-- 48 -
CASUALTIES IN KOREA
following casualties incurred in action in Korea have been
notified to the War Office:
THE ROYAL NORFOLK REGIMENT - WOUNDED -
Private E.G. Shields.
THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS - KILLED -
Private T. Stark.
WOUNDED - Lance Corporal D. Goodair, Private W. Smith.
THE KING'S SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY - WOUNDED -
Private A.T. Wilders, Private KM. Smith, Private J.W. Foster.
© The Times, 15th March 1951
BRITISH CASUALTIES IN KOREA
The Admiralty announces that Lieutenant G.H. Cooles, Royal Navy,
pilot of a naval aircraft from H M S. Theseus has been reported
@missing, presumed killed, after a dive-bombing attack on a bridge in
Korea.
The following casualties in action in Korea have been notified to the
War Office:
THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT - WOUNDED -
W.O.II R.M. Budden, Corporal C. Card.
THE ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS -
DIED OF WOUNDS - Corporal D. Patterson.
WOUNDED - Private G. Kennedy.
© The Times, 17th March 1951
BRITONS RELEASED BY CHINESE
MARCHED FOR 17 DAYS
Three British soldiers who were captured by the Chinese in Korea
said at a Press conference at the War Office yesterday that soon after
they had been captured they set off on a march that went on day after
day, and sometimes at night as well, for the whole period of their
captivity. They estimated that they walked about 26 miles a day for
17 days. Their boots were taken from them and they had to march in
straw sandals. The men, all of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers,
were Lance-Corporal Marvin, Fusilier F. Binns of Middlesbrough,
and Fusilier Harold Fame, of New Basford, Nottingham. They were
released about 60 miles north of Seoul.
© The Times, 22nd March 1951
BRITISH CASUALTIES IN KOREA
The following casualties incurred in action in Korea have been
notified to the War Office:
8th. HUSSARS - KILLED - Trooper A.G. Wilmott.
DIED OF WOUNDS - Trooper G.C. Costello.
THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT -
DIED OF WOUNDS - Private W. Carroll.
THE ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES - MISSING - Rifleman J. Baird.
© The Daily Telegraph, 3 1ts. March 1951
TWO BRITONS WIN KOREA AWARDS
GALLANTRY ON HILL
Captain Reginald Stanley Mardell, of Ramsgate, Kent, and Sergeant
Kenneth Eames of Brixton Hill, London, both of the Gloucestershire
Regiment, have received awards for gallantry in Korea. Captain
Ma,rdell receives the Military Cross and Sergeant Eames the Military
Medal.
During an attack on a hill Captain Mardell assumed command when
his company commander was wounded. He led a bayonet-and-
grenade assault with "great dash and gallantry," says the citation.
Sergeant Eames, in the same assault, "distinguished himself by his
fearlessness and leadership." He destroyed foremost posts whose
occupants would not surr ender
© The Daily Telegraph, 4th April 1951
41 COMMANDO RAID
New York, April 8 - On Saturday 250 British Royal Marine
Commandos, led by Lieutenant-Colonel D.B. Drysdale, taking the
enemy completely by surprise, landed on the east coast, eight miles
south of Songjin. Protected by a curtain of naval gunfire, they blew
up 1 00 yards of main railway, line, leaving a crater 16ft deep. They
encountered only token resistance during the seven hours they
remained ashore, although they were told by a civilian that there were
strong enemy forces at Songjin. Not a man of them was killed or
wounded.
© The Times, 9th April 1951
U.N. TROOPS ADVANCE TOWARDS
HWACHON RESERVOIR
From Our Own Correspondent, New York, April 9 - As floods
receded United Nations troops have resumed their advance. A task
force went ahead in an effort to seize the Hwachon dam before the
enemy could make further use of it and had two engagements with
Communist platoons. A French patrol reached the reservoir without
opposition.
In their advance towards the reservoir yesterday United Nations
troops by-passed enemy troops in the hills south of the Pukhan river
valley where it runs from cast to west before turning abruptly south
towards Chunchon; they left it to rear elements to clear out these
pockets. Other United Nations forces drove directly toward Hwachon,
which lies four miles south-west of the reservoir, and at night-fall they
dug in below the town. They had to beat off two sharp counter-attacks
before the enemy troops withdrew to the north.
Except in this sector the long battle front was quiet yesterday.
British Commonwealth troops, led by Canadians, made new gains
against little resistance on a part of the front not specified, but
Siamese troops during yesterday morning were slowed by hostile
groups of platoon and company size employing small arms, automatic
weapons, and mortar fire. East of the Hwachon sector the enemy,
heavily attacked from the air with jellied petrol bombs, retreated from
hill positions towards Inje, just above the 38th parallel and 30 miles
inland from the Sea of Japan. With another South Korean division
- 49 -
across the boundary there are now elements of seven American and
five south Korean divisions and a British Brigade north of the parallel.
© The Times, 110th. April 1951
REGIMENTS FOR KOREA
The War Office announces that Headquarters, 28th Infantry Brigade,
will relieve Headquarters, 27th Infantry Brigade in Korea. The 1ts
Battalion, The King's Own Scottish Borderers, and the 1 st Battalion,
The King's Shropshire Light Infantry will relieve the 1st. Battalion,
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the 1 st Battalion, The
Middlesex Regiment.
The 27th Infantry Brigade is returning to Hong Kong.
© The Daily Telegraph, 1 0th. April 1951
BRITISH OVER IMJIN RIVER IN FORCE
DIFFICULT PROGRESS IN KOREAN HILLS
From Eric Downton, Daily Telegraph Special Correspondent, With
the British Forces, Korea, Thursday - As part of the Eighth Army's
sustained aggressive effort, British troops are now in action on two
fronts. The 27th Commonwealth Brigade has gained several more
miles and occupied a group of hills north of the 38th Parallel on the
sector northwest of Chunchon.
