as a South Korean, i want to thank the UK and the other countries who came to aid us during the war. we South Koreans have a huge debt and we will never forget the blood we shed together on this soil. thank you
I am born and raised in Korea. Because of the courage of these men, I am able to enjoy my freedom. Thank you hero’s of Glorious Gloucesters, we are ever so grateful. God bless.
@@TheHistoryChap It's kinda sad that #MASH is just about the only way this war was noted in Western popular culture. Koreans make movies about it, the West not so much.
About eight years ago, coming out of Homebase in Newmarket, I was engaged by a very elderly gentleman attracted to the Royal Navy air squadron badges on the sleeves of my motorcycle jacket. Whilst I took off my helmet, he asked after the details of my Navy career, listening with enormous interest as I told of that, and the Army career that followed. After ten minutes of me doing most of the talking, he explained that he was in the Glosters during the Korean War. I stopped him completely by asking "Were you at Imjin River?" Seemingly amazed that anyone should still know of this he spent the next 45 minutes relating the detail of that night on 235. They threw bean tins at the enemy, to mimic grenades, he took a pistol round in his ankle, smashing it, shot dead the Chinese officer responsible, started the engagement as a Private, and by 0700 following, was a full Corporal. When so ordered, he withdrew with help, and made friendly lines, where his field promotion was confirmed. My flowing tears interrupted my ride home, and they were nothing to do with the wind in my face. I made his day by remembering the battle. He made mine by sharing his part in it. Thankyou for making this video. Bob Freestone Lt.( Ret), Royal Anglian Regmt.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of conducting the funeral of a veteran of the Battle of Imjin River. He was captured and spent two years in a North Korean POW Camp; returning to the UK via Japan in September 1953. The man was a hero and spent the rest of his life living in Devon, making the lives of those around him more enjoyable. RIP Archie.
I’m an American, so I have no relatives who took part in this heroic action that I’m aware of. I just wanted to comment and show my respect for those brave British troops who did. I did have two uncles and a father-in-law who fought in the Korean War, and my father was a flight engineer on a B17 flying out of England during WWII. I am 62 and never served in the military, but I have a deep appreciation and respect for those that did and having done so, helped me and so many others live a life of freedom.
Our generation is so lucky to have never HAD to fight a war. And you're so right about lives of freedom. Seventy years later and hundreds of thousands of poor kids and young men in some other countries are being conscripted and forced to fight in a war they're totally against, because they don't have the same basic freedoms that our countries' governments have afforded us.
We served so hopefully our children and grandchildren would be able to build a world without war. Honor us by attempting to reach that goal. Remember the sacrifice of those who served AND remember the duplicity and Hypocrisy of those who Sent us Peace and prosperity Through responsibilities
I live near a former US Air base that was used by the USAAF during WW2 and the Cold War. It was called "RAF Burtonwood". Over 70% of the B-17s ever built had undergone maintenance and repairs at RAF Burtonwood at least once. The base is no longer there as it was demolished in the 1990s, but there are still reminders. In the 2000s, a suburban neighbourhood was built on the land where the base used to be and all the streets are named after American states and cities. Boston Blvd, Minnesota Drive, Dallas Drive, Oklahoma Blvd, Detroit Close, Ohio Grove, etc are some examples. There's even a street called "Liberty Close" too which is very fitting. There's a pretty good chance that your father-in-law actually flew his B-17 into Burtonwood air base for repairs/maintenance. I think that's pretty cool. I think it's great that we've paid respects to the Americans who fought for our country by naming all the streets after American cities/states. It serves as a nice reminder of what America did for us during WW2.
I was very fortunate to represent the British Community in Seoul on the annual reunion of the Glorious Gloucesters. Meeting survivors was a humbling and sobering experience. They told wonderful stories. Most of the the national service boys had their 18th birthday on the boat over to Incheon, that was the reality.
We are still paying for not finishing that war. The UN is happy for a truce. The other side is happy as well, but for a different reason. They have never stopped reorganizing. Communism is not dead. It's spreading again. Maybe some day in the future the good will vanquish the enemy completely. If not, hold on to your hats. History repeats itself.
My uncle won a silver star for his actions at the battle of the Imjin river during this episode with the Gloucesters. He was in the Belgian contingent and thèy fought like true lions covering the retreat of the other troops,almost surrounded etc... I sadly never hear anything about their brave stand in documentarys or barely à mention.
We know all about the brave Belgians in this house, my great uncle served on the river Imjin with the Royal Ulster Rifles, survived being a POW and made it back to Ireland, lived his life without rancour or bitterness, peace and love from the wirral peninsula...
Its the same with what happened with the Fighting Filipinos when their Puerto Rican and Turkish Left and Rights withdrew leaving them trapped and surrounded by the Chinese Communists. They held their line earning their combatants the highest medal of the land.
Thank you very much for this video. I’m from Gloucestershire and my Grandad was in the Gloucester Regiment . He never really spoke of it - after he passed away a few years ago, I found out he was a medic in this battle and managed to rescue wounded soldiers and escape. ❤️
RIP your Grandfather NatureFae. Be proud of his memory for he clearly was a gallant soldier, sometimes the medics have the hardest job when engaged with the enemy, and this obviously was the case for your grandad here.
Don "Lofty" Large was a soldier in the battle with the Gloucestershire Regiment and a pow for 2 years, after, wounded too. He wrote a book called One Man's War in Korea, was later a Squadron Sergeant Major in the SAS wrote another book One Man's SAS, they can be found together as a compilation in one book too. They are well worth reading. He was one superb soldier.
Brave, forgotten heroes - sadly remembered more by the South Korean nation than in Britain. I knew their history, and it is our duty to spread the word, so their heroism & courage live on. RIP to the Glorious Gloucester’s.
@@mushroom11g55 How well are those who fought the "Battle of Britain" remembered at home, now days.? I know I as an American GI when I traveled the world I was better treated away from the USA by those we liberated than at home. Peace ✌ ☮
@@mushroom11g55 Actually 72 year's ago I "Partly agree" on the other hand in Europe every year there are many commerations of the Allies freeing from them the Nazi apmx 80 years ago. In Holland families still care for individual graves of allied troops with reverence and teach the youth of what it was like under the Nazis and sacrifice the Allies made to liberate them. As I read the comments herein I also note many who have been in Korea and younger Koreans who still remember. A note" to your younger generation from the past. I had a relative by marriage whose family home was Normandy France. On 6 June 1944 as a 14 year old teen ager he saved his 6 year old nephew from a water filled shell hole near the home, BTW his family home had been commandeered by the Nazis in 1941. He as a youth helped the French underground fight the Nazis I asked him how the French people felt about the destruction by the Allies during the "D" day invasion "It was horrible he said, BUT it was worth it to get rid of the Nazi. Peace and prosperity Through responsibilities 🙏
Somewhere I read that one of the Glousters recalled that after the battle. They met a Chinese officer who looked at them and then said something to the extent of "You are British. 10000 miles from home and you fight like this. God help anyone who invades England"
That was then. Indeed, the Brits used to know exactly what to do with traitors and invaders. Now, they give them council housing, funds, schooling, and look the other way as their daughters are groomed for service.
The Commonwealth brigade stood alongside the Americans and then i think the Turks next to the Brits stretching across Sth Korea. When asked by a commentator what he thought of the Brits next door, General McCarthur replied " When i go to bed at night facing the north, on my left is the Ocean and on my right are the Brits, when i wake up in the morning i know that they will both still be there" What a wonderful statement from such a great soldier.
Thanks for this video. As a Canadian, I am proud that Canada joined with Great Britain, USA, UN, etc., to help keep South Korea free. And I can see by the comments below that those currently living in South Korea, appreciate the sacrifice.
Sir Michael Caine was a private in this war. He's spoken about his experience of being cut off miles behind the Chinese lines. He and some other squaddies decided to crawl back through the Chinese foxholes and get back to their own lines. They all had a pee and set off. The squaddies were so close to the Chinese, they could smell the garlic on the breath of the enemy. He and the others got back by the skin of their teeth. Sir Michael has said, since that experience, he has never really been frightened of anything since.
I am an American citizen and I am thankful for England doing its part fighting alongside the United States in the Korean War. These Englishmen who fought it this war were very brave and I commend them for doing their part. These Englishmen who fought in this war should always be given their honors for their will to fight and dace the enemy. My country owes it to them. I am proud of our U.S. service men and England's service men for their participation in fighting in the Korean war. Thank You! Untied Kingdom and the United States!
@@finnyyrw! I am proud of him and my support goes to your dad and to you. I am an American and you and your father have my praise. My heart goes to you and your family and your country from me. Thank you for sharing it with me.
@@johnkramer7018 I think what @finnyyrw was trying to say is that the United Kingdom and England are not the same and should not be confused as such (though many foreigners often do that). There is no English Army, it is the British Army comprised of English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish (and sometimes others like Nepalese and Fijians) - all of which can be represented in the same regiment.
One of the most lovely things to come out of the Battle of Imjin River is the St George's Day parade that happens in memory of it in Seoul (as the battle was 22nd to 25th April). It's organised jointly by the ROK army and the British Embassy in Seoul and the surviving members of the Glocesters are the guests of honour. Genuinely beautiful
@@TheHistoryChap it's really beautiful to see how they are remembered by the people that ultimately mattered the most - the folks of Seoul. It's a beautiful parade too
I was a Lieutenant stationed with the 2nd Div, 9th Inf regiment North of Moonsan at the Imjin River in 1972. We had a ROK unit south of us that invited us officers in B company to dinner one weekend. It was during drinks that the ROK officers told of this battle I had never heard of. The Koreans spoke with admiration and reverence of this British unit and offered to take us to the area if we wanted to visit it. They stated that there were monuments around and that a sealed up cave held the bodies of British dead. Well, we never got to make the trip, and it was not until I got on this FB page that I found the account of the incident. Very heroic stand....and may I add...very British. You guys have always been great soldiers.
Hi Richard, thanks for sharing that story. If you enjoyed this talk then please make sure to subscribe for future videos. ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap Chris
Thank God we've been able to count the UK as an ally to America. May the inspiration they give us to follow their valor be as magnificent as the worth of their supreme sacrifices and forgotten individual acts of heroism in the face of overwhelming odds and bitter combat.
Don't count on it if you continue to abuse and exploit the relationship using it only for your own ends. The British are not naturally fond of America or Americans
@@henalihenali So the UK is altruistic and doesn't look after its' own self interest? That's a crock. Try the French for a better ally. Those British who are "not naturally fond of" America can go their own way as Britain is overrun with a horde of angry "Asians". Yes rely on the French. I think you loved us when we were allies and helping to feed & arm the UK.
I am Chinese and have a strong interest in the history of the Korean War, having conducted extensive reading and research on the topic. Based on the Chinese historical materials I've reviewed, the Chinese military holds the British forces in high regard for their tactical proficiency. My grandfather also participated in this war; he was part of the PVA 50th Army. During the defensive battles on the south bank of the Han River, they faced the unmatched naval and aerial superiority of the UN forces and suffered casualties of 30-40%， about 12000-15000 men . May peace prevail!
I was trying to research the Chinese 63rd army which participated here. After travelling thru China as a tourist I was wondering which regions these men hailed from, what lives they lived before they were also used as cannon fodder by their own commanders. Brave men on both sides.
