As a remarkable generation fades from view, one local man is determined to keep its memories alive.
A Taunton man who has spent much of his life seeking out Second World War veterans says their stories have taught him resilience, compassion and the importance of preserving living history before it is lost forever.
Bradley Hunt, 28, has met and interviewed more than 30 Second World War veterans and wartime eyewitnesses since first developing an interest in the conflict as a young boy.
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The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945 and saw more than five million men and women serve in Britain's armed forces.
The conflict had a significant impact across Somerset, with military installations, wartime training, evacuees and bombing incidents affecting communities throughout the county.
Records show wartime bombing incidents in locations including Taunton, Bath, Yeovil and Weston-super-Mare, while many thousands of Somerset residents were involved in the war in direct combat roles or with the Home Guard.
Mr Hunt's fascination began at the age of six through family visits to the former Flambards Blitz Museum in Cornwall.
His first meeting with a veteran came five years later through his mother's work supporting elderly residents.
"I first met a world war 2 veteran when I was 11 years old and in year seven at school," he said.
"His name was Harry, he was in his 80s at the time, very intelligent and he worked on a ship during the war which had a runway where planes used to fly off. He showed me and black and white photograph that I will never forget."
The encounter sparked a lifelong interest in meeting those who lived through the conflict, and since then he has informally interviewed over 30 veterans of the war.
Bradley said he doesn't ask for photographs or personal details from veterans out of respect for their privacy, and the highly personal nature of some of their experiences.
Over the years he has met D-Day veterans, RAF personnel, former nurses, civilians who survived the Blitz and even a former prisoner of war.
One of his most recent encounters came during Taunton's VJ Day commemorations in Vivary Park on August 15, where he met 102-year-old veteran named William.
"It was such an honour to meet him," Bradley said. "We shook hands and he remembers being in London during the war, and he remembers the doodle bugs and the sounds they made during the blitz."
August 15 marked the 81st anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), which brought the Second World War to an end.
For Bradley, hearing first-hand accounts has given him a unique perspective on life. "I've learned a lot and to carry on no matter how bad times get," he said.
As the number of surviving veterans continues to diminish, he fears future generations may never have the same opportunities he had.
"My message is, if you have the chance to talk to a WWII veteran please do as this generation is leaving us fast each day," he said.
"It means everything to me meeting veterans, some people will never get the chance to meet a single war veteran in the future."
Reflecting on the many conversations he has had over the years, Bradley said he hopes their stories will continue to inspire others long after the veterans themselves are gone.
"I want their stories to be remembered, and my mission is to meet as many veterans as I possibly can."
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