The 29th Brigade is across the lmjin River in force north of Seoul.
Resistance encountered by both brigades so far has been light.
On each of these fronts during the past week, 1 have seen how the
heartbreaking terrain and fickle weather, rather than Communist
soldiers, have been the main obstacles. But there were indications
to-night that the United Nations forces might run into stiffer
opposition soon.
ENEMY IN BUNKERS
For example from an observation post near Australian positions
we could see men of a veteran American division attacking against
considerable opposition above Yongpyong. They used flame-throwers
to force the Communists out of bunkers constructed of logs, turf and
stones on the mountainsides.
Across on the Eastern front, other American forces reported
encountering heavy machine-gun, small-arms and mortar fire south-
east of Hwachon. The 27th Brigade, which as already announced, is
to be withdrawn from Korea shortly, has been making a gruelling
advance height by height.
Their casualty list in this operation has been remarkably light. The
Middlesex men captured three heights several miles inside North
Korean territory, while Australians and Canadians took nearby ridges.
SOME BACKGROUND
The terrain where the Commonwealth Brigade is operating recalls
the wilder corners of the Black Forest or Thuringia. But here the bills
are higher, rising to 3,00Oft. The valleys are narrower, bleaker and
stonier.
Even the mountain streams seem to carry an air of foreboding.
Goethe's "Walpurgis Night" might well be enacted among the grey
rocks, and there is something Wagnerian about the summits, draped
with trailing mists and driving rain-clouds, while the valleys echo
and flash to the busy artillery.
Toiling up the steep slopes through thick pine-woods, Australians,
Canadians and Middlesex eventually reached the crests. Sometimes
we could see bren-gunners firing at positions from which concealed
Chinese gave sporadic bursts of small-arms fire.
Mortar-bombs exploded near our sweating files. Two Canadian
snipers, peering through telescopic sights, picked away at a stealthy
foe. One of these snipers, with a remarkable shot across the valley,
brought down a Communist who tried to run from a fox-hole to a
trench.
On the hills, we found deserted bunkers, trenches and observation
posts, only recently evacuated. Men, hot from the arduous climb, set.
tled down to a freezing vigil. Thick mists slowed down the progress
of companies working their way along the ridges.
Back in the valley 1 found Brigadier Bourke, newly appointed
Commander of the 27th Brigade, supervising operations at a forward
command post. Between discussion of reports by field telephone, he
speculated pessimistically on the possibilities of fly-fishing in the hill
rivers.
RESERVES TRUDGE ON
Leading back from the command post was a treacherous track,
compounded, it seemed, of equal parts of mud, brackish water and
jagged stones. Along this moved a tenuous file. There were reserve
companies trudging forward.
One realised how rare it is to see a Commonwealth soldier in a
helmet, in contrast with the Americans who have to wear helmets
even deep in the rear.
Behind them came lines of Korean bearers, with loads stacked high
on wood frames. Then came the Indian field ambulance, with drivers
in parachutists' red berets.
Liaison teams from New Zealand and American batteries which are
putting down supporting fire edged past engineers blasting a fresh
road out of the hillsides. American negroes searched for mines with
long-handled detectors.
PEASANTS RETURN
Korean peasants were already back working in the meagre fields or
erecting timber frames for new dwellings above the heaps of cinders
and debris that had been a quiet hamlet before the war came this way,
Westward, along roads thick with American convoys taking men and
supplies to the battle-zone, 1 drove to the lmjin River front, where the
British 29th Brigade have a sector. 1 watched the Gloucesters make a
night crossing to the north bank.
The blacked-out column moved through a valley dominated by dark
overhanging crags. While they forded the river artillery kept up a
steady harassing fire against possible Chinese positions. Flares threw
a pale glow on the low storm-clouds.
Other units across the lmjin include the Royal Ulster Rifles, who
made the initial crossing, and some heavy tanks. Retreating Chinese
and North Korean rearguards have not yet offered more than light and
scattered opposition.
© The Daily Telegraph, 13th April 1951
KOREA CASUALTIES
The Admiralty regrets to announce that Pilot Ill Ralph Henry
Johnson, of Portobello, Scotland, has been reported missing presumed."'
killed following an operational flight over Korea on April 1 0. Next of,-
kin have been informed.
The following Royal Marines of No.41 Independent Commando,
serving in Korea, and previously reported missing, are now officially ,
recognized as being prisoners of war in North Korean hands from
November 29:
Marine R.J. Needs, (Bristol); Corporal Frederick Beadle, (Battersea);
Marine W.E. Brown, (South Sheilds); Marine Raymond Ogle,
(Sheffield); Marine Kenneth Wyeth, (Plumstead); Marine Rcuben
Nicholls, (Coalville).
These names were included in a casualty list issued on December 7.
© The Times, 14th April 1951
- 50 -
STRICT CENSORSHIP
From Our Own Correspondent, New York, April 13 - It was reported
late today that large Communist concentrations are being bui It up
north of Yanggu in an apparent attempt to stabilize a new defence line
ad of Hwachon reservoir.
Strict censorship which has been cloaking the operations, particular-
in the area of the Hwachon reservoir, was extended to-day to
~ the deletion of references to the nationality of the allied troops
in action. It is understood that this will be the policy to be followed
the new commander of the United States Eighth Army,
Lieutenant-General Van Fleet.
© The Times, 14th April 1951
NAVAL CASUALTY IN KOREA
The Admiralty announces that Lieutenant G.H. Cooles, Royal
Navy, pilot of a naval aircraft from H. MS. Theseus has been reported
missing, presumed killed, after a dive-bombing attack on a bridge in
Korea.