@ These soldiers were ordinary Chinese people. Due to years of war and poverty, most had only limited education and, because of malnutrition, were not as physically robust or tall as Western soldiers. However, their fighting spirit was stronger than that of the United Nations forces, as they believed that if Korea were lost, China's homeland would face an immediate threat and invasion. Furthermore, after more than a decade of fighting in the war against Japan and the civil war, these soldiers had developed exceptional tactical skills.
@ Referring to them as "cannon fodder" does not do justice to their resilience and determination. If they were merely "cannon fodder," then what would that make of the Glosters who were ultimately defeated by them? It’s important to recognize that these soldiers, though ordinary, displayed remarkable strength and tactical skill, earning respect for their courageous stand.
An acquaintance of mine was in the Dorsets when they fought the rearguard action at Dunkirk. He was captures by the Germans and spent the rest of the war as a POW. Upon liberation and return to civvy Street he was recalled to the colours in 1950 to serve in the Gloucesters at their last stand. Again He was made a POW and spent almost two years as a guest if the Chinese. Not only did he take part in two desperate battles but, as he said, spent seven years in prison having never committed a criminal offence!
Hi Nick, Thanks for taking the time to share your story. It is amazing just how many people have a tale to tell following this video. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
Spent nearly 18 months on the DMZ in the 1970s, and being on the Imjin River was still no time for amateurs. Visited Gloster Hill several times and always overwhelmed by what the Glorious Glosters achieved - they were magnificent. Strong, well-sited defense which the held at all costs against overwhelming odds until ordered to make their way back as best they could. They accomplished the impossible which allowed for the rest of the British 29th Brigade to cross the Imjin and regroup without being trapped by the Chinese. Even in Chinese captivity, the Glosters still continued to resist. Incredible men accomplishing an incredible feat.
Served up there with 2nd Bn 38th Infantry 2nd Infantry Division. Camp Blue Lancer Valley. Was small monument on hill overlooking base. That Was back in 69
My late father Philip Barker fought in the battle commanding a mortar platoon, and was one of the very few to escape and make it back to friendly forces. He was later tasked with supervising the recovery of the bodies, which I think had a profound effect on him all his life. This was in the days when PTSD didn’t exist. He very rarely talked about his experience of the battle.
Thanks for taking the time to share that personal story. My uncle was in Normandy in 1944 and only started to talk about it in his 90's. If you enjoyed please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
@@maxchell2922 Yes, he was in the Glosters and remained in the Regiment serving in Malaysia, Kenya, and Germany, Cyprus and UK. I donated some of his regiment-related memorabilia to the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum.
I was unaware of this stand. Magnificent. I had an uncle in the US Army in Korea. He was home to bury my grandfather in 52. A week later he was back in Korea. He learned that when he was gone, his entire squad…his buddies…were wiped out. He was never the same. God bless ALL those young men who defended ROK. 🇺🇸🦅🇬🇧
My late father was US Army in Korea. Bronze Star, Purple Heart with oak leaves (wounded in action twice). Severe PTSD. He wouldn't talk much about the experience. Thanks, History Chap!
When I joined the Glosters in 1983 I was 19 years old and the Imjin veterans would’ve been in their late 50’s. Now I’m 58 and most of them have since passed. We all fight a battle with time.
I've been to Gloster Hill itself, some 30 years ago during my tour in the ROK with the US Army. We went with the intent to look for artifacts, so went piled into a Humvee with a mine detector, our E-tools and some MREs. When we got there we discovered the ROK Army had possession of most of the hill and had dug trenches all over it. We requested, and received, permission to scale the hill and look around. We spent most of the afternoon sweeping and digging, finding English and Chinese rifle casings, shell fragments, grenade pins and Enfield stripper clips. Afterwards, we visited the Korean Memorial at the base of the hill. It was my privilege to explore the ground and pay homage to the brave men who held out against such overwhelming odds. I'll never forget that day.
UK forces were there, not only English and imho the Humvee is crap vs. the MUTT -- so wide that the travel path is predictable to any IED placer; so enclosed as to reduce Situational Awareness + sympathy from local civilian people (a WW2 Willys MB in my profile pic; ex-North Africa it has a large 2nd non-standard gas tank under the passenger seat)
The Korean War is often forgotten here in the US too sadly. I’m pretty knowledgeable of military history but I’ll be honest, this is the first time I have heard of the British final stand in Korea. So thank you for posting this.
I agree. I'm a military history buff and most of what you find about the Korean war involves the Chosin Reservoir. It was great to hear some of history of our British allies.
This is true, about it being a forgotten war here in the the U.S. as well. My father told me that not all of the Chinese soldiers had weapons, they had ammo, so when the men in the first wave fell, the unarmed Chinese in the second wave picked up the weapons and continued the attack. Thank you for this video, I did not know of the British final stand.
The units involved were awarded the US Presidential Citation to wear on the uniforms originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the uniformed services of the United States, and those of allied countries, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941
@@bocanning6811 at puson were truck drivers, cooks, band members, etc. boots on the ground to slow n. korean soldiers down. koreans were even oicking up american arms from dead soldiers. a friend of mine was an army pilot flying generals around japan when war started. he was a colonel but was with common soldiers on ground when shot in the back with an m-1 garand rifle. the war took two years out of my life as well as my brother two years my senior who got hit in a leg. as one put it: ww-1 and ww-2 had many songs during the era, however there are no songs about korea, the forgotten war.
In 1986 I and other officers of our brigade did a terrain walk of the battlefield. So I am still able to picture the ground where the battle occurred. The one detail you did not mention was the escape of one company by going North and moving behind the Chinese to safety. Still a monument to courage, discipline and skill.
My father fought in Korea he was with the Queens Own Highlanders. He didn't talk much about the conflict. My uncle explained dad lost many good friends one night when they got fire bombed when sleeping. I was told he suffered terrible nightmares about the horror he witnessed and being powerless to help his trapped brothers in arms. Such brave men. Never Forgotten
Martin, thank you for sharing that poignant story. Far too many Korean war veterans remained silent about what they experienced. Sad, because their stories died with them.
They're still remembered in Gloucestershire. There's an Imjin Barracks just outside Gloucester. The Glosters were awarded the back badge in recognition of them fighting in line back to back at the Battle of Alexandria. If you go to the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum in Gloucester you'll hear the song "The Glorious Glosters" playing. The chorus goes, We are the Glorious Glosters Famed for our attack From Korea to Alexandria Fighting back to back When we have served our country And answered the trumpets call Take us home to Gloucestershire Most glorious land of all
No person could ever doubt the heroism and resolve of British Troops, but heroic events like this only go to show their exceptionalism, The Glosters being among the most notable.
I'm from the county of Northumberland and would like to offer my thanks to the Belgians. Many families in my county are very grateful to you and your actions.
Awesome bravery and courage boldly demonstrated! Very well presented, my friend. I know something of war, with 10 years of U.S. Army service and deployment to Iraq in 2005. So, I can relate on a certain level, but those Glousters set a new kind of guts! Makes me proud to be their brother in arms!
Just found your channel and subscribed. I'm an American but my late father was from Scotland. He and the men in the family were many Scots Guards, Black Watch and other UK Regiments in places like the Somme, Gallipoli and Malaya during the troubles in1948 I believe. I grew up hearing stories of British heroism and the last stand against overwhelming odds. Great channel.
My brother served his national service in Korea with REME, sent out there soon after basic training. He had 6 months more to serve when he got back to England, being a racing cyclist before the army he was put in the army team and won many races. He often remarked he got more recognition for cycling than for when he was fighting in Korea.
As a soldier myself I often feel bad because of all the sacrifices soldiers make that are never recognized or are forgotten. Truely thank all of them for their service and the example these and others set for us to follow.
Thanks for those thoughts, Daniel. The other sad bit is when we honour heroes immediately afterwards and then lose interest in them. Check out what happened to the Victoria Cross winners at Rorke's Drift in this video: ua-cam.com/video/5bVxlSVjjrQ/v-deo.html
Great video! I am from Ireland but served in the US Army back in the 90s. I volunteered to go to Korea for a year. It was one of the hardest years of my life but loved it. I was stationed at Camp Casey not far from the memorial for the Gloucesters but didn't know of its existence. I knew that the British fought in Korea because my Dad worked with a guy at British Telecom in London. I wish I knew more about the history of where we were training back then. Rough steep terrain and extremely harsh weather. Thank you for the video.
My old man was just down the road with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. Very proud of him, he came back & served as a Police officer in Australia, Palestine & finally in London.
@@TheHistoryChap Anytime, I watched an excellent piece from a chap called Andrew Salmon. You could see in the distance roughly where my old man was, it was very emotional. The only things he mentioned about his time in Korea was the weather 😂 & the R&R in Japan, Michiko was her name apparently 😇. I love channels like yours, keep it up mate 👏🏼
@@IanSmith-pi7gp One of my brothers in law’s, father in law (now that was a mouthful 😁) was in the Royal artillery supporting our Dad’s & he told me that they never fired so many shells in any previous or past engagement as that. Made me puff up with pride & rightly so, our Dad’s were so brave bless em.
As a Korean, I also would like to thank the UK and the many other nations that came to the defense of my country of birth. I am eternally grateful. God bless.
Thanks for explaining this as a British man I never knew anything about this and feel rather sad that these brave souls are not honoured every year in some way thanks again
They call the WW2 campaign in Asia the Forgotten War. The British establishment forget too many conflicts which is sad. Like the 'smaller/shorter wars'. Do they teach the modules at Sandhurst? Recall Korea round two in the late 60s? Tragic betrayal of Britons veterans.
Actually they are honoured each year on the 11th day of the 11th month at the Cenotaph, as are all British and Commonwealth soldiers from all the past wars and conflicts. There's also a memorial, a bronze statue of a British Army soldier gifted by the Korean people, which stands alongside the Thames on the Embankment. Like you though, I still know less about this war than the Vietnamese War for instance, where British involvement was minimal. On the other hand, Australia and New Zealand played quite considerable roles in both these conflicts.
My father fought in Korea and shamefully I knew nothing of the feats of the Gloucestershire Regiment. Thank you for reminding the world of their courage and sacrifice this day, April 25th, 2022 - 72 years and 1 day after accomplishing their mission.
David, Thanks for taking the time to comment. This video seems to have brought a flurry of personal stories in the comments. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
Thanks for this video, I moved to Gloucester recently and see the name Imjin on signposts but never made the connection until now. That is a moving bit of military history and the story rightly deserves not to be forgotten.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Make sure you pop down to the Regimental museum at the docks, well worth it. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
Nice to see in a recently screened movie "Retreat Hell" about the USMC that they give fine credit to the Royal Marines who helped them. I always remember a story told to me.....a young US Marine saw a Royal Marine walk past and turned to his Gunny, "Gunnery Sergeant who was that man with the Green beret and what do the letters RM on his shoulders mean?" The Gunnery Sergeant, a veteran of ww2 and Korea replied "Well son, he is a British Royal Marine Commando, and those letters stand for REAL MARINES, and if you ever manage to be one tenth as good, you will be a top class marine." Stay safe, and a salute to your grandfather and family.
