Toby Jones discovers his grandfather was shot in the face during World War II

Toby Jones has delved into the extraordinary love story of his late grandparents after they were separated during World War II due to a global conflict.

The actor, whose film credits include Dad’s Army and Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy, was given a unique opportunity to posthumously examine the impact it had on their lives for Channel 4 show My Grandparents’ War.

And Jones, 56, admits his participation in the project has increased his regret for not asking grandparents Reggie and Doreen Heselwood about their experiences while they were alive, despite being intrigued by a curious wartime scar on the face of his grandfather.

The actor has since discovered that Reggie was caught by a bullet while serving with the British Royal Artillery in Burma at the height of World War II, leaving him with a permanent scar and ongoing PTSD.

Jones said, “I knew they did extraordinary things during the war, but we never talked about this momentous time in their lives.”

Reggie was separated from Doreen for three years after being deployed to Burma and India, where the conflict raged deep in unpredictable jungle territory.

Family: Jones admits the investigation increased his regret for not asking grandparents Reggie and Doreen Heselwood (pictured) about their experiences when they were alive

Gripping: The actor got a unique opportunity to posthumously research the impact it had on their lives for Channel 4 show My Grandparents’ War

But he would keep in touch with his wife – a professional actress – through a weekly series of letters that would last until his return to the UK in 1945.

Doreen played her own part in the war after volunteering for the Entertainments National Service Association, a job that involved boosting the morale of tired soldiers with musical performances in areas still divided by conflict.

Reflecting on his connection to Doreen, Jones — who made a 10,000-mile journey to India following in his wartime grandfather’s footsteps — admits that she fully supported his decision to become an actor.

He said, “My grandmother always loved that I followed in her footsteps. I was very close to both of them.

“We always played cards together, they were a lot of fun and had a great sense of humour.”

Ancient Times: Reggie Heselwood, depicted in India during World War II. Reggie achieved Quarter Master in the Royal Artillery and fought at the Battle of Imphal

Committed: Reggie kept in touch with his wife – a professional actress – through a weekly series of letters that would last until his return to the UK

Fascinating: Jones has explored the long-term effect of World War II on his beloved grandparents

Former brewery worker Reggie first met actress Doreen – affectionately known as Dorki – when war broke out in mainland Europe, before getting married in June 1940, two years before traveling from Eastbourne for a job 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 leave the country after Nazi Germany began its invasion in May 1940.

Revealing: Jones discovered his grandparents’ unwavering love during World War II.

Young actress: Doreen played her own part in the war after volunteering for the Entertainments National Service Association

After traveling more than 150 miles, Doreen was picked up by the Royal Navy on Boulogne beach before being returned to England where she married Reggie.

He made an immediate impression with the Royal Artillery, attaining the rank of quartermaster and playing a key role in the Battle of Imphal which raged in northeastern 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 doesn’t prepare you for jungle warfare,” Jones said. “I always saw a sign on the back of his neck and near his mouth.”

Following in his footsteps: Jones got a chance to fire the same gun his late grandfather used during WWII

Although Reggie never discussed the cause of his injuries, a court record from the time confirms that it was a gunshot that would be received in a fight.

It read: ‘On February 20, 1943, at 1:15 am I returned from a reconnaissance and my engine stopped.

“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 stream of blanks was fired within half a meter of my face, wounding my mouth.’

My Grandparents’ War: Tony Jones airs on Channel 4, Thursday, October 5 at 8pm.