© The Times, 14th April 1951
GALLANTRY IN KOREA
A number of awards for gallant and distinguished services in Korea
wm published in last night's London Gazette. They include two
aw" of the Distinguished Service Order, four of the Military Cross,
Aye of the Military Medal, and one of the bar to the Distinguished
Flying Cross.
The awards include:
D.S.O. - Major Reginald Michael Pratt, The Royal Northumberland
Fusiliers; Major John Kirkpatrick Hay Shaw, the Royal Ulster Rifles.
M.C.. - Captain Cecil William Bowen, Royal Army Medical Corps;
Second Lieutenant Houston Mark Shaw-Stewart, The Royal Ulster
Rifles; Lieutenant David John Manner, Australian Military Forces;
Captain Archer Paterson Denness, Australian Military Forces.
Bar to the D.F.C. - Squadron Leader John Ernest Proctor, General
Duties Branch, Royal Air Force.
M3L - Fusilier James Baden Barker, The Royal Northumberland
Fusilier; Sergeant (acting) Henry Adams Campbell, The Royal Ulster
Rifles; Sergeant (acting) John Pilcher, The Royal Northumberland
@Fusiliers; Gunner Herbert James Spraggs, Royal Regiment of
Artillery; Private Charlie Francis McMurray, Australian Military
© The Times, ]8th April 1951
CASUALTIES IN KOREA
Thie following casualties incurred in action in Korea have been
notified to the War Office:
ROYAL ENGINEERS - Other Ranks - WOUNDED -
Sapper P.W. Arnold, Sapper W. Pashley.
THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT - Officer - WOUNDED
-Lieutenant A.R. Norrish.
THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT - Other Rank - WOUNDED -
Private D. Allchin.
THE ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS - Officers
- KI LLED - 2nd Lieutenant M.J.D. Cawthorn, Lieutenant J.A.C.
Milner (Dorsets, art A. and S.H.).
Other Ranks - WOUNDED - Private D. Gilks (R. Leic. art A. and
S.H.), Private D.M. Livie, Private M.P. Lee, Private L. Young
(K.S.L.I. art A. and S.H.).
© The Times, 21st April 1951
AWARDS FOR GALLANTRY IN KOREA
The London Gazette announced last night that the King had
approved the following awards for gallant and distinguished services
in Korea:
MILITARY CROSS - Captain Arthur Roxburghe, Royal New
Zealand Artillery.
MILITARY MEDAL - Private Leslie Raymond Cobby, The
Middlesex Regiment.
© The Times, 21st. April 1951
QUICK CHINESE WITHDRAWAL
TACTICAL AIMS IN KOREA
From Our Military Correspondent - Though the Chinese have
been yielding ground in Korea for some time, the process has lately
quickened. On Wednesday Eighth Army patrols and small columns
with armour met no rearguards as during the previous four days.
General Ridgway's communiqué stated that resistance was
"negligible," and the only sign of a stand was at the Hwachon
reservoir. Then, on Thursday, troops of the Eighth Army entered
Hwachon and the enemy gave up his defence of the reservoir.
A strong force - as distinct from a patrol the previous day
advanced to within three miles of Chorwon, which has for long been
described as a focus of resistance. One little engagement north of
Inje, half-way between Hwachon and the sea, ended with retreat of
a hostile battalion in face of an attack by South Korean troops.
It is now suggested by officers in Tokyo that the Chinese will stand
on the line Chorwon-Kumwha, earlier described as a main line of
resistance, but perhaps only for a delaying action. If this proved true it
would represent a marked revision of the enemy's plans, at all events
as formerly interpreted.
THREE POSSIBILITIES
In groping for the significance of the Chinese policy, at least three
possibilities appear. First, they may be attempting enticement with a
view to dealing a heavier blow by means of a preliminary shortening
of their own communications, and perhaps hoping that the United
Nations forces will becomes less well balanced and more vulnerable
as the peninsula widens.
Secondly, they may have suffered such damage that they have no
choice but to make these withdrawals. If so, this must be largely due
to attacks from the air and, in lesser degree, artillery action, for the
good reason that the infantry of the Eighth Army has not lately been
in touch with more than rearguards, small at that, so could in no way
be responsible for the infliction of heavy damage.
Thirdly, the expected spring offensive may be a myth. This,
however, would mean that there had been not only a complete
misapprehension by the United Nations and Eighth Army commands
but also a complete change of attitude on the part of the enemy.
Hitherto he has attacked when he could.
Thus, although few remarkable events have been finding a place in
the Korean war news, the situation is interesting. In the region of
- 51 -
Chorwon the Eighth Army Front is now nearly 90 miles north of the
line of the farthest retreat of its left flank in early January - and
incidentally some 14 miles north of the 38th parallel. That at least
represents an extra task for the Chinese if they cling to their intention
of "driving the invader out of Korea." The situation has improved for
the Eighth Army to a far greater extent than can be measured by
mileage. Yet the future looks no less obscure.
© The Times, 21st. April 1951
ENEMY OFFENSIVE OPENED
LIMITED GAINS AND HEAVY LOSSES
From Our Own Correspondent, New York, April 23 - The Chinese
and the North Koreans opened their long-awaited offensive on
Sunday night (Korean time). After their heaviest artillery preparation
of the war, they attacked all along a 1 00-mile front from Korangpo, in
the west, 30 miles from Seoul, to Inje, 25 miles inland from the Sea
of Japan. They were met by a much greater concentration of fire from
the ground and the air, which mowed them down by thousands, and,
except at the western end of the front, they made no important gains.
But in the west, on a front of 15 miles, they forced a crossing of the
lmjin in river.