My father, a career soldier in the US Army, fought in Korea in 52-53. For that matter, he fought in WWII and did two tours in Vietnam. Very occasionally when he entertained fellow veterans at our home the stories of his experiences would come forth. Otherwise he never spoke of his war experiences.
Here in America we are very proud of our British & European brothers and sisters and would stand with them until the end of time! What bravery May God Bless you always 🙏
Had the pleasure of knowing Guy Temple, who commanded the patrol ambush, when he was the Trg Maj at GSUOTC . He told me one evening that, "the colour of the water in the river changed , because there was so much blood in it". This was noticeable at night time ! Anyone wanting to know more about this action should read the book "The Edge Of The Sword" by Gen. Anthony Farrar-Hockley. He was the Adjt during this battle and the book goes into his escape attempts and the cruel treatment British POWs had to endure.
Agreed, I have that book and it is simply the best I have ever read about British soldiers in action and subsequently for many, in captivity. They were amazing.
Thank you so much for posting this. I spent much time in observation posts on the banks of the southern Imjin in '69-'70 with the Second Infantry Division. I knew there had been major battles there but this was eye opening. My gratitude and great respect to these brave men.
I knew a Korean War veteran very well, a very nice chap who became a great to our family. He went into the Army as a boy soldier at 15 and was around 18 years old when he went to war in Korea. He was in the REME attached to the Royal Artillery. He told me of the time when his 18 year old pal took a bullet to the head was killed outright, right next to him. He told me stories of the Glorious Gloucesters and their stand at the Imjim river along with many other memories. I also heard about the "re-education" of allied prisoners of war. The prisoners were instructed to give a talk in front of their comrades and the North Korean officers of how they regretted their actions. Obviously there was a bit of cultural misunderstanding, and the British soldiers would explain to those gathered around such phrases as "I've been a very naughty boy" (of course nobody was allowed to laugh! He survived the war and had a long army career, 27 years in total rising to the rank of Warrant officer.He became an active member of the Sussex branch of the Korean Veterans Association, attending events at Buckingham Palace as well as various remembrance attendances throughout the country and abroad.He took my Mother on a trip to Korea as part of a significant anniversary along with other veterans, they were treated like royalty! Sadly now passed on and greatly missed. In case anyone remembers him, his name was Anthony (Tony) William Hooper.
Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your story about someone who sounds like a real character. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
I spent 3 years stationed just north of the Imjin River with the 1st Battalion 31st Infantry and later the 1st Battalion 9th Infantry. The base was only about 5 miles west of where this battle took place. A lot of history there, thanks for telling this story.
What a wonderful retelling of such a heroic action. Thank you. I believe that Korea was the first outing for the Centurion MBT, a chap in our engineering department worked at Vickers whilst developing the Centurion, and a team of Engineers from Vickers went to Korea with the tanks David was supposed to go with them but he fell sick and stayed behind. None of that team from Vickers came back.
My brother was in the Gloucesters he told me they were the only regiment permitted to wear cap badges front and back of cap.due to fighting back to back.
My eldest brother Tom was in the Glousters at the battle of theImjin river,he talked about much , he joined me in the Merchant Navy and sometimes when we got pissed he`d tell me some stuff ,one was finding his mates hand in the glove ,that`s when the tears started.It`s no wonder these fellers never talked much about their time ,just 18 - 19 year olds and these feckin politicians that sent them needed hanging .
What you've done here is a fantastic rendering of the story. Thank you. Being an Aussie, I'd love to see what you could do with the story of the Battle of Kaypyong. Commonwealth forces, seriously outnumbered turning the tide of the war.
John, many thanks for your kind words. I will put Kapyong on my hit list. Please subscribe (and hit the bell icon when you do) so you don't miss it in the future.
I think that the two battles were fought on the same days. The Canadians on Hill 677 almost suffered the same fate as the Glosters, they ran out of ammunition and fortunately the Chinese did not launch a final assault.
John an Aussie here too, my dad was in Korea 2 times 1951 to 52 then again in 1954 , have a photo of him on the back of a usa tank with 4 other chaps as the tanks retreated heading back through the lines. Chinese onslaught was a just a bit much , Kapyong and later at Maryann San, yes the 3rd Battalion. He said it was a wonderful pace ( not ) if you didn't freeze to death, then if the Koreans got hold of you - you were as good as dead anyway. He always said that the kiwis with there artillery saved the day on many occasions - the 5 mile wonders they called them. Yes this chaps right the Chinese bugle calls 1000s of them, you could shoot dead 500 and 10 minutes later 500 more appeared, it was like a human suicide wave .
A member of my family fought in Korea and in this action: so very brave all of them and the Korean War must never be forgotten. Sincerely hope it never starts again.
21 years in US Marine Corps, I've always been interested in British Military History and Boer and Zulu Wars in particular. I came over to watch your Battle of Imjin River because 5 of my years in the Marine Corps I was stationed in Hawaii (I know, tough duty). Every winter for 4 of those 5 years my unit would temporarily deploy to Korea and set up North of the Imjin River just South of the DMZ. We set up 5 - 8 man listening and observation posts on several of those same hills, while the main unit would be encamped at a temporary base near the Imjin Bridge that we would patrol out of. Bitter cold and deep snow and ice. The US Marine Corps has always been big into tradition and history, part of our predeployment training and briefings include the story of the Glosters and why the hill was named that while the others were named for their heights.
From an American cousin across the pond; we love our British brothers and sisters! Since even before the empire, Britain has given much good to the world including her contribution in the Korean War. My grandfather served in the US Navy and once on a visit with other veterans of the conflict to the Korean War memorial in DC. They were approached by several women from South Korea who tearfully thanked them for the gift of freedom they received due to their service. My grandfather used to tear up every time he recounted the story. Thanks to all who served. And particularly in this context to the British and the Glorious Glosters. 🇬🇧
Worked in Gloucester in the late 80s. Having lunch outside the cathedral one day. Popped into the cathedral. Incredible tributes to the Glorious Glosters throughout. Flags, ledgers & memorials. Very touching.
As a rank-and-file professional soldier, Bill Speakman, who has died aged 90, won the Victoria Cross in the Korean war with a sustained display of indomitable personal bravery of a kind no writer of fiction would have dared to invent. He spent much of his later life trying with varied success to live down the resulting fame.
Great video Chris. The story is one I know well as my own father was captured at the Imjim. He was one of the reservists recalled after WW2, with just 3 months to go before his removal from the reserve list. After the battle, he was marched along with the other prisoners up to China and he was a member of the "Escape Committee" formed by the men. Because he was reckoned to be a "bad boy" by the Chinese he spent many months in boxes in solitary confinement. His story is told in a couple of books written by soldiers who were there, notably "No Rice For Rebels" After his release from Bullo, he went back to the UK on the Astorias and was interviewed by Pathe news at Southampton. The video of the interview is one of my treasured possessions along with a copy of a Singaporean Newspaper publication in which he recalled his experiences at the hands of the Chinese. Dad, like all of his generation was a private man and never spoke to us about his experiences, it was only after his passing we began to find out more of what he had endured. Hopefully with guys like yourself retelling the Imjim story, their memories will be kept alive. I can email you copies of the newspaper if you would like them. Write to me at; bazzalin@gmail.com
Barry, thank you so much for sharing. So many people have shared personal stories about relatives who fought in the Korean War. Would love to see the newspaper article so I will send you an email. Chris
There was a Fusilier i think his name was Kinsey or Kinnersley who was a POW an one of those rebels, i believe he won the George medal or George Cross for resisting the Chinese.
@@robshirewood5060 Hi Rob, the guys name was Derek Kinne and he did indeed receive the George Cross. He underwent horrific brutal treatment from the Chinese for attempting to escape. Derek Godfrey Kinne, was in the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. He was a volunteer who had joined up to avenge the death of his brother earlier on in the Korean war. He has a page in WIKIPEDIA (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Kinne). You can also find mention of him in the books No Mercy, No Leniency, and " No Rice For Rebels". If you can find a copy he also wrote his memoirs of the time in the book "The Wooden Boxes". If you can find a reasonably priced copy let me know! He died in 2018.
@@barryupjohn8258 I did him an injustice, i should have remembered his name, for which i apologise, he deserves that much. Thanks for the update and the information i will search for those books. I remembered him from an old boys comic my dad left me, where he was being interrogated/tortured and one of the guards hit him with the rifle butt, the barrel towards himself, which went off and killed the evil B, it stuck in my mind. I never knew he had lost a brother, a brave man to join after the loss and a braver man for what he suffered and endured. I am glad he had a long life after all that. Thanks again, stay safe. If i find the book i will certainly let you know.
@@robshirewood5060 I found a UA-cam video about the Korean War which features Derek. Mainly American but still a good watch. Here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/hi6UOey-YAw/v-deo.html
Thanks for highlighting this battle, great delivery and very well presented. 👏 And thanks to all the servicemen who served in this conflict, so many brave men lost their lives in this particularly bloody conflict - never forget.
Well done sir, thanks for sharing this with us all, my great uncle served on the river Imjin with the Royal Ulster Rifles ,despite being a POW made it back to Ireland,,best wishes from the wirral peninsula bounded by the mersey and the Dee and the Irish sea,geography and rhyme...E...ps just subscribed..
@@TheHistoryChap back in the day when us NHS staff were allowed to wear our hospital badges with pride, mine has a wheatsheaf motif depicting our Cheshire heritage....this was for Clatterbridge hospital...Mrs C still has her old United Liverpool hospital badge too...keep up with the great work that you do....cheers/slainte.....E
I had the fortune of looking after a Korean War veteran who served in the royal green jackets back in 1951. He unfortunately had started to decline due to dementia so a lot of the things that he saw gave him very vivid flashbacks. So he would say that he could hear his squad mates move above him when he was trying to sleep, as he thought that he was on the transport ship on the way there. He also hated loud noises because he was manning a bunker and Chinese soldier throw a grenade in and almost deafened him. Nothing but respect for those who Fought in the “forgotten war”
Matthew I’m glad he had someone like you to look after him in his later years and I’m sure that wouldn’t have been easy. Dementia is such a difficult thing to deal with when you see it rob those you respect of their reason
A sadly forgotten conflict. I grew up watching MASH and thankfully it got me curious about the war. I have been to Korea twice also and the DMZ and now know a fair amount about the war, but like all wars learn something new everyday. So thank you for sharing the video
Superb video I’m 33 I leaned about the Korean War from my stepdad who was amazing at history he never served in the military but we both loved history he taught me if the last stand of the Gloseter Regiment ! Sadly my step dad died In January 2022 and I will miss him and miss out talks and learning from him. It’s funny watching these videos reminds me so much of him and what he taught me ! RIP Mike still love you and I miss you everyday !
Thank you for your superb description of the events at Imjin river! I'm something of a history buff and am surprised I've never heard of this heroic battle. You, sir, are a natural story teller (audio books would be well received). I've subscribed!
Haven't read the book but was aware that he served in Korea. If you enjoyed, then please make sure to subscribe for future videos. ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
I was a volunteer at a museum in the late 90's with someone who fought with the Gloucesters at Imjin, it still haunted him and he couldn't talk about it without breaking down.
My late father-in-law was with 45th Field Regiment R.A. providing fire support for the infantry battalions at the Imjin. He never spoke very much about his service in the Korean War or previously in India and Burma in WW2. Too many memories.
