bob lay interview British tank soldier

his video is a detailed interview with Bob Lay, a British tank soldier who served in the Royal Tank Regiment during World War II. The interview covers his entire military career, from initial training to his experiences in various campaigns and the challenges he faced.

Here are some of the key topics discussed:

Early Military Life & Training: Bob initially tried to join the Fleet Air Arm and the Air Force before ending up in the Royal Armoured Corps. He describes his six months of training and the unexpected journey that led him to Cairo and, eventually, to the desert as a tank recruit [00:14].

Desert Campaign & Tank Crew: He recounts his experiences in the desert, including the intense heat and dehydration. He talks about his crew and the strong bond they formed, emphasizing how they relied on each other for survival. He details the different roles within a tank crew and introduces memorable crew members like his best friend Bill, a farmer named Bill Yam, and his driver Ben [04:29].

Tank Commanders & Leadership: Bob discusses the different tank commanders he served under. He highlights the natural authority and competence of Sergeant Henry Hall, a veteran whom he describes as a father figure. He contrasts this with the inexperience of new officers arriving from England, some of whom he claims were a danger to their crews due to their lack of combat knowledge [10:42].

Challenges of Tank Warfare: The interview provides a vivid picture of the dangers and difficulties of tank battles. Bob explains how tactics evolved from tank-to-tank engagements to avoiding anti-tank guns. He describes the stress of being under fire and the mutual trust that was essential for survival within a tank crew [15:08].

Normandy and the Bocage: Bob details his experience landing in Normandy on D-Day plus one, describing the rough sea journey and the initial quiet on the beaches. He then recounts the unique challenges of fighting in the bocage country, with its high banks and small fields that provided excellent cover for the Germans. He mentions the heavy losses and the high-stress environment that led to many soldiers cracking under pressure [01:25:59].

End of the War & Aftermath: He talks about the final months of the war, including the great "Swan" through France and Belgium and the heavy fighting in Germany. He reflects on the loss of close friends and the emotional toll of the war, mentioning his own "wobble" at the end and his reluctance to wear his medals. He concludes by stating that the war in the West was a fight of "good against evil" [01:51:24].


passed away on July 14, 2018, at the age of 97. He was laid to rest on August 14, 2018.