The defenders of the area withdrew and broke contact, and to their
right other allied troops withdrew to below the Hantan river to
straighten the line. But they took their time about it, and systematic-
ally blew up the bridges behind them.
UNEXPLOITED DENTS
On the central front United Nations forces stood firm all through
Sunday night and this morning, moving back a little here and there,
but only to take up more advantageous positions. During the night
they kept the battlefield in a glare of searchlights and flares dropped
from aircraft. Farther to the east, in the Inje area, the Communists
made some dents in the allied lines, but apparently were unable to
exploit them.
News of the enemy offensive was held back by the censorship for
more than 14 hours, and then only incomplete accounts of the fighting
were released. According to these the fighting was less intense after
this morning, but the attacks were resumed to-night.
Many thousands of casualties were inflicted on the enemy in the first
day's fighting. The air forces alone claimed to have killed 1,800
Communists, and fire from massed artillery took a much heavier toll.
A late report said that after the Communists had forced a crossing of
the lmjin river, allied troops, apparently South Koreans, threw up new
defences south of the river. It was on the right flank of these troops
that the allies made their biggest withdrawal, in a movement to
straighten the line. In this area, where they had advanced to 12 miles
above the 38th parallel, they fell back to positions just below it.
Their advance had carried them to within four miles of Chorwon.
After their withdrawal they were in the positions from which they
started their advance four days ago.
Fragmentary accounts which passed the censorship spoke of bitter
fighting north of the Hwachon reservoir, in which the enemy was
repulsed, and of the repulse later in the day of two enemy battalions
which struck south-west of Hwachon. This engagement seemed to
indicate that there had been some allied withdrawal from the reservoir
area. Another report spoke of the sinking by artillery fire of boats
containing Communists attempting to cross the reservoir.
Intelligence officers were not agreed whether this was the expected
major effort of the enemy or something less. It had been their belief
that the big offensive would begin in the rainy season, but this assault
was launched in dry weather, when the allies were at no disadvantage,
either on the ground or in the air. Moreover, though the Communists
were reported to have 3,000 Russian-made aircraft available in
Manchurian airfields across the Yalu River, they made no attempt to
support their forces with aircraft, and allied aircraft were having a
field day, "raising hell," as they said, with the enemy infantry.
Their estimate of the enemy's strength varied from 400,000 to 700,000, with
the largest battle-front concentration to the west of the centre.
In a field headquarters communiqué issued at 1 1 a.m. yesterday
(G.M.T.), the Eighth Army reported that United Nations forces were
retreating southwards in good order on the west and central fronts
under the attacks of elements of four Chinese armies.
© The Times, 24th April 1951
STRETCHER BEARER AWARDED
MILITARY MEDAL
Private Leslie Raymond Cobby, I st Battalion, The Middlesex
Regiment (D.C.O.) Has been given an immediate award of the
Military Medal.
The citation states that during the night of February 14-15, 1951,
his company was in action in Korea, considerably outnumbered and
suffering casualties. Private Cobby, a stretcher bearer, moved from
trench to trench administering morphine, dressing wounds, and
collecting casualties together for evacuation. His courage and determi-
nation under fire set a fine example of devotion to duty.
© The Times, 24th April 1951
CHINESE PENETRATE ALLIED LINE
The Communist attack in Korea is described by Lieutenant-General
Ridgway as the greatest they have yet launched, and he has given a
warning that its full strength has probably not yet been met. United
Nations forces have yielded ground all along the 1 00-mile front,
except at one point, but are expected soon to have an opportunity to
strike back.
© The Times, 25th April 1951
HEAVY ENEMY LOSSES
From Our Own Correspondent, New York, April 24 - Communist
troops, attacking in overwhelming numbers, yesterday drove a deep
wedge into the United Nations lines on the central Korean front,
overran Inje, at the eastern end of the line, and in the west drove
across the lmjin River. Officers who are in the front line described
the situation as serious, but commanders at headquarters remained
confident that the enemy tide could be stemmed.
Lieutenant-General Ridgway, visiting the front, said that the battle
might "well prove decisive." The offensive was the greatest the
enemy had yet launched, and he gave a warning that the Allies had
probably not yet met its full strength.
The enemy struck hardest in the Chorwon-Kumhwa-Hwachon
triangle. There, with a cavalry division mounted on Mongolian ponies
in the forefront, he drove into a demoralized retreat of South Korean
elements, exposing the flanks of other allied troops. Energetically
pursuing their advantage, the communists deepened and widened this
wedge south of the 38th parallel to the west of Chunchon, and near
Kapyong, 12 miles south of the parallel, Chinese cavalry and infantry
cut the paved road from Chunchon to Seoul, Whether they took @l
Kapyong is not yet known.
East of the break-through, around Hwachon Reservoir, United
Nations forces held their ground, but apparently it was only there,
along the 1 00-mile front that they made no withdrawals. Though
outflanked, they beat off repeated attacks at Hwachon, at the western
end of the reservoir. Eleven miles farther east they gave a little
ground, but continued to hold Yanggu, which, like Hwachon, is seven
miles north of the 38th parallel.