My uncle Vernon was at Imjin River. A veteran of WW2 and a time served member of the SAS. Trained as a cook he told of a Chinese soldier who got into his kitchen only to be met wirh pan full of boiling cooking oil. Gone now but often wondered if there were still veterans who knew him but, too many years have passed now. RIP and thanks to all those who served in that often forgotten war
Over my seven tours of duty in the ROK with the U.S. Army I've visited Gloster Hill several times. It's not far from a major American training area known as Twin Bridges; which is how I found it. I'm sure it was the original dirt trail meandering along a small creek in the narrow thin valley we were driving along. Out of nowhere, in the middle of nowhere, all of a sudden, you see flag poles. Just flag poles: ROK, UN, UK flying high. Later, on the official military maps, I was able to locate it specifically and found it marked "Monument to the Loyal Dead"! How beautifully poetic? On my third tour of duty there, one of my Officers had been tasked with a research project so she could lead a terrain walk of the battlefield. As I was considered an old hand, she asked me if I knew anything about the battle. At the time, all I knew was there was a British flag flying out there near the Imjin River. I showed her where on the map and let her get on with it: I was busy with my own duties but in hindsight, I wish I'd grabbed a HMMWV and driven her out there myself. Later on, I'd take my troops out there to visit the Memorial and bear witness to their battlefield. West Point and ROTC Cadets on their Summer Troop Leadership Training, too. When you're standing there, looking up at that massive hill, you wonder how they managed to get up it carrying combat loads. We knew the answer easily enough; because they had to! Grateful that I never had to but in awe of those who did!
Jacob, Thank you for sharing your experiences, I enjoyed reading about them. Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos. ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
Those Brits where real men. My Dad, a Marine vet of WW2, fought at Inchon and Chosin in the First Marine division. This is why I despise the TV series M.A.S.H. The show constantly belittles the war, ignoring how the sacrifice of the Western troops saved South Korea ending up like North Korean. The show also downplays how cruel the NK and Chinese communists were, playing the McCarthyism theme of making a big deal over nothing.
@@vitosanto3874 The author, movies, and series then should have been located in Vietnam. It's misleads the historically uninitiated about the Korea war.
The first time I heard of this was when i was 14. I got chatting to a man about 20 years ago. He was there and was serving with the Northumberland fusiliers. It was really amazing listening to his first hand account.
I conducted a couple of staff rides for US Army personnel at Gloster Hill. During one I was honored to meet a veteran of the battle who had been captured. This was in 2013. Standing on the ground is a harrowing experience.
My Late dad was Reme attached to the Irish Hussars , he was at the imjin river as part of a listening patrol the night before the Chinese came across in their thousands. He often talked about the Glorious Glosters and also knew Bill Speakman from the royal highland regiment. He always said ''the stand that the Glosters did saved many lives as everyone was retreating, the sacrifice they made as others saved many more lives' Never forget the men of 29 brigade , never forget the Glosters.
Dave, Thank you for sharing that story about your dad. Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos. ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
My late uncle Len Harris was there too, REME attached to a tank unit. He came home, but I think went back there most nights as he suffered terribly from PTSD due to the things he saw and could never forget.
An excellent presentation of a period in history which as you said is largely forgotten about and of the only regiment in the British Army that was allowed to wear two cap badges. One at the front and one at the back to honour their participation in the Napoleonic Wars.
My dad was attached to the Gloucesters when he served in Egypt. His buddies were survivors of the Battle of the Imjim river. One thing not mentioned here was the American airstrike was so close in that they dropped their ordinance actually on the Gloucesters positions killing many. The Gloucesters were also the only regiment to wear their capbadges on both the front AND back if their berets, to remember the two times the regiment fought back to back (Imjim in 1951 and Sudan in 1895).
Lawrence, Thank you for sharing the story about your dad and of the USAF strike. Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
Surely the "Back Badge" tradition dates from the Battle of Alexandria (Egypt, hence the Sphinx), 21st March 1801, during the Napoleonic Wars. The Gloucestershire Regiment inherited the Honour from the 28th Foot. 21st March was "Back Badge Day" in the RGBW , I don't know if it still remains in amalgamated RIFLES.
@@denisrobertmay875 I just checked and you're right, it does. The BBC also says the Rifles have inherited the tradition of the back badge for ceremonial purposes.
You are correct in your summation that it is a forgotten conflict in history, largely overshadowed by WWII and the Vietnam War. However for the veterans, I'm sure they will never forget the horrors endured in the name of liberty. Vaya con Dios y en paz descansen.
I served in the 15th USAFAD in Paderborn @ Barker Barracks, supporting the 45 Field Regt. At that time the 176 “IMJIN” Battery had traded in their mortars for M109 155mm SP guns. The 176 was also entitled to wear their Presidential Unit Citation for their support of the Glorious Gloucesters. Each year on Saint George’s Day, they hold a honor parade where the Citation is read aloud to the assembled Batterymen. I attended two of these ceremonies.
I was in C troop 170 bty 45 Medium Regt RA based in Barker barracks Paderborn in 1972, yes we had traded the mortars for M109 155mm SP. imjin parade on St Georgia's day was a special day for us. I have the citation on my uniform. I can remember the USAFD. Glad you were able to attend two of our parades. Unfortunately Barker Barracks are an empty deserted place now. Both of us will have some good memories of Paderborn.
That was an excellent video. I appreciate your presentation. I used to live due east of Gloster Hill in the city of Dongducheon. I have visited that memorial twice in the last 26 years. Now I live near Hill 180, another famous battle featuring a bayonet charge.
@@TheHistoryChap I already have joined your History channel and I might add, it is definitely one of the smartest decisions I’ve made in recent memory!
During my tour in Korea in 1988 we had an opportunity to conduct a guided terrain walk by the British. They have a monument in remembrance of those brave men.
The Korean war is not forgtten by all. It is near and dear ro me. I was in high school but a buddy's brother was taken prisnr very eearly and never seen or heard from again. I eventually served two tours in Korea, some of the most memorable times of my life. No, it is not forgotten.
Yet another great recount of a fascinating piece of military history, thanks Chris well told, thanks to you those soldiers are not forgotten, lest we forget.
Astounding Inspirational Presentation, I Thoroughly Thank You for this most compelling description of this Heroism! God Bless these men who give us this courage summoning example! .
as a South Korean, i want to thank the UK and the other countries who came to aid us during the war. we South Koreans have a huge debt and we will never forget the blood we shed together on this soil. thank you
Thank you for posting those nice words.
South Korea is under occupation
Thank You sir. The North should never have been 'given' to the USSR!
Well said Sir.
Thank you
I am born and raised in Korea. Because of the courage of these men, I am able to enjoy my freedom.
Thank you hero’s of Glorious Gloucesters, we are ever so grateful. God bless.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Sir. The Allied countries may forget. May your young people be taught to always remember. God bless South Korea.
@@TheHistoryChap It's kinda sad that #MASH is just about the only way this war was noted in Western popular culture. Koreans make movies about it, the West not so much.
You are a puppet state, what freedom? How is freedom for Korean workers? How them legendary riots be?
@@aclark903Celebrated actor ,Michael Cain served in Korea, and appeared in a British film about Korea....called...A hill in Korea..!!..
About eight years ago, coming out of Homebase in Newmarket, I was engaged by a very elderly gentleman attracted to the Royal Navy air squadron badges on the sleeves of my motorcycle jacket. Whilst I took off my helmet, he asked after the details of my Navy career, listening with enormous interest as I told of that, and the Army career that followed. After ten minutes of me doing most of the talking, he explained that he was in the Glosters during the Korean War. I stopped him completely by asking "Were you at Imjin River?" Seemingly amazed that anyone should still know of this he spent the next 45 minutes relating the detail of that night on 235. They threw bean tins at the enemy, to mimic grenades, he took a pistol round in his ankle, smashing it, shot dead the Chinese officer responsible, started the engagement as a Private, and by 0700 following, was a full Corporal. When so ordered, he withdrew with help, and made friendly lines, where his field promotion was confirmed. My flowing tears interrupted my ride home, and they were nothing to do with the wind in my face. I made his day by remembering the battle. He made mine by sharing his part in it.
Thankyou for making this video.
Bob Freestone
Lt.( Ret), Royal Anglian Regmt.
Thanks for sharing that. 🙏
Bob, thank you so much for sharing your story.
Outstanding!
Superb Sir Superb
What a great encounter...thank you for sharing this with us all,best wishes from the wirral...
A few years ago, I had the privilege of conducting the funeral of a veteran of the Battle of Imjin River. He was captured and spent two years in a North Korean POW Camp; returning to the UK via Japan in September 1953. The man was a hero and spent the rest of his life living in Devon, making the lives of those around him more enjoyable. RIP Archie.
Robert, thanks for sharing. RIP Archie.
I’m an American, so I have no relatives who took part in this heroic action that I’m aware of. I just wanted to comment and show my respect for those brave British troops who did. I did have two uncles and a father-in-law who fought in the Korean War, and my father was a flight engineer on a B17 flying out of England during WWII. I am 62 and never served in the military, but I have a deep appreciation and respect for those that did and having done so, helped me and so many others live a life of freedom.
Our generation is so lucky to have never HAD to fight a war. And you're so right about lives of freedom. Seventy years later and hundreds of thousands of poor kids and young men in some other countries are being conscripted and forced to fight in a war they're totally against, because they don't have the same basic freedoms that our countries' governments have afforded us.
We served so hopefully our children and grandchildren would be able to build a world without war.
Honor us by attempting to reach that goal.
Remember the sacrifice of those who served AND remember the duplicity and Hypocrisy of those who Sent us
Peace and prosperity Through responsibilities
Grateful for your comment.
I live near a former US Air base that was used by the USAAF during WW2 and the Cold War. It was called "RAF Burtonwood".
Over 70% of the B-17s ever built had undergone maintenance and repairs at RAF Burtonwood at least once.
The base is no longer there as it was demolished in the 1990s, but there are still reminders. In the 2000s, a suburban neighbourhood was built on the land where the base used to be and all the streets are named after American states and cities. Boston Blvd, Minnesota Drive, Dallas Drive, Oklahoma Blvd, Detroit Close, Ohio Grove, etc are some examples. There's even a street called "Liberty Close" too which is very fitting.
There's a pretty good chance that your father-in-law actually flew his B-17 into Burtonwood air base for repairs/maintenance. I think that's pretty cool.
I think it's great that we've paid respects to the Americans who fought for our country by naming all the streets after American cities/states. It serves as a nice reminder of what America did for us during WW2.
Thanks Greg. Shoulder to shoulder. 🇬🇧🇺🇸
I was very fortunate to represent the British Community in Seoul on the annual reunion of the Glorious Gloucesters. Meeting survivors was a humbling and sobering experience. They told wonderful stories. Most of the the national service boys had their 18th birthday on the boat over to Incheon, that was the reality.
Thanks for sharing that memory.
If you enjoyed my story please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
Still happening in Northern Ireland and elsewhere. My mate flew out on a night flight to Belfast and by the time he landed, he was 18 :-)
We are still paying for not finishing that war. The UN is happy for a truce. The other side is happy as well, but for a different reason. They have never stopped reorganizing. Communism is not dead. It's spreading again. Maybe some day in the future the good will vanquish the enemy completely. If not, hold on to your hats. History repeats itself.
