and Fanny Hugill [WRNS]. Each of them shares their unique perspective, providing an extraordinary glimpse into this pivotal chapter of history.&nbsp;To listen to any of the interviews in full, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.legasee.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.legasee.org.uk</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;To support the Trust with its on-going work, visit:&nbsp;Patreon.com/LegaseeEducationalTrust.&nbsp;With special thanks to Kate Haddock (Podcast&nbsp;Producer), Iain Kitching (Editor and Music), and Léonie Briendo and Melanie Boulton (Researchers) who made this podcast happen.

D-Day 4: The Battle for Normandy | The Veterans' Voice ep 4

In this, the third episode of our five-part series on D-Day and Operation Overlord, veterans share personal and emotional experiences of the D-Day itself. Hear vivid recollections of the Normandy landings and the Merville Battery attack, from land, air and sea, as the troops co-ordinated their attack and invaded France.&nbsp;The episode features veterans&nbsp;Fred Millward [9th Battalion Parachute regiment], Dennis Bowen [5th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment], Bill&nbsp;Ward [1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers], Charles Eagles [Durham Light Infantry], Eric Downing [22nd Dragoons, Armoured division], Ken Howes [RN Able Seaman], Harold Addie [RN LCT 501] and Ian Hammerton [22nd Dragoons, Armoured division]. Each of them shares their unique perspective, providing an extraordinary glimpse into this pivotal chapter of history.&nbsp;To listen to any of the interviews in full, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.legasee.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.legasee.org.uk</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;To support the Trust with its on-going work, visit:&nbsp;Patreon.com/LegaseeEducationalTrust.&nbsp;With special thanks to Kate Haddock (Podcast&nbsp;Producer), Iain Kitching (Editor and Music), and Léonie Briendo (Researcher) who made this podcast happen.

D-Day 3: D-Day | The Veterans' Voice ep.3

In this, the second episode of our five-part series on Operation Overlord, veterans share personal and emotional experiences of the D-Day landings, specifically Operation Neptune. Hear vivid recollections of the long night, the thousands of ships, and the incredible logistics as everyone moved into position, ready to land and play their part in this historic operation.&nbsp;The episode features veterans&nbsp;Bill&nbsp;Ward [1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers], Sir William O’Brien [RN Captain HMS Cottesmore], David Jefferies [RN Landing Craft Tank Signalman], Robert Watts [RN Landing Craft Tank Electrician], Charles Eagles [Durham Light Infantry], Harry Card [RN lookout HMS Swift], George Batts [Royal Engineers], and Tom Renouf [Black Watch]. Each of them shares their unique perspective, providing an extraordinary glimpse into this pivotal chapter of history.&nbsp;To listen to any of the interviews in full, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.legasee.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.legasee.org.uk</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;To support the Trust with its on-going work, visit:&nbsp;Patreon.com/LegaseeEducationalTrust.&nbsp;With special thanks to Kate Haddock (Podcast&nbsp;Producer), Iain Kitching (Editor and Music), and Léonie Briendo (Researcher) who made this podcast happen.

D-Day 2: The Crossing | The Veterans' Voice ep.2

In this inaugural episode, first of a five part series on Operation Overlord and the Normandy landings,&nbsp;we&nbsp;hear about the meticulous planning and preparation that went into D-Day from the veterans who played a role in its success.&nbsp;The episode features veterans&nbsp;Sir William O’Brien [RN Captain, HMS Cottesmore], Gordon Smith [Royal Engineers], Fred Danckwardt [RAF Rear Gunner], Pat Massett [WRNS Morse Operator], Ted Hunt [RN Queens Bargemaster], Fred Milward [9th Parachute Battalion] and Tom Renouf [The Black Watch]. Each of them has a unique story to tell, offering a remarkable window into&nbsp;this momentous operation.&nbsp;To listen to any of the interviews in full, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.legasee.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.legasee.org.uk</a>. To support the Trust with its on-going work, visit:&nbsp;www.Patreon.com/LegaseeEducationalTrust.&nbsp;With special thanks to Kate Haddock (Podcast&nbsp;Producer), Iain Kitching (Editor and Music), and Léonie Briendo (Researcher) who made this podcast happen.

D-Day 1: Planning Operation Overlord | The Veterans' Voice ep.1

The Veterans' Voice is a unique podcast series brought to you by the UK charity Legasee Educational Trust. For over 14 years, Legasee, with the support of dedicated volunteer filmmakers, historians, and writers, has been filming interviews with British military veterans who have experienced conflict over the past century. In our podcasts, these veteran testimonies are used to highlight specific military events, campaigns and wars, bringing history to life through the voices of those who experienced it firsthand. Each episode offers an exclusive and fascinating personal insight into these pivotal moments, providing an invaluable perspective on the last 100 years of military history. Tune into The Veterans' Voice to listen, learn, and be inspired by the incredible bravery and resilience of these remarkable men and women. Support our charity to learn more about our mission, discover ways to get involved, and gain exclusive early access to veteran interviews before they go live. Visit us at https://www.patreon.com/LegaseeEducationalTrust.

The Veterans' Voice

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