- 52 -
ESTIMATED CASUALTIES
end of the line, across the peninsula, elements of
two Chinese forced a United Nations withdrawal near
of the border and 30 miles north of Seoul. An
Eighth said last night that the enemy casualties
e of United Nations forces. On the eastern front
d that the enemy losses there were 20 times greater
lies. Eighth Army headquarters estimated the
on Monday alone at 12,000, about one-fourth of
by air attacks.
s that about 250,000 of the 400,000 Chinese and
estimated to be in the advanced areas in Korea
in the present fighting and that 40,000, or more,
break-through of the South Korean lines on the
rmed reports in Washington to-day that
had entered North Korea, but these may have been,
weeks, mere rumours.
the front said that by nightfall yesterday the allies
all along the line west of the breakthrough and
line below the Hantan River. Their withdrawal
and made without loss of artillery or vehicles.
or, allied forces, abandoning their lmjin River
to plan, withdrew from one to nine miles. One
by the Chinese on the north bank of the
ut with support from tanks and from the air, it
ith the loss of only two vehicles. The infantry
ere only waist deep, and tanks and vehicles crossed
me by pontoon bridge.
report yet of the enemy using any aircraft, except
Tuesday an unidentified rwo-engined bomber
from an altitude of 10,00Oft., behind the allied
they did no damage to military traffic or
© The Times, 25th April 1951
CHINESE ADVANCE CONTINUES
rces continued to withdraw yesterday in the face
sive in Korea, but counter-attacks were made and
Van fleet, commander of the Eighth Army, issued
e day to his troops.
(0 The Times, 26th April 1951
ENEMY 25 MILES FROM SEOUL
ndent, New York, April 25 - Communist
-day against the western half of the Korean battle-
d against United Nations troops who were making
thdrawals. At the western end of the front swarms
loiting their lmjin river crossing, advanced to
coul, from which civilians were again hurriedly
But the bulk of the Chinese forces in the west
sic invasion route, the highway running south-
through Uijongbu to Seoul. All day long they
d by allied fighters and bombers.
road, to reduce the danger of attacks on their left
s forces made a swift withdrawal out of contact
took up new positions north of the highway from
Chunchon which runs southwestwards to Seoul. A report yesterday
aid that the Chinese had cut this highway near Kapyong, 18 or 20
@ west of Chunchon, but this seems to have been premature.
They approached the highway, but apparently did not get closer than
,bz miles north of it in any force.
COMMUNISTAMBUSH
Some allied rear units were trapped during this withdrawal on the
west-central front. One was ambushed just east of the Kurnhwa-
Uijongbu road by disguised Communist soldiers, some wearing the
white clothes of civilians, some blue denim as South Korean supply
bearers.
Farther to the east, on the central front, reinforced allied units
counter-attacked the Communists who had driven the deepest wedge
into their lines and halted them seven miles south of the 38th parallel.
One of the heaviest counter-attacks was made against enemy forces
streaming down the main road to Chunchon, where a fierce battle
which began early in the morning was still raging in mid-aftemoon.
South-west of Hwachon, which the allies abandoned yesterday, the
enemy was met with heavy artillery fire and a frontal counter-attack,
and their flank was hit hard by another allied force which had with-
drawn from the town. At the eastern end of the Hwachon reservoir an
enemy force attacking Yanggu was stopped dead, and to the south-
east of Yanggu an allied tank column re-entered Inje, which the
communists abandoned to take up positions in the neighbouring hills.
A front line dispatch said that the allies had apparently stabilized their
line in that area.
(0 The Times, 26th April 1951
ORDER OF THE DAY TO EIGHTH ARMY
COMMANDER'S CONFIDENCE IN VICTORY
From Our Own C@rrespondent, New York,, April 25 - Lieutenant-
General Van Fleet, commander of the Eighth Army, has issued an
order of the day praising the United Nations troops in superlative
terms for the way in which they have withstood the enemy's great
assault, and expressed General Ridgway's and his own complete
confidence in their ultimate victory. His order read:
To the heroic soldiers of all ranks of the United Nations ground
forces in Korea:
On Sunday night, April 22, the enemy launched his expected attack -
the start of a third round of unprovoked ruthless aggression. He has
seen fit to drive masses into the battle without regard to loss in lives.
Again you have willingly accepted the challenge, and in battle have
proven your superiority.
The magnificent support of our United Nations air and navy forces
will continue to strengthen our hearts and bolster our arms.
During my first 10 days as your new commander, by personal
contact with you at the front, 1 have learned of your peerless qualities,
of your professional skill, deterirnination high courage, and intelligent
leadership, found only in an enlightened army of freedom-loving
nations. In addition, the Eighth Army at present enjoys the advantage
of uncontested friendly naval and air superiority, of enormous superi-
ority in fire-power and all types of weapons, in fact, tremendous
superiority in everything except numbers.
You are fighting to stop armed aggression and to bring peace, not
only in Korea, but in your respective homelands. This renewed
battle is for the preservation of life, liberty and the right of pursuit
of happiness in all free men. These are fundamental in the life of man
- the rock upon which our civilization is founded - and the first thing
which Communism denies its own people.
The time has come when all men of the free world must steel their
souls to face a desperate, bitter, and uncompromising battle with
armed Communist aggression. Our strength rests on the solid founda-
tion of belief in God and the rights of man, rather than on the will of
dictators imposed through cruelty and complete disregard of human
life. General Ridgway and 1 have complete confidence in your
ultimate victory. We all ask for divine guidance and God's blessing
for a righteous victory.
(0 The Times 26th April 1951
- 53 -
HEAVY BRITISH LOSSES IN KOREA
GLOUCESTERS HARD HIT IN 4-DAY BATTLE
From Denis Warner Daily Telegraph special Correspondent, U.N.
Command H. Q., Tokyo, Saturday morning - Detailed accounts are
now available of the four-day stand on the lmjin River front in West
Korea by troops of the British 29th Brigade. They were given by
survivors of the Gloucester battalion who have been trickling back
to the United Nations line.
The Gloucesters' losses in the engagement, the most desperate
fought by British troops in Korea, are officially described as very
heavy. Less than a company have so far returned, but hope is still
held for a good many of the remainder.
The British stand upset the Chinese timetable, but last night the
Communists were reported about 10 miles from Seoul. One enemy
column was fighting round Uijongbu, and the second south of Munsan
- both on direct roads to the capital.