Xxxx zzz's C$
There’s a British community in South Korea ? I didn’t know that. ??
My uncle won a silver star for his actions at the battle of the Imjin river during this episode with the Gloucesters. He was in the Belgian contingent and thèy fought like true lions covering the retreat of the other troops,almost surrounded etc...
I sadly never hear anything about their brave stand in documentarys or barely à mention.
We know all about the brave Belgians in this house, my great uncle served on the river Imjin with the Royal Ulster Rifles, survived being a POW and made it back to Ireland, lived his life without rancour or bitterness, peace and love from the wirral peninsula...
Thanks for commenting Dimitri. As you say the Belgians fought like lions.
Its the same with what happened with the Fighting Filipinos when their Puerto Rican and Turkish Left and Rights withdrew leaving them trapped and surrounded by the Chinese Communists. They held their line earning their combatants the highest medal of the land.
A true hero. Thanks for his services. From Canada 🇨🇦
@@eamonnclabby7067 loopppp
Thank you very much for this video. I’m from Gloucestershire and my Grandad was in the Gloucester Regiment . He never really spoke of it - after he passed away a few years ago, I found out he was a medic in this battle and managed to rescue wounded soldiers and escape. ❤️
Thanks so much for sharing your family story.
RIP your Grandfather NatureFae. Be proud of his memory for he clearly was a gallant soldier, sometimes the medics have the hardest job when engaged with the enemy, and this obviously was the case for your grandad here.
Don "Lofty" Large was a soldier in the battle with the Gloucestershire Regiment and a pow for 2 years, after, wounded too. He wrote a book called One Man's War in Korea, was later a Squadron Sergeant Major in the SAS wrote another book One Man's SAS, they can be found together as a compilation in one book too. They are well worth reading. He was one superb soldier.
Brave, forgotten heroes - sadly remembered more by the South Korean nation than in Britain. I knew their history, and it is our duty to spread the word, so their heroism & courage live on. RIP to the Glorious Gloucester’s.
Graeme,
Thank you for those thoughtful words.
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
Of course, they saved Koreans, they didn't defend their homeland.
@@mushroom11g55
How well are those who fought the "Battle of Britain" remembered at home, now days.?
I know I as an American GI when I traveled the world I was better treated away from the USA by those we liberated than at home.
Peace ✌ ☮
@@mikemarthaller8789 that was 100 years ago, nobody remembers any soldier from 100 years ago unless they won a medal of honor.
@@mushroom11g55 Actually 72 year's ago
I "Partly agree" on the other hand in Europe every year there are many commerations of the Allies freeing from them the Nazi apmx 80 years ago. In Holland families still care for individual graves of allied troops with reverence and teach the youth of what it was like under the Nazis and sacrifice the Allies made to liberate them.
As I read the comments herein I also note many who have been in Korea and younger Koreans who still remember.
A note" to your younger generation from the past.
I had a relative by marriage whose family home was Normandy France. On 6 June 1944 as a 14 year old teen ager he saved his 6 year old nephew from a water filled shell hole near the home, BTW his family home had been commandeered by the Nazis in 1941.
He as a youth helped the French underground fight the Nazis
I asked him how the French people felt about the destruction by the Allies during the "D" day invasion
"It was horrible he said, BUT it was worth it to get rid of the Nazi.
Peace and prosperity Through responsibilities 🙏
Somewhere I read that one of the Glousters recalled that after the battle. They met a Chinese officer who looked at them and then said something to the extent of "You are British. 10000 miles from home and you fight like this. God help anyone who invades England"
Hi Alan,
I hadn't heard that story but I like it!
Thanks for watching and sharing.
That was then. Indeed, the Brits used to know exactly what to do with traitors and invaders. Now, they give them council housing, funds, schooling, and look the other way as their daughters are groomed for service.
Reading your comment brought a tears of pride to my eyes, may the fallen rest forever in peace
Now you know why Hitler gave us a swerve,,,,
The Commonwealth brigade stood alongside the Americans and then i think the Turks next to the Brits stretching across Sth Korea. When asked by a commentator what he thought of the Brits next door, General McCarthur replied " When i go to bed at night facing the north, on my left is the Ocean and on my right are the Brits, when i wake up in the morning i know that they will both still be there" What a wonderful statement from such a great soldier.
Thank you to the brave British soldiers who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of Korean people.
Nice words.
Their free don didn’t last much time; now they are Samsung’s vassals! Wonderful
Thanks for this video. As a Canadian, I am proud that Canada joined with Great Britain, USA, UN, etc., to help keep South Korea free. And I can see by the comments below that those currently living in South Korea, appreciate the sacrifice.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching
Canada joined the Australian force, as did Britain, New Zealand, India and South Africa.
Sir Michael Caine was a private in this war. He's spoken about his experience of being cut off miles behind the Chinese lines. He and some other squaddies decided to crawl back through the Chinese foxholes and get back to their own lines. They all had a pee and set off. The squaddies were so close to the Chinese, they could smell the garlic on the breath of the enemy. He and the others got back by the skin of their teeth. Sir Michael has said, since that experience, he has never really been frightened of anything since.
It was a place called the hook.
Hi Ray,
Thanks for sharing that story.
Chris
You forgot to add- not a lot of people know that
@@paulharrison3926 Mr. Caine blew some doors off on the way.
And he was outnumbered at Rorke's Drift - Quite the Soldier ; )
I am an American citizen and I am thankful for England doing its part fighting alongside the United States in the Korean War. These Englishmen who fought it this war were very brave and I commend them for doing their part. These Englishmen who fought in this war should always be given their honors for their will to fight and dace the enemy. My country owes it to them. I am proud of our U.S. service men and England's service men for their participation in fighting in the Korean war. Thank You! Untied Kingdom and the United States!
John,
Thank you for posting that wonderful comment.
My dad was in Korea and was Scottish
@@finnyyrw! I am proud of him and my support goes to your dad and to you. I am an American and you and your father have my praise. My heart goes to you and your family and your country from me. Thank you for sharing it with me.
@@johnkramer7018 I think what @finnyyrw was trying to say is that the United Kingdom and England are not the same and should not be confused as such (though many foreigners often do that).
There is no English Army, it is the British Army comprised of English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish (and sometimes others like Nepalese and Fijians) - all of which can be represented in the same regiment.
@@johnkramer7018 Yes, he was just saying its the British Army. Thank you for your heartfelt comments John
One of the most lovely things to come out of the Battle of Imjin River is the St George's Day parade that happens in memory of it in Seoul (as the battle was 22nd to 25th April). It's organised jointly by the ROK army and the British Embassy in Seoul and the surviving members of the Glocesters are the guests of honour. Genuinely beautiful
What a way to remember them. Thanks for sharing
@@TheHistoryChap it's really beautiful to see how they are remembered by the people that ultimately mattered the most - the folks of Seoul. It's a beautiful parade too
I was a Lieutenant stationed with the 2nd Div, 9th Inf regiment North of Moonsan at the Imjin River in 1972. We had a ROK unit south of us that invited us officers in B company to dinner one weekend. It was during drinks that the ROK officers told of this battle I had never heard of. The Koreans spoke with admiration and reverence of this British unit and offered to take us to the area if we wanted to visit it. They stated that there were monuments around and that a sealed up cave held the bodies of British dead. Well, we never got to make the trip, and it was not until I got on this FB page that I found the account of the incident. Very heroic stand....and may I add...very British. You guys have always been great soldiers.
Hi Richard, thanks for sharing that story.
If you enjoyed this talk then please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
Chris
Thank God we've been able to count the UK as an ally to America. May the inspiration they give us to follow their valor be as magnificent as the worth of their supreme sacrifices and forgotten individual acts of heroism in the face of overwhelming odds and bitter combat.
Thanks for your kind words.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
.
Don't count on it if you continue to abuse and exploit the relationship using it only for your own ends. The British are not naturally fond of America or Americans
@@henalihenali So the UK is altruistic and doesn't look after its' own self interest? That's a crock. Try the French for a better ally. Those British who are "not naturally fond of" America can go their own way as Britain is overrun with a horde of angry "Asians". Yes rely on the French. I think you loved us when we were allies and helping to feed & arm the UK.
I am Chinese and have a strong interest in the history of the Korean War, having conducted extensive reading and research on the topic. Based on the Chinese historical materials I've reviewed, the Chinese military holds the British forces in high regard for their tactical proficiency. My grandfather also participated in this war; he was part of the PVA 50th Army. During the defensive battles on the south bank of the Han River, they faced the unmatched naval and aerial superiority of the UN forces and suffered casualties of 30-40%， about 12000-15000 men . May peace prevail!
Thanks so much for taking the time to share. History can be a great unifier instead of a divider.
@@TheHistoryChap Thank you, hope we can learn something from history .
I was trying to research the Chinese 63rd army which participated here. After travelling thru China as a tourist I was wondering which regions these men hailed from, what lives they lived before they were also used as cannon fodder by their own commanders. Brave men on both sides.
@
These soldiers were ordinary Chinese people. Due to years of war and poverty, most had only limited education and, because of malnutrition, were not as physically robust or tall as Western soldiers. However, their fighting spirit was stronger than that of the United Nations forces, as they believed that if Korea were lost, China's homeland would face an immediate threat and invasion. Furthermore, after more than a decade of fighting in the war against Japan and the civil war, these soldiers had developed exceptional tactical skills.
@
Referring to them as "cannon fodder" does not do justice to their resilience and determination. If they were merely "cannon fodder," then what would that make of the Glosters who were ultimately defeated by them? It’s important to recognize that these soldiers, though ordinary, displayed remarkable strength and tactical skill, earning respect for their courageous stand.
An acquaintance of mine was in the Dorsets when they fought the rearguard action at Dunkirk. He was captures by the Germans and spent the rest of the war as a POW. Upon liberation and return to civvy Street he was recalled to the colours in 1950 to serve in the Gloucesters at their last stand. Again He was made a POW and spent almost two years as a guest if the Chinese. Not only did he take part in two desperate battles but, as he said, spent seven years in prison having never committed a criminal offence!
What a Brave man if he is still with us God Bless Him if he has passed on may he RIP .
Hi Nick,
Thanks for taking the time to share your story.
It is amazing just how many people have a tale to tell following this video.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
I’d of told them to shove their recall up their arse. Unless he wanted to go of course, which I somehow believe he may of, old soldiers don’t die!.
Wow he sounds like a character from a monte python skit
@@alexmccrorie4195 k
Spent nearly 18 months on the DMZ in the 1970s, and being on the Imjin River was still no time for amateurs. Visited Gloster Hill several times and always overwhelmed by what the Glorious Glosters achieved - they were magnificent. Strong, well-sited defense which the held at all costs against overwhelming odds until ordered to make their way back as best they could. They accomplished the impossible which allowed for the rest of the British 29th Brigade to cross the Imjin and regroup without being trapped by the Chinese. Even in Chinese captivity, the Glosters still continued to resist. Incredible men accomplishing an incredible feat.
Henry, thanks for sharing.
