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.