Captain M.G. Harvey, of Portsmouth, led the first detachment of 50
of the Gloucesters to safety late on Thursday. With ammunition spent
and equipment discarded, his dust-stained group of men brought only
their rifles, which they had refused to throw away.
The Gloucesters' ordeal began on Sunday night, when Communist
bugle-calls on the west bank of the lmjin River announced the
beginning of the spring offensive. Forward patrols on the cast bank
watched the Chinese form up.
Artillery temporarily broke the Communist formations. Survivors
said it was moonlight and they could watch the shells falling, but the
Communists reformed and began to wade the river in hundreds.
Many died in the river from the small-arms fire of the forward
patrols, who withdrew only when their ammunition was spent. On the
high ground overlooking the river the battalion awaited the attack.
BRITISH HOLD FIRE
Chinese Withdraw - The men held their fire until the Communists
were moving up slopes, then let go with mortars, heavy and light
machine-guns, rifles, sub-machine-guns and grenades. In face of this
concentrated and sustained fire the enemy swung to the flanks.
In the darkness before dawn the Chinese consolidated in preparation
for a daylight attack. It came at dawn, but the Gloucesters, as they
were to do many times in the succeeding days, held their ground.
By nine o'clock it was almost victory. The Chinese withdrew,
leaving hundreds of dead behind. During the afternoon, however,
infiltrators moved deep into 29th Brigade territory and cut the
Gloucesters' lines of communications. Machine-gun posts, reinforced
by platoons of infantry stopped all movement along the road to the
rear.
At night came the second major attack. It came from both left and
right flanks and the Gloucesters moved to a hill where they formed a
tight all-round perimeter which was now attacked from all sides.
SUPPLIES LOW
Planes Drop Ammunition - Daylight enemy attacks continued
all Tuesday, but supplies had become low. That night low-flying
American planes parachuted to the heroic battalion desperately
needed small-arms ammunition, but only enough food for one can
of rations to each man.
On Wednesday the troops heard a tank relief column on its way and
the Chinese began to show understandable reluctance to come to close
quarters. But late that day the commander, Lieutenant-Colonel J.P.
Came, told his company commanders that the situation was desperate
and companies were ordered to fight their way out.
The battalion bugler sounded Reveille and, said Captain Harvey, it
had a wonderful effect upon morale. The Gloucesters started cheering.
Colonel Came, his chaplain and doctor stayed with battalion H.Q.
They planned to be the last to leave the hill and thus give the compa-
nies the best chance to begin withdrawal.
TANKS OPEN FIRE
Plane Corrects Error - Captain Harvey and his men went north for
a mile before turning west and then south. When they were still a mile
from United Nations lines they ran into a heavy Communist ambush,
The troops scattered into ditches and paddy-fields and wormed their
way on their stomachs before the Communists supplemented their
machine-guns with mortars. Even this was not the end of their mis-
fortunes. American tank crews sent to the rescue thought the ragged
soldiers coming along the hills were Chinese and opened fire.
A low-flying spotter plane saved this situation. Troops stood up and
waved to the pilot when he flew over them and the plane in turn
dropped a message to the tanks to hold fire. When the tank turned
their guns on the Communists the Gloucesters got to their feet and
ran, waving and shouting, across the paddy-fields to their rescuers.
To-day they are now safely behind the lines, watching and waiting
for their friends to arrive. In ones, twos, and small groups they are
beginning to come back.
One small group of the Gloucesters, led by 2nd Lieutenant David
Holdsworth, of Lych Gate, Wirral, Cheshire, walked back to the
Allied lines with South Korean soldiers.
Along the whole front yesterday there was little indication that the
tremendous casualties inflicted by the United Nations air and ground
forces had yet begun seriously to affect the Communist offensive.
The advance south is no lightning thrust but it is making steady
progress.
The South Korean Government ordered the evacuation of Seoul for
the third time as the noise of guns from the battle raging around
Uijongbu, only 1 1 miles north, could clearly be heard in the city.
Reports from Seoul said that 400,000 civilians had begun the
desperate trek south across the Han River.
Ground haze restricted United Nations air support during the day.
Heavy fighting was reported south of Munsan, where the second
finger of the Communist drive to Seoul also made some progress.
On the eastern front the allies abandoned Yanggu, the last important
centre they held in North Korea.
Lieutenant-General Van Fleet, Eighth Army commander, visiting the
front yesterday, predicted that his forces would hold the Communists
North of the Han River.
(0 The Daily Telegraph, 26th April 1951
CHINESE WITHIN 18 MILES OF SEOUL
EMPIRE TROOPS FILLED GAP IN
ANZAC DAY BATTLE
From Denis Warner Daily Telegraph Special Correspondent, U.X
Command, H. Q., Tokyo, Friday Chinese Communists advanced to
within 18 miles of Seoul yesterday. United Nations forces continued
their generally orderly withdrawal along the entire Korean front.
Two Communist drives along the Munsan and Uijongbu highways
directly threaten the shattered remains of Seoul. A third force
estimated at 100,000, yesterday attacked Chunchon, possibly with
the intention of driving along the lateral road to the capital.
Delayed reports to-night told of the splendid part played on
Wednesday and yesterday by the Commonwealth 27th and 29th
Brigades. In the central sector the 27th Brigade staved off disaster
when a South Korean division broke before Chinese infantry and
cavalry.
Australians and New Zealanders fighting together as one unit -and
on Anzac Day - combined in what the Americans described as one
of the most gallant actions of the campaign, the brigade filled a 10-
mile gap. New Zealand artillery firing from close range killed
hundreds of Communists and then Australian infantry went in with
bayonets.