Served up there with 2nd Bn 38th Infantry 2nd Infantry Division. Camp Blue Lancer Valley. Was small monument on hill overlooking base. That Was back in 69
My late father Philip Barker fought in the battle commanding a mortar platoon, and was one of the very few to escape and make it back to friendly forces. He was later tasked with supervising the recovery of the bodies, which I think had a profound effect on him all his life. This was in the days when PTSD didn’t exist. He very rarely talked about his experience of the battle.
Thanks for taking the time to share that personal story.
My uncle was in Normandy in 1944 and only started to talk about it in his 90's.
If you enjoyed please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
I recently read of US troops, both genders, tasked with collecting human remains in Afghanistan. Harrowing is not a descriptive enough word!
War is Hell.
Was he glosters or one of the other regiments mate? My great uncle was a private in mortars of the glosters
@@maxchell2922 Yes, he was in the Glosters and remained in the Regiment serving in Malaysia, Kenya, and Germany, Cyprus and UK. I donated some of his regiment-related memorabilia to the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum.
I was unaware of this stand. Magnificent. I had an uncle in the US Army in Korea. He was home to bury my grandfather in 52. A week later he was back in Korea. He learned that when he was gone, his entire squad…his buddies…were wiped out. He was never the same. God bless ALL those young men who defended ROK. 🇺🇸🦅🇬🇧
Jim, thanks for sharing about your Uncle. God bless them all.
My late father was US Army in Korea. Bronze Star, Purple Heart with oak leaves (wounded in action twice). Severe PTSD. He wouldn't talk much about the experience. Thanks, History Chap!
Daryl,
Thanks for sharing and I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
When I joined the Glosters in 1983 I was 19 years old and the Imjin veterans would’ve been in their late 50’s. Now I’m 58 and most of them have since passed. We all fight a battle with time.
Many thanks for that poignant comment.
I've been to Gloster Hill itself, some 30 years ago during my tour in the ROK with the US Army. We went with the intent to look for artifacts, so went piled into a Humvee with a mine detector, our E-tools and some MREs. When we got there we discovered the ROK Army had possession of most of the hill and had dug trenches all over it. We requested, and received, permission to scale the hill and look around. We spent most of the afternoon sweeping and digging, finding English and Chinese rifle casings, shell fragments, grenade pins and Enfield stripper clips. Afterwards, we visited the Korean Memorial at the base of the hill. It was my privilege to explore the ground and pay homage to the brave men who held out against such overwhelming odds. I'll never forget that day.
Thank you for sharing those experiences and thoughts..
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
Definitely on my bucket list too...
Not english British it is must not forget very important
UK forces were there, not only English
and imho the Humvee is crap vs. the MUTT -- so wide that the travel path is predictable to any IED placer; so enclosed as to reduce Situational Awareness + sympathy from local civilian people
(a WW2 Willys MB in my profile pic; ex-North Africa it has a large 2nd non-standard gas tank under the passenger seat)
The Korean War is often forgotten here in the US too sadly. I’m pretty knowledgeable of military history but I’ll be honest, this is the first time I have heard of the British final stand in Korea. So thank you for posting this.
I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
I agree. I'm a military history buff and most of what you find about the Korean war involves the Chosin Reservoir. It was great to hear some of history of our British allies.
This is true, about it being a forgotten war here in the the U.S. as well. My father told me that not all of the Chinese soldiers had weapons, they had ammo, so when the men in the first wave fell, the unarmed Chinese in the second wave picked up the weapons and continued the attack.
Thank you for this video, I did not know of the British final stand.
The units involved were awarded the US Presidential Citation to wear on the uniforms originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the uniformed services of the United States, and those of allied countries, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941
@@bocanning6811 at puson were truck drivers, cooks, band members, etc. boots on the ground to slow n. korean soldiers down. koreans were even oicking up american arms from dead soldiers. a friend of mine was an army pilot flying generals around japan when war started. he was a colonel but was with common soldiers on ground when shot in the back with an m-1 garand rifle. the war took two years out of my life as well as my brother two years my senior who got hit in a leg.
as one put it: ww-1 and ww-2 had many songs during the era, however there are no songs about korea, the forgotten war.
In 1986 I and other officers of our brigade did a terrain walk of the battlefield. So I am still able to picture the ground where the battle occurred. The one detail you did not mention was the escape of one company by going North and moving behind the Chinese to safety. Still a monument to courage, discipline and skill.
Thanks for sharing.
My father fought in Korea he was with the Queens Own Highlanders. He didn't talk much about the conflict. My uncle explained dad lost many good friends one night when they got fire bombed when sleeping. I was told he suffered terrible nightmares about the horror he witnessed and being powerless to help his trapped brothers in arms. Such brave men. Never Forgotten
Martin, thank you for sharing that poignant story.
Far too many Korean war veterans remained silent about what they experienced.
Sad, because their stories died with them.
Such a great video. My father was wounded in Korea in 1953. He served in the US Army. He was fighting with good allies, good men.
They're still remembered in Gloucestershire. There's an Imjin Barracks just outside Gloucester. The Glosters were awarded the back badge in recognition of them fighting in line back to back at the Battle of Alexandria. If you go to the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum in Gloucester you'll hear the song "The Glorious Glosters" playing. The chorus goes,
We are the Glorious Glosters
Famed for our attack
From Korea to Alexandria
Fighting back to back
When we have served our country
And answered the trumpets call
Take us home to Gloucestershire
Most glorious land of all
Thanks for sharing. The museum is a worthwhile visit.
No person could ever doubt the heroism and resolve of British Troops, but heroic events like this only go to show their exceptionalism, The Glosters being among the most notable.
Thank you for your kind words.
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
I'm from the county of Northumberland and would like to offer my thanks to the Belgians. Many families in my county are very grateful to you and your actions.
Nice words. I will cover both those units in the future.
Awesome bravery and courage boldly demonstrated! Very well presented, my friend. I know something of war, with 10 years of U.S. Army service and deployment to Iraq in 2005. So, I can relate on a certain level, but those Glousters set a new kind of guts! Makes me proud to be their brother in arms!
There were Belgians and Ulstermen there too in their respective battalions...check out ...To the last round..a must read..
I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
@@TheHistoryChap Shame that you didn't tell a full story of the other troops involved in this display of courage.
@@edwardrowland1853 indeed...
@@vincnetjones3037 this was about the Gloucester's that's why, stop being such a baby.
Just found your channel and subscribed. I'm an American but my late father was from Scotland. He and the men in the family were many Scots Guards, Black Watch and other UK Regiments in places like the Somme, Gallipoli and Malaya during the troubles in1948 I believe. I grew up hearing stories of British heroism and the last stand against overwhelming odds.
Great channel.
Hi Rob,Thanks for subscribing and sharing your family story.
I appreciate your support.
Chris
Wow, you have some heavy, hard strong blood in you for sure then, yes the British Army man for man is no joke.
임진강 전선의 영국군 용사들에게 존경과 감사를 보냅니다....Thank you so much~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!! from Seoul Korea ^^
Thank you for watching
My brother served his national service in Korea with REME, sent out there soon after basic training. He had 6 months more to serve when he got back to England, being a racing cyclist before the army he was put in the army team and won many races. He often remarked he got more recognition for cycling than for when he was fighting in Korea.
Great story. Thanks for sharing.
from your american cousins we are honored by your nations continued support and we feel a great deal of honor in see your courage and fortitude.
Many thanks, Randy.
As a soldier myself I often feel bad because of all the sacrifices soldiers make that are never recognized or are forgotten. Truely thank all of them for their service and the example these and others set for us to follow.
Thanks for those thoughts, Daniel.
The other sad bit is when we honour heroes immediately afterwards and then lose interest in them.
Check out what happened to the Victoria Cross winners at Rorke's Drift in this video:
ua-cam.com/video/5bVxlSVjjrQ/v-deo.html
I've seen it and one about the black week in the Boer war and the Pvt who lost his VC later with the pension it carries after he got into debt later.
Great video! I am from Ireland but served in the US Army back in the 90s. I volunteered to go to Korea for a year. It was one of the hardest years of my life but loved it. I was stationed at Camp Casey not far from the memorial for the Gloucesters but didn't know of its existence. I knew that the British fought in Korea because my Dad worked with a guy at British Telecom in London. I wish I knew more about the history of where we were training back then. Rough steep terrain and extremely harsh weather. Thank you for the video.
I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
So many personal stories coming out as a result of this video.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
My old man was just down the road with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. Very proud of him, he came back & served as a Police officer in Australia, Palestine & finally in London.
Hi Paul,
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
@@TheHistoryChap Anytime, I watched an excellent piece from a chap called Andrew Salmon. You could see in the distance roughly where my old man was, it was very emotional. The only things he mentioned about his time in Korea was the weather 😂 & the R&R in Japan, Michiko was her name apparently 😇. I love channels like yours, keep it up mate 👏🏼
My dad was in y company Northumberland fusiliers and fought there
@@IanSmith-pi7gp One of my brothers in law’s, father in law (now that was a mouthful 😁) was in the Royal artillery supporting our Dad’s & he told me that they never fired so many shells in any previous or past engagement as that. Made me puff up with pride & rightly so, our Dad’s were so brave bless em.
@@papapabs175 the Northumberland fusiliers won a battle honour for that it's on the wall in the Northumberland fusiliers museum in Alnwick castle
As a Korean, I also would like to thank the UK and the many other nations that came to the defense of my country of birth. I am eternally grateful. God bless.
Nice comment.
Thanks for explaining this as a British man I never knew anything about this and feel rather sad that these brave souls are not honoured every year in some way thanks again
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
I believe the Koreans honor them every year.
They call the WW2 campaign in Asia the Forgotten War. The British establishment forget too many conflicts which is sad. Like the 'smaller/shorter wars'. Do they teach the modules at Sandhurst? Recall Korea round two in the late 60s? Tragic betrayal of Britons veterans.
Actually they are honoured each year on the 11th day of the 11th month at the Cenotaph, as are all British and Commonwealth soldiers from all the past wars and conflicts. There's also a memorial, a bronze statue of a British Army soldier gifted by the Korean people, which stands alongside the Thames on the Embankment. Like you though, I still know less about this war than the Vietnamese War for instance, where British involvement was minimal. On the other hand, Australia and New Zealand played quite considerable roles in both these conflicts.
My father fought in Korea and shamefully I knew nothing of the feats of the Gloucestershire Regiment. Thank you for reminding the world of their courage and sacrifice this day, April 25th, 2022 - 72 years and 1 day after accomplishing their mission.
David, Thanks for taking the time to comment.
This video seems to have brought a flurry of personal stories in the comments.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
@@TheHistoryChap Forgive me for failing to give kudos for a video well done. I shall most certainly subscribe to your fine video series.
Thanks for this video, I moved to Gloucester recently and see the name Imjin on signposts but never made the connection until now. That is a moving bit of military history and the story rightly deserves not to be forgotten.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Make sure you pop down to the Regimental museum at the docks, well worth it.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
As the grandson of a US marine who fought in Korea I am glad we have always had good allies.
Thank you for sharing those sentiments.
