In the lead up to Anzac Day 2019 some of our Ryman Healthcare residents have recounted the tumultuous times of World War II.
Broadcaster Mark Sainsbury visited one of our retirement villages to meet with those that served.
Ron Mayhill, DFC, remembers the initial wonder of travelling through Vancouver, Canada on the way to England before the reality of war and flying with Bomber Command hit! Listening to him recount his memories of being a navigator gives pause for thought.
Arthur Joplin remembers back 75 years to when he trained as a pilot in de Havilland Tiger Moths in Ashburton.
He graduated to become part of the famous Royal Air Force 617 squadron, and took part in operations including the sinking of the giant German battleship Tirpitz.
Arthur and the other members of the squadron faced enemy fire as they approached the giant battleship off the coast of northern Norway.
It was a time for those with adventurous spirits, but it was a harrowing period when a whole generation was put to the test.
It is a privilege to be able to see these two men, talking from their homes within our Edmund Hillary village.