Thursday 6 October 2022 10:22 AM Toby Jones discovers his grandfather was shot in the face during World War II trends now Toby Jones has delved into his late grandparents' extraordinary love story after they were separated as a consequence of global conflict during World War II. The actor, whose film credits include Dad's Army and Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy, was given a unique opportunity to posthumously research the impact it had on their lives for Channel 4 show My Grandparents’ War. And Jones, 56, admits getting involved in the project deepened his regret at not asking grandparents Reggie and Doreen Heselwood about their experiences while they were still alive, despite being intrigued by a curious wartime scar on his grandfather's face. Looking back: Toby Jones has delved into his late grandparents' extraordinary love story after they were separated as a consequence of global conflict during World War II The actor has since discovered Reggie was caught by a bullet while fighting with the British Royal Artillery in Burma at the height of World War II, leaving him with a permanent scar and lingering PTSD. Jones said: 'I knew they did some extraordinary things during the war but we never spoke about this momentous time in their lives.' Reggie was separated from Doreen for three years after being posted to Burma and India, where the conflict raged deep within unpredictable jungle terrain. Family: Jones admits the research has deepened his regret at not asking grandparents Reggie and Doreen Heselwood (pictured) about their experiences while they were still alive Poignant: The actor was given a unique opportunity to posthumously research the impact it had on their lives for Channel 4 show My Grandparents’ War But he would maintain contact with his wife - a professional actress - through a weekly series of letters that would continue until his return to the United Kingdom in 1945. Doreen played her own part in the war after volunteering for the Entertainments National Service Association, a job that involved lifting the morale of battle-weary soldiers with musical performances in areas still divided by conflict. Reflecting on his connection to Doreen, Jones - who made a 10,000 mile trip to India while tracing his grandfather's wartime footsteps - admits she fully supported his decision to become an actor. He said: 'My grandmother always loved that I’d followed in her footsteps. I was very close to them both. 'We always played cards together, they were great fun and had a terrific sense of humour.' Old times: Reggie Heselwood, pictured in India during World War II. Reggie reached Quarter Master in the Royal Artillery and fought in the battle of Imphal Devoted: Reggie maintained contact with his wife - a professional actress - through a weekly series of letters that would continue until his return to the United Kingdom Fascinating: Jones has explored the long-term effect World War II had on his beloved grandparents Former brewery worker Reggie first met actress Doreen - affectionately referred to as Dorki - as war broke out across mainland Europe, before marrying in June 1940, two years before he travelled from Eastbourne for a posting in Asia. Doreen had already established herself as a member of the Entertainments National Service Association, and her marriage to Reggie came just two weeks after she was evacuated from a French beach. The young actress had signed up for a month-long tour of France, but was forced to abandon the country after Nazi Germany began its invasion in May 1940. Revealing: Jones has discovered his grandparents' unremitting love during World War Two. Young actress: Doreen played her own part in the war after volunteering for the Entertainments National Service Association After travelling more than 150 miles overnight, Doreen was picked up on Boulogne beach by the Royal Navy before being shepherded back to England, where she married Reggie. He made an instant impression with the Royal Artillery, reaching the rank of Quarter Master and playing a key role in the battle of Imphal as it raged in northeast India from March to July 1944. However he would return permanently scarred and haunted by his experiences in the jungle - where soldiers battled malaria, dysentery and typhus while fighting the marauding Japanese army. 'Being a brewer does not prepare you for jungle warfare,' Jones said. 'I always noticed a mark at the back of his neck and by his mouth.' Following in his footsteps: Jones was given an opportunity to fire the same gun his late grandfather used during World War II While Reggie never discussed the source of his wounds, a court record from the time confirms it was a gunshot would sustained during battle. It read: 'On 20 February, 1943, at 01.15hours I returned from a reconnaissance and stopped my motorcycle. 'A sentry came up to me and stood with his rifle in front of my face and said nothing. He pulled the trigger and a round of blanks was discharged within a foot of my face, injuring my mouth.' My Grandparents' War: Tony Jones airs on Channel 4, Thursday October 5 at 8:00pm. 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