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
Nice to see in a recently screened movie "Retreat Hell" about the USMC that they give fine credit to the Royal Marines who helped them. I always remember a story told to me.....a young US Marine saw a Royal Marine walk past and turned to his Gunny, "Gunnery Sergeant who was that man with the Green beret and what do the letters RM on his shoulders mean?" The Gunnery Sergeant, a veteran of ww2 and Korea replied "Well son, he is a British Royal Marine Commando, and those letters stand for REAL MARINES, and if you ever manage to be one tenth as good, you will be a top class marine." Stay safe, and a salute to your grandfather and family.
My father, a career soldier in the US Army, fought in Korea in 52-53. For that matter, he fought in WWII and did two tours in Vietnam. Very occasionally when he entertained fellow veterans at our home the stories of his experiences would come forth. Otherwise he never spoke of his war experiences.
What a hard charger!!!
Many didn’t speak about it. Thanks for sharing
Here in America we are very proud of our British & European brothers and sisters and would stand with them until the end of time!
What bravery May God Bless you always 🙏
Thank you for those kind words.
@@TheHistoryChap you're quite welcome!
Had the pleasure of knowing Guy Temple, who commanded the patrol ambush, when he was the Trg Maj at GSUOTC . He told me one evening that, "the colour of the water in the river changed , because there was so much blood in it". This was noticeable at night time !
Anyone wanting to know more about this action should read the book "The Edge Of The Sword" by Gen. Anthony Farrar-Hockley. He was the Adjt during this battle and the book goes into his escape attempts and the cruel treatment British POWs had to endure.
Thanks for sharing that story Clive.
Agreed, I have that book and it is simply the best I have ever read about British soldiers in action and subsequently for many, in captivity. They were amazing.
Didn't the son of General Farrar-Hockley serve in the Falklands as a major with 2 Para in the attack on Goose Green?
@@boristhebarbarian Yes he did, you are correct, his son was a company commander at Goose Green.
Beautiful job done with this work, bought a tear to my eye imaging myself in the middle of that desperate battle. Thanks 🙏🏽
Thanks for our comment.
Thank you so much for posting this. I spent much time in observation posts on the banks of the southern Imjin in '69-'70 with the Second Infantry Division. I knew there had been major battles there but this was eye opening. My gratitude and great respect to these brave men.
I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
I knew a Korean War veteran very well, a very nice chap who became a great to our family.
He went into the Army as a boy soldier at 15 and was around 18 years old when he went to war in Korea.
He was in the REME attached to the Royal Artillery. He told me of the time when his 18 year old pal took a bullet to the head was killed outright, right next to him. He told me stories of the Glorious Gloucesters and their stand at the Imjim river along with many other memories. I also heard about the "re-education" of allied prisoners of war. The prisoners were instructed to give a talk in front of their comrades and the North Korean officers of how they regretted their actions. Obviously there was a bit of cultural misunderstanding, and the British soldiers would explain to those gathered around such phrases as "I've been a very naughty boy" (of course nobody was allowed to laugh!
He survived the war and had a long army career, 27 years in total rising to the rank of Warrant officer.He became an active member of the Sussex branch of the Korean Veterans Association, attending events at Buckingham Palace as well as various remembrance attendances throughout the country and abroad.He took my Mother on a trip to Korea as part of a significant anniversary along with other veterans, they were treated like royalty!
Sadly now passed on and greatly missed. In case anyone remembers him, his name was Anthony (Tony) William Hooper.
Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your story about someone who sounds like a real character.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
I spent 3 years stationed just north of the Imjin River with the 1st Battalion 31st Infantry and later the 1st Battalion 9th Infantry. The base was only about 5 miles west of where this battle took place. A lot of history there, thanks for telling this story.
My pleasure. This video has got a lot of people sharing their own experiences and those of family members / old colleagues.
What a wonderful retelling of such a heroic action. Thank you. I believe that Korea was the first outing for the Centurion MBT, a chap in our engineering department worked at Vickers whilst developing the Centurion, and a team of Engineers from Vickers went to Korea with the tanks David was supposed to go with them but he fell sick and stayed behind. None of that team from Vickers came back.
Thanks for sharing that poignant story.
@@TheHistoryChap..Fate can be capricious or kind...or both...cheers..E..
My brother was in the Gloucesters he told me they were the only regiment permitted to wear cap badges front and back of cap.due to fighting back to back.
this was when they fought off Napoleons forces in 1801 at the battle of Alexandria
That's correct and Morrie Hill explains why in his response.
My eldest brother Tom was in the Glousters at the battle of theImjin river,he talked about much , he joined me in the Merchant Navy and sometimes when we got pissed he`d tell me some stuff ,one was finding his mates hand in the glove ,that`s when the tears started.It`s no wonder these fellers never talked much about their time ,just 18 - 19 year olds and these feckin politicians that sent them needed hanging .
The Regimental Journal was called "The Back Badge", the RIFLES still wear it on all headdress except the Beret
@@robshirewood5060 In my opinion the 1st. Bn should be allowed to wear the back badge on their berets.
What you've done here is a fantastic rendering of the story. Thank you. Being an Aussie, I'd love to see what you could do with the story of the Battle of Kaypyong. Commonwealth forces, seriously outnumbered turning the tide of the war.
John, many thanks for your kind words. I will put Kapyong on my hit list. Please subscribe (and hit the bell icon when you do) so you don't miss it in the future.
I think that the two battles were fought on the same days. The Canadians on Hill 677 almost suffered the same fate as the Glosters, they ran out of ammunition and fortunately the Chinese did not launch a final assault.
John an Aussie here too, my dad was in Korea 2 times 1951 to 52 then again in 1954 , have a photo of him on the back of a usa tank with 4 other chaps as the tanks retreated heading back through the lines. Chinese onslaught was a just a bit much , Kapyong and later at Maryann San, yes the 3rd Battalion. He said it was a wonderful pace ( not ) if you didn't freeze to death, then if the Koreans got hold of you - you were as good as dead anyway. He always said that the kiwis with there artillery saved the day on many occasions - the 5 mile wonders they called them. Yes this chaps right the Chinese bugle calls 1000s of them, you could shoot dead 500 and 10 minutes later 500 more appeared, it was like a human suicide wave .
A member of my family fought in Korea and in this action: so very brave all of them and the Korean War must never be forgotten. Sincerely hope it never starts again.
Sadly, It is almost totally forgotten. It should not be.
Thank you for sharing.
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
That war is forgotten
My late brother fought in the Korean War . It wasn't until his later years that he opened up to me about the Chinese atrocities he had seen . 🇬🇧
So many of that generation were the same. Thanks for sharing.
21 years in US Marine Corps, I've always been interested in British Military History and Boer and Zulu Wars in particular. I came over to watch your Battle of Imjin River because 5 of my years in the Marine Corps I was stationed in Hawaii (I know, tough duty). Every winter for 4 of those 5 years my unit would temporarily deploy to Korea and set up North of the Imjin River just South of the DMZ. We set up 5 - 8 man listening and observation posts on several of those same hills, while the main unit would be encamped at a temporary base near the Imjin Bridge that we would patrol out of. Bitter cold and deep snow and ice.
The US Marine Corps has always been big into tradition and history, part of our predeployment training and briefings include the story of the Glosters and why the hill was named that while the others were named for their heights.
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to present your US Marine perspective
From an American cousin across the pond; we love our British brothers and sisters! Since even before the empire, Britain has given much good to the world including her contribution in the Korean War.
My grandfather served in the US Navy and once on a visit with other veterans of the conflict to the Korean War memorial in DC. They were approached by several women from South Korea who tearfully thanked them for the gift of freedom they received due to their service. My grandfather used to tear up every time he recounted the story.
Thanks to all who served. And particularly in this context to the British and the Glorious Glosters. 🇬🇧
Thanks for taking the time to post that thoughtful comment. Appreciated.
What about the North Korean Women ?? job was only half done 😐🤐
Worked in Gloucester in the late 80s. Having lunch outside the cathedral one day. Popped into the cathedral. Incredible tributes to the Glorious Glosters throughout. Flags, ledgers & memorials. Very touching.
Gloucester Cathedral is impressive. Site of only English coronation outside of Westminster Abbey since 1066.
Colours, not flags.
@@kevinnorthfield5097 No. Flags. Old Glory was even there.
As a rank-and-file professional soldier, Bill Speakman, who has died aged 90, won the Victoria Cross in the Korean war with a sustained display of indomitable personal bravery of a kind no writer of fiction would have dared to invent. He spent much of his later life trying with varied success to live down the resulting fame.
I will be covering Bill Speakman in the future. Join my newsletter so you don’t miss. www.thehistorychap.com
I have never heard of this battle being fought. May the gallantry of these men live on forever and may their souls rest in peace.
I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
Great video Chris. The story is one I know well as my own father was captured at the Imjim. He was one of the reservists recalled after WW2, with just 3 months to go before his removal from the reserve list. After the battle, he was marched along with the other prisoners up to China and he was a member of the "Escape Committee" formed by the men. Because he was reckoned to be a "bad boy" by the Chinese he spent many months in boxes in solitary confinement. His story is told in a couple of books written by soldiers who were there, notably "No Rice For Rebels" After his release from Bullo, he went back to the UK on the Astorias and was interviewed by Pathe news at Southampton. The video of the interview is one of my treasured possessions along with a copy of a Singaporean Newspaper publication in which he recalled his experiences at the hands of the Chinese. Dad, like all of his generation was a private man and never spoke to us about his experiences, it was only after his passing we began to find out more of what he had endured. Hopefully with guys like yourself retelling the Imjim story, their memories will be kept alive.
I can email you copies of the newspaper if you would like them. Write to me at; bazzalin@gmail.com
Barry, thank you so much for sharing.
So many people have shared personal stories about relatives who fought in the Korean War.
Would love to see the newspaper article so I will send you an email.
Chris
There was a Fusilier i think his name was Kinsey or Kinnersley who was a POW an one of those rebels, i believe he won the George medal or George Cross for resisting the Chinese.
@@robshirewood5060 Hi Rob, the guys name was Derek Kinne and he did indeed receive the George Cross. He underwent horrific brutal treatment from the Chinese for attempting to escape. Derek Godfrey Kinne, was in the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. He was a volunteer who had joined up to avenge the death of his brother earlier on in the Korean war.
He has a page in WIKIPEDIA (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Kinne). You can also find mention of him in the books No Mercy, No Leniency, and " No Rice For Rebels". If you can find a copy he also wrote his memoirs of the time in the book "The Wooden Boxes". If you can find a reasonably priced copy let me know! He died in 2018.
@@barryupjohn8258 I did him an injustice, i should have remembered his name, for which i apologise, he deserves that much. Thanks for the update and the information i will search for those books. I remembered him from an old boys comic my dad left me, where he was being interrogated/tortured and one of the guards hit him with the rifle butt, the barrel towards himself, which went off and killed the evil B, it stuck in my mind. I never knew he had lost a brother, a brave man to join after the loss and a braver man for what he suffered and endured. I am glad he had a long life after all that. Thanks again, stay safe. If i find the book i will certainly let you know.
@@robshirewood5060 I found a UA-cam video about the Korean War which features Derek. Mainly American but still a good watch. Here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/hi6UOey-YAw/v-deo.html
Thanks for highlighting this battle, great delivery and very well presented. 👏 And thanks to all the servicemen who served in this conflict, so many brave men lost their lives in this particularly bloody conflict - never forget.
