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On 6 June 1944, Keith Whiting was serving aboard HMS Ramillies, a British battleship supporting the Normandy landings. Keith helped fire the massive 15-inch guns that bombarded German defences ahead of the Allied assault on the beaches, and then supported them as they fought their way inland. HMS Ramillies fired so many shells during the invasion that her gun barrels later had to be replaced.

Keith reflects on his wartime experiences, the comrades he served alongside, and the sacrifices made by a generation that changed the course of history. He also shares his memories of the 80th anniversary commemorations and what it means to carry those memories into the present day.

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"Jonny Whitmore MBE — known to many as Shed — was born in Hinckley, Leicestershire and joined the Royal Corps of Signals, completing P Company early in his career. He deployed to Afghanistan with 22 Signal Regiment and 2 Signal Regiment, before returning to the UK to serve as aSection Commander at ATC Pirbright, training and leading recruits.

He later completed the Special Communications Course and joined 299 Signal Squadron (Special Communications), providing global support to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Over a 21‑year career, he finished his service as Squadron Sergeant Major of the Queen’s last squadron — the final group of service personnel to swear allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Jonny was appointed a Member of the British Empire for services to British foreign policy while seconded as a diplomat to the FCDO, working at the intersection of defence, intelligence, and diplomacy.

Medically discharged with CPTSD, he moved into trauma‑informed veteran advocacy. Jonny now serves as Veterans Ambassador for Emerald Clinic, championing safe, stigma‑free access to prescribed medicinal cannabis and pushing for more humane, evidence‑based support for veterans.

He is also the founder of The Campfire Collective, a veteran‑led woodland initiative built around community, honesty, and reconnection after service. Jonny speaks openly about trauma, identity, and rebuilding a life with purpose — with a focus on truth, service, and helping veterans find their way home."

Jonny's links:

The UK's Best Value Medical Cannabis Clinic | Emerald Medicinals

Facebook (Campfire Collective)

Instagram

Guest links are shared as a courtesy to help listeners find the people, businesses, products, or services discussed in each episode. The podcast and host are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these third parties unless explicitly stated.

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please email us at info@vsompodcast.com, or follow us on social media: @veteranstateofmind

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Ash McGraw served for 16 years in the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of The Mercian Regiment. During that time he lead soldiers all over the world, including on two tours of Afghanistan.

Since leaving the forces Ash has built a new mission focussing on leadership, resilience, and performance. He is an online coach and property developer helping everyday people rebuild discipline, transform their mindset and take on challenges they never thought possible.

Instagram: @ash_battle_born

Website: www.battlebornhq.com

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please email us at info@vsompodcast.com, or follow us on social media: @veteranstateofmind

Gez's new books:

Voices of Victory (World War 2 oral history): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Voices-Victory-Powerful-eye-witness-accounts/dp/1035070049/

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