[The 27thBrigade at this time was made up of Ist Battalion The
Middlesex Regiment, 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia @ Canadian
Light Infantry, 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, ]6th New
Zealand Field Regiment, - and supporting arms. The Australians and
Canadians played a decisive role in the battle. Both battalions were to
receive the United States Presidential Unit Citation for this action.
The Brigade @ fourth battalion, Ist Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland
- 54 -
on their way to Inchon where they would board
ich would take them back to Hongkong. Their
Ist Bn. King @ Own Scottish Borderers, were
War diary at 1945 hrs 25th April as having
and being placed in close perimeter defence of
,MgadeHeadquartersfor the night. - PatrickLohan)
0 The Daily Telegraph, 2 7th April 1951
CHINESE THREAT TO SEOUL
U.N. TROOPS WITHDRAW ALONG WHOLE LINE
Tw general withdrawal of United Nations troops in Korea yesterday
b~t them to a line less than 20 miles north of Seoul.
To story of how a battalion of The Gloucestershire Regiment,
Mkh was surrounded with the British 29th Brigade, bore the brunt
#f dbe Chinese assault for 80 hours has now been released by the
O~P.
ENEMY'S HEAVY LOSSES
Fmm Our Own Correspondent, New York, April 26 - Reinforced
Chinese troops on the Korean west front, disregarding their formida-
bk losses, have pressed to within 20 miles of Seoul down the high-
wAy from the north-west through Munsan, which was abandoned to
bm ~ay. It was near Munsan that American parachute troops
m* a spectacular landing behind enemy lines last month.
fift= miles to the east another enemy force is driving towards
&M along the main invasion route running through Uijongbu, where
h is joined by the highway from Kumhwa, the enemy's base behind
tk central front; and between these two forces other Chinese
elements are trying to make their way south through more difficult
wotry.
HEAVY TOLL
United Nations forces in these areas, as everywhere else on the
w~ front, have withdrawn south of the 38th parallel, shortening
@ supply lines and lengthening the enemy's. The toll taken by
their artillery and air attacks is greatly in excess of their own losses.
Famy losses since the beginning of the offensive on Sunday were
wbated yesterday at 30,000 in killed and wounded.
The allies have retreated about six miles on the road toward
Uijongbu to a point south of Changgo, which is four miles south of
die 38th parallel and 15 miles north of Uijongbu. Some of their units
were temporarily cut off, but fought their way out with comparatively
losses. Among these were Australian, Belgian and Turkish
dements. Another unit, which was cut off north-west of Uijongbu by
be or more Chinese divisions, was less fortunate. An armoured task
force rescued about 1 00 men by breaking through the encirclement,
but had to retire before it could help the remainder
SMOKE AND HAZE
United Nations forces have also been making a slow withdrawal in
ffie central front area above Kapyong, where they have been contain-
ing the enemy, and have made a similar withdrawal in the Hwachon-
Yanggu salient in the north-east, after holding out there since Sunday.
But Yanggu last night was still in their hands. To-day they beat back
enemy attacks on both sides of the Hwachon reservoir.
Heavy smoke and haze hung over the battle area to-day and aircraft
wore unable to give as much support to the troops as on some
previous days. Their pilots nevertheless claimed to have inflicted
550 casualties during the day.
GLOUCESTERS BEAR THE BRUNT
STORY OF AN 80-HOUR BATTLE
The censors to-day permitted disclosure of some heroic actions
by United Nations units. Outstanding among these was that of the
WWion of The Gloucester Regiment fighting with the British 29th
Brigade. When the Chinese waded across the shallow lmjin river on
Sunday night the brunt of their attack fell on this battalion. Cut off,
and surrounded, without food or water, it fought for 80 hours.
The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, on their right, went to their
help - still with the roses in their helmets with which they had been
celebrating St. George's Day - but the Chinese drove in between
them. Throughout Monday night the Chinese attacked on every side,
screaming, blowing bugles, ringing bells, and clashing cymbals. But
the Gloucesters held them and fought back, giving not an inch of
ground.
COMMANDER'S ORDER
A battalion from the Philippines fought fiercely in an attempt to
break through to their relief, but failed. On Tuesday afternoon a
column of British tanks similarly failed. The officer commanding the
Gloucesters thereupon sent for his company commanders and ordered
them to break out with their men as best they could. The battalion
commander, the chaplain, and the medical officer stayed behind with
the wounded.
One company decided to fight its way north then west. An
Associated Press correspondent, flying over the enemy lines saw them
walking north through the mountains, straight into the Chinese lines.
He said that some of them escaped to safety, but nobody knows how
many. Others were eventually rescued by a tank column which broke
through from the south.
There were many other notable deeds, including Turkish bayonet
charges in an area that has not been identified, and the saving of the
day by Australians and New Zealanders of the 27th Brigade when
South Koreans broke under a tremendous communist assault west of
Hwachon, which drove a deep wedge in the United Nations lines.
But the story of these has yet to be released to the world.
(c) The Times, 27th Al)ril 1951
THESEUS ON WAY HOME
H.MS. Theseu.@, the light fleet carrier, is on her way back to the
United Kingdom from the Far East. An Admiralty announcement said
that during her operations in Korean waters the carrier had steamed
more than 36,000 miles and had expended more than half a million
rounds of cannon shells and machine-gun bullets and 1,390 5001b.
bombs against enemy targets.
(C The Times, 2 7th April 1951
ALLIED WITHDRAWAL FROM UIJONGBU
United Nations forces in Korea have withdrawn to the south of
Uijongbu, 1 1 miles from Seoul. On the eastern part of the front they
have abandoned Yanggu and withdrawn south of the 38th parallel.