Justin, thank you for your kind and thoughtful words.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
Chris
Well done sir, thanks for sharing this with us all, my great uncle served on the river Imjin with the Royal Ulster Rifles ,despite being a POW made it back to Ireland,,best wishes from the wirral peninsula bounded by the mersey and the Dee and the Irish sea,geography and rhyme...E...ps just subscribed..
Thanks for subscribing, I appreciate your support.
I am based in Cheshire!
@@TheHistoryChap back in the day when us NHS staff were allowed to wear our hospital badges with pride, mine has a wheatsheaf motif depicting our Cheshire heritage....this was for Clatterbridge hospital...Mrs C still has her old United Liverpool hospital badge too...keep up with the great work that you do....cheers/slainte.....E
As a former frontline soldier of the Prince Of Wales Division, I found this excellent. Subscribed, thanks for posting.
Thank you for your support.
My father was in the Korean War and he told me he helped to retrieve some of the Gloucesters wounded.
Thanks for sharing.
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
I had the fortune of looking after a Korean War veteran who served in the royal green jackets back in 1951. He unfortunately had started to decline due to dementia so a lot of the things that he saw gave him very vivid flashbacks. So he would say that he could hear his squad mates move above him when he was trying to sleep, as he thought that he was on the transport ship on the way there. He also hated loud noises because he was manning a bunker and Chinese soldier throw a grenade in and almost deafened him. Nothing but respect for those who Fought in the “forgotten war”
Matthew, thank you so much for sharing that story.
I have met a few Korean War veterans and they are such humble blokes.
Matthew I’m glad he had someone like you to look after him in his later years and I’m sure that wouldn’t have been easy. Dementia is such a difficult thing to deal with when you see it rob those you respect of their reason
A sadly forgotten conflict. I grew up watching MASH and thankfully it got me curious about the war. I have been to Korea twice also and the DMZ and now know a fair amount about the war, but like all wars learn something new everyday. So thank you for sharing the video
Superb video I’m 33 I leaned about the Korean War from my stepdad who was amazing at history he never served in the military but we both loved history he taught me if the last stand of the Gloseter Regiment !
Sadly my step dad died In January 2022 and I will miss him and miss out talks and learning from him. It’s funny watching these videos reminds me so much of him and what he taught me !
RIP Mike still love you and I miss you everyday !
Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you for your superb description of the events at Imjin river! I'm something of a history buff and am surprised I've never heard of this heroic battle. You, sir, are a natural story teller (audio books would be well received). I've subscribed!
Very kind of you
Michael Caine talks about Korean war in his autobiography, he served as an infantryman . Well worth a read.
Haven't read the book but was aware that he served in Korea.
If you enjoyed, then please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
I was a volunteer at a museum in the late 90's with someone who fought with the Gloucesters at Imjin, it still haunted him and he couldn't talk about it without breaking down.
Ian, I visited the museum recently...very good.
Thanks for commenting and please make sure you subscribe so that you don't miss any future videos.
Glosters
My late father-in-law was with 45th Field Regiment R.A. providing fire support for the infantry battalions at the Imjin. He never spoke very much about his service in the Korean War or previously in India and Burma in WW2. Too many memories.
Simon, Thank you for sharing about your father-in-law.
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
My uncle Vernon was at Imjin River. A veteran of WW2 and a time served member of the SAS. Trained as a cook he told of a Chinese soldier who got into his kitchen only to be met wirh pan full of boiling cooking oil. Gone now but often wondered if there were still veterans who knew him but, too many years have passed now. RIP and thanks to all those who served in that often forgotten war
What a great story about your Uncle Vernon. Thanks for taking the time to share
Over my seven tours of duty in the ROK with the U.S. Army I've visited Gloster Hill several times. It's not far from a major American training area known as Twin Bridges; which is how I found it. I'm sure it was the original dirt trail meandering along a small creek in the narrow thin valley we were driving along. Out of nowhere, in the middle of nowhere, all of a sudden, you see flag poles. Just flag poles: ROK, UN, UK flying high. Later, on the official military maps, I was able to locate it specifically and found it marked "Monument to the Loyal Dead"! How beautifully poetic? On my third tour of duty there, one of my Officers had been tasked with a research project so she could lead a terrain walk of the battlefield. As I was considered an old hand, she asked me if I knew anything about the battle. At the time, all I knew was there was a British flag flying out there near the Imjin River. I showed her where on the map and let her get on with it: I was busy with my own duties but in hindsight, I wish I'd grabbed a HMMWV and driven her out there myself. Later on, I'd take my troops out there to visit the Memorial and bear witness to their battlefield. West Point and ROTC Cadets on their Summer Troop Leadership Training, too. When you're standing there, looking up at that massive hill, you wonder how they managed to get up it carrying combat loads. We knew the answer easily enough; because they had to! Grateful that I never had to but in awe of those who did!
Jacob, Thank you for sharing your experiences, I enjoyed reading about them.
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
Enjoyed that read Jacob
Those Brits where real men. My Dad, a Marine vet of WW2, fought at Inchon and Chosin in the First Marine division.
This is why I despise the TV series M.A.S.H. The show constantly belittles the war, ignoring how the sacrifice of the Western troops saved South Korea ending up like North Korean. The show also downplays how cruel the NK and Chinese communists were, playing the McCarthyism theme of making a big deal over nothing.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
MASH is really about the war in Vietnam. .
@@vitosanto3874 The author, movies, and series then should have been located in Vietnam. It's misleads the historically uninitiated about the Korea war.
Yes I was in the 1st. Marine Division in Korea and also hate M.A.S.H. I could never watch it.
The first time I heard of this was when i was 14. I got chatting to a man about 20 years ago. He was there and was serving with the Northumberland fusiliers. It was really amazing listening to his first hand account.
I bet it was amazing to hear his account.
I conducted a couple of staff rides for US Army personnel at Gloster Hill.
During one I was honored to meet a veteran of the battle who had been captured. This was in 2013. Standing on the ground is a harrowing experience.
Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback
My Late dad was Reme attached to the Irish Hussars , he was at the imjin river as part of a listening patrol the night before the Chinese came across in their thousands. He often talked about the Glorious Glosters and also knew Bill Speakman from the royal highland regiment. He always said ''the stand that the Glosters did saved many lives as everyone was retreating, the sacrifice they made as others saved many more lives' Never forget the men of 29 brigade , never forget the Glosters.
Dave,
Thank you for sharing that story about your dad.
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
My late uncle Len Harris was there too, REME attached to a tank unit. He came home, but I think went back there most nights as he suffered terribly from PTSD due to the things he saw and could never forget.
@@stuartjarman4930 hi I wonder if they knew each other
Very possibly I will try and dig some pics out
An excellent presentation of a period in history which as you said is largely forgotten about and of the only regiment in the British Army that was allowed to wear two cap badges. One at the front and one at the back to honour their participation in the Napoleonic Wars.
I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
Fantastic and a real art of delivery and storytelling.
Very much appreciated.
Steven, Thanks for your kind words.Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
Chris
My first introduction to the channel, absolutely loved it. I look forward to seeing what else the channel has to offer. Thank you
Lenny more coming. Please subscribe to my UA-cam channel so you don’t miss out.
Gosh. Quite a story. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
My pleasure.
Please make sure that you subscribe so you don't miss my next video. ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
Excellent presentation, sir. You honor those brave men with your devoted words. Thank you. Subscribed.
Thanks Bob, I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
Chris
My dad was attached to the Gloucesters when he served in Egypt. His buddies were survivors of the Battle of the Imjim river.
One thing not mentioned here was the American airstrike was so close in that they dropped their ordinance actually on the Gloucesters positions killing many.
The Gloucesters were also the only regiment to wear their capbadges on both the front AND back if their berets, to remember the two times the regiment fought back to back (Imjim in 1951 and Sudan in 1895).
Lawrence,
Thank you for sharing the story about your dad and of the USAF strike.
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
Surely the "Back Badge" tradition dates from the Battle of Alexandria (Egypt, hence the Sphinx), 21st March 1801, during the Napoleonic Wars. The Gloucestershire Regiment inherited the Honour from the 28th Foot. 21st March was "Back Badge Day" in the RGBW , I don't know if it still remains in amalgamated RIFLES.
@@denisrobertmay875 I just checked and you're right, it does. The BBC also says the Rifles have inherited the tradition of the back badge for ceremonial purposes.
Another "blue on blue" cock up we can thank the yanks for!🙄
@@denisrobertmay875 the RIFLES still wear the back badge, as does the members of the Army Cadet Force in the county of Gloucestershire.
Excellent presentation on a little-known subject, thanks very much for posting.
Thank you for your kind words.
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
You are correct in your summation that it is a forgotten conflict in history, largely overshadowed by WWII and the Vietnam War. However for the veterans, I'm sure they will never forget the horrors endured in the name of liberty. Vaya con Dios y en paz descansen.
Excellent presentation. I have no words for those brave men.
I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
I served in the 15th USAFAD in Paderborn @ Barker Barracks, supporting the 45 Field Regt. At that time the 176 “IMJIN” Battery had traded in their mortars for M109 155mm SP guns. The 176 was also entitled to wear their Presidential Unit Citation for their support of the Glorious Gloucesters. Each year on Saint George’s Day, they hold a honor parade where the Citation is read aloud to the assembled Batterymen. I attended two of these ceremonies.
Thank you for sharing.
I was in C troop 170 bty 45 Medium Regt RA based in Barker barracks Paderborn in 1972, yes we had traded the mortars for M109 155mm SP. imjin parade on St Georgia's day was a special day for us. I have the citation on my uniform. I can remember the USAFD. Glad you were able to attend two of our parades. Unfortunately Barker Barracks are an empty deserted place now. Both of us will have some good memories of Paderborn.
That was an excellent video. I appreciate your presentation. I used to live due east of Gloster Hill in the city of Dongducheon. I have visited that memorial twice in the last 26 years. Now I live near Hill 180, another famous battle featuring a bayonet charge.
I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
Brilliant, thank you!
My pleasure; I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
Beautiful video. Very informative. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Keep ‘em coming. 😊
Thank you so very much for a well produced video.
Thank you for your kind words, Pierre.
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
@@TheHistoryChap I already have joined your History channel and I might add, it is definitely one of the smartest decisions I’ve made in recent memory!
During my tour in Korea in 1988 we had an opportunity to conduct a guided terrain walk by the British. They have a monument in remembrance of those brave men.
Thanks for sharing.
The Korean war is not forgtten by all. It is near and dear ro me. I was in high school but a buddy's brother was taken prisnr very eearly and never seen or heard from again. I eventually served two tours in Korea, some of the most memorable times of my life. No, it is not forgotten.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences. This is a war that shouldn't be forgotten.
@@TheHistoryChap I think the USA lost anywhere from 36 to 54 000 men from 1950-1953!
Yet another great recount of a fascinating piece of military history, thanks Chris well told, thanks to you those soldiers are not forgotten, lest we forget.
Korea very much a forgotten war here in the UK
Astounding Inspirational Presentation, I Thoroughly Thank You for this most compelling description of this Heroism! God Bless these men who give us this courage summoning example! .
Hello The History Chap your program's are so well presented. With such good details too.
Thank you for your kind words.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
Chris
Had never heard of this. What a remarkable story of intrepid British courage and determination. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
ua-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap