The National Servicemen

Two million young men were called up for National Service between 1948 and 1963. Once they had been shaved and kitted out, overnight the raw recruits learnt how to obey orders and cope with a torrent of abuse from the drill sergeants. Many loved it, some hated it, but the experience left an impression on them all that has lasted a lifetime.

3/3. Mark Stephen meets the Scottish veterans who recall their hilarious and often moving stories from the barracks room to the battlefield. Show less