The Blind Man's Victoria Cross with Tim Rayson

Alex Lloyd discovers the stories of four Victoria Cross recipients in the British Army, speaking with the Axe Keeper of Her Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, Tim Rayson.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's bonus episode is centred on four British Victoria Cross recipients. All four are also former members of Her Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms. Alex Lloyd spoke with Tim Rayson, the ‘Axe Keeper’, about the incredible stories of Ernest Towse VC, Harry Schofield VC, John Campbell VC and David Jamieson VC.

The music at the end of the episode is “The Nearest Guard”, especially composed by Major Philip Shannon MBE for the 500th anniversary of the Honourable Corps on 4th June 2009. This recording was performed by the Band of the Irish Guards and supplied by the Axe Keeper.

Tim Rayson last appeared on the podcast talking about the history of Her Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms.

To see photos related to today's interview, visit our website - www.lifeonthelinepodcast.com - or follow us on social media: @lifeonthelinepodcast on Facebook and Instagram, and @LOTLpod on Twitter.