Life on the Line

Angus Hordern interviews Peter Jones, former Vice Admiral and veteran of the Arabian Gulf. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with a career navy man, Vice Admiral Peter Jones AO, DSC (Ret'd). Peter served for many years, including commanding the Maritime Interception Operations in the Arabian Gulf. He is now the President of the Australian Naval Institute.

Alex Lloyd speaks with Doug Baird, father of the late Cameron Baird VC MG. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Every week we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Alex Lloyd spoke with Doug Baird, father of the late Cameron Baird VC MG. Cameron served in the 2nd Commando Regiment and was killed in action during his final tour of Afghanistan in 2013. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia. Doug spoke to Alex about his late son's life, death and legacy.

Sharon Mascall-Dare continues her interview with former 2nd Commando Regiment and SAS doctor, Dan Pronk. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is the second instalment of Sharon Mascall-Dare’s conversation with Dr Dan Pronk, a Special Forces doctor with the SAS and 2nd Commando Regiment. Dan partook in over 100 combat missions with Special Forces. His conversation with Sharon picks up after four tours of Afghanistan, where the reality of combat was taking hold.

Sharon Mascall-Dare interviews Special Forces veteran Dr Dan Pronk. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with Dr Dan Pronk, a former Special Forces soldier. Dan served with the regular army in East Timor before undertaking four tours of Afghanistan with Special Operations Units - the 2nd Commando Regiment and the Special Air Service Regiment. Dan spoke with Sharon Mascall-Dare about his journey to Special Forces, the trauma of combat and life as an elite soldier. This is the first instalment of a two-part episode.

Angus Hordern speaks with Bevan Harris, a World War II veteran. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Every week we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today's bonus episode is with Bevan Harris. Bevan shared with Angus Hordern his father's experiences as a stretcher bearer in World War I, his own experiences in World War II, and those of his late school friend, David Boyall.

Alex Lloyd interviews Vietnam veterans Ross Tulloh and Ian Willoughby. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with two Vietnam War veterans: 'tunnel rat' national serviceman Ross Tulloh, and signals officer Ian Willoughby.

Angus Hordern speaks with Frank Woodhams about the history and heritage of the Scottish Rifles. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Every week we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today's bonus episode is with Frank Woodhams. Angus Hordern spoke to Frank about his longstanding association with the NSW Scottish Regiment, the history of the Scottish Rifles and the modern Reserves.

Angus Hordern interviews Australian Army officer, formerly of the 1st Commando Regiment, Todd Vail. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with Lieutenant Colonel Todd Vail, currently serving in the Australian Army. Todd is formerly of the 1st Commando Regiment and was ADC to the Governor of New South Wales.

Alex Lloyd speaks with World War II and Korea veteran Doug Symes Snr. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Every week we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today's bonus episode is with a World War II and Korean War navy veteran, Doug Symes Snr. Doug shared stories of his childhood, his family's wartime service and his own experiences of life on the sea. This conversation focuses a lot on Doug's life pre-war, showcasing how this cataclysmic conflict affected the average Australian family.

Alex Lloyd interviews East Timor, Solomon Islands, Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan veteran, formerly of the SAS, Mark Wales. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with East Timor, Solomon Islands and Middle East veteran, Mark Wales. A former member of the Special Air Service, Mark saw multiple deployments to the Middle East as an elite soldier. Alex Lloyd spoke to Mark about aspiring to become Special Forces, his experiences abroad and how his military skills have served him in life after.

Angus Hordern speaks with Charlie Baker, son of a World War II veteran. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Every week we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today's bonus episode is with Charlie Baker, son of Jack, a Royal Australian Air Force veteran who served with British Coastal Command in World War II.

Alex Lloyd interviews World War II veteran Victor Power. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with World War II veteran Victor Power. With both his parents disfigured from World War I, Victor had no interest in joining the fight. He was conscripted in 1939 and found himself at the front in Belgium. Then the order to retreat came - evacuate to Dunkirk.

Angus Hordern speaks with David Buckwalter about the Battle of Wau. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Every week we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today's bonus episode is with Vietnam veteran David Buckwalter. David spoke to Angus Hordern about an historical topic he is passionate about, the Battle of Wau from the Second World War. David has researched the topic, spoken with the veterans and trekked the battlegrounds of New Guinea.

Thomas Kaye interviews Allison Norris, currently serving in the Royal Australian Navy. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with Commodore Allison Norris, currently serving with the Royal Australian Navy. Allison has seen a variety of deployments, including the Arabian Gulf and the search for MH370. Our thanks go to Defence Media for organising the interview.

Excerpts from FOR SCHOOL AND COUNTRY interview with World War II veteran Phil Stevenson. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Every week we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today's bonus episode is from our archive vault, an interview with World War II veteran Phil Stevenson.