General Van Fleet has declared his confidence that the enemy can be
held north of the Han river. He said that tremendous toll was being
taken by the allies, whose own losses were light.
RETREAT IN GOOD ORDER
From Our Own Correspondent, New York, April 2 7 - United
Nations troops have fallen back at both ends of the Korean front
while continuing to fight a stubborn delaying action. In the west five
enemy divisions are advancing southward towards Seoul along the
road from Munsan and along the historic invasion route 15 miles to
the east, and the allies have withdrawn below Uijongbu, 1 1 miles
from Seoul. In the east they have given up Yanggu and have retired
south of the 38th parallel.
Enemy pressure is greatest in the west. His masses keep driving on,
in spite of point-blank artillery fire in some places and continuous air
attacks, paying, as elsewhere on the long front, a fearful price in
killed and wounded. At the eastern end of the central front allied
- 55 -
forces yesterday beat back four night attacks, and in the central area
they held firm against lighter attacks.
NO PERMANENT LINE
Lieutenant-General Van fleet made an unannounced visit to the front
yesterday. He was asked whether he believed that the Eighth Army
could hold the enemy north of the Han river, which runs along the
southern side of Seoul. He replied emphatically: "I do." He said that
the allies had not established a permanent line of defence, and their
withdrawal was continuing. He was keeping on with the war of
manoeuvre planned by Lieutenant-General Ridgway. "We are keeping
units intact. We are taking a tremendous toll of the enemy, while
enduring only minimum losses ourselves."
The allied troops, withdrawing in heavy rain, broke contact with the
enemy over most sectors of the front to-day, while thousands of fresh
Chinese troops moved into the battle area to replace their hard-hit and
exhausted frontline forces.
At Eighth Army headquarters to-night it was stated that an important
highway running north-east out of Seoul to Chunchon, on the central
front, was still in allied hands. Two probing attacks were repulsed
west of Kapyong, on that road, which the allies are defending from
new positions. South of the Hwachon reservoir allied elements with-
drew seven miles to avoid flanking attacks after their abandonment of
Yanggu, at the east end of the reservoir. Only on the east coast are
there any United Nations troops still north of the parallel. There,
South Koreans were reported to-day to be in contact with about 600
of the enemy.
Bad weather reduced air operations, but fighters and light bombers
made 363 sorties.
(Q The Times, 28th April 1951
THE CRITICAL STAGE APPROACHING
From Our Own Correspondent, New York, April 27 - The Chinese
are still thrusting towards Seoul, in the main by the Uijongbu and
Munsan roads, down which they moved when they previously
captured the city. It would seem, however, that the Eighth Army's
withdrawal has now become more deliberate and under control.
The offensive is now reaching its critical stage. Up to the present
the immense energy and dash which the Chinese put into their
attacks have on each occasion begun to evaporate within a week of
the first onset. This offensive began on Sunday night.
The fresh troops of the Chinese Third Field Army may be more
pertinacious than their predecessors - a British soldier who went
through the winter fighting is quoted as saying that the attacks were
even more determined and ferocious this time. Yet it has in all
likelihood been not lack of pertinacity, but lack of organization, in
practice lack of food and ammunition, which has previously braked
the Chinese oftensives so sharply. It is probable that on this occasion,
where their advance has been deep, they have far outrun their
artillery.
(0 The Times, 28th April 1951
CASUALTIES IN KOREA
The following casualties incurred in action in Korea have been
notified to the War Office:
8th HUSSARS - KILLED - Other Ranks - Trooper P.F. Rowley
(previously reported 'missing in action').
ROYAL NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS - KILLED -
Other Ranks - Fusilier S. Ludlow.
THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT - WOUNDED - Officers
- 2nd Lieutenant J.A. Haggerty.
Other Ranks - WOUNDED - Lance Corporal J. MeArdle, Lance
Corporal W.J. Russell, Private G.A. Chamberlain, Private C.D.
Francis, Private B. Hopkins, Private F.D. Hewitt, Private D.C.
Hockley, Private R.F. Marsh, Private J.E. Mortimer (Dorsets art
Glosters), Private J.R. Tickner.
THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT - Other Ranks - WOUNDED -
Private T.J. Freeman.
THE ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES - Other Ranks - WOUNDED -
Rifleman A. Green, Lance Corporal P. Alberts, (Wilts art R.U.R.).
THE ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS - Other
Ranks - WOUNDED - Corporal H. Saunders, Private R. McNae,
Private A. Watson, Private K. Morgan (K.O.S.B. art A. and S.H.),
Private J. Mulligan (Gordons art A. and S.H.).
ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS - Other Ranks - WOUNDED -
Driver P.J. Molloy, Driver D.S. Nicholls.
C The Times, 28th April 1951
BRITISH BRIGADES'GALLANTRY
AN AMERICAN TRIBUTE
The Korean Front, April 29, - Fuller reports have become availab'@e
of the gallant actions fought by two British brigades in face of masse
Communist attacks last week.
Major-General Hoge, commander of IX Corps, to-day described as
superb the 27th Brigade's action in covering a 10-mile-wide gap in
the United Nations line north of Kapyong. The brigade was sent into
action after a South Korean division collapsed. It fought "Against
tremendous odds and did not budge an inch." Australian and Canadi
troops, who bore the brunt of the Chinese onslaught in that sector,
had, in his opinion, killed as many Chinese "as the combined strength
of two Commonwealth battalions."
New Zealand artillery was in support and took heavy toll of the
enemy. The Chinese gathered new forces for an even heavier assault
the next day, but were fought with machine-gun, rifle, grenade, and
then the bayonet. Once more they broke off the action. After covering
the withdrawal of the artillery, with all their weapons and transport,
the Australians fell back to a new line in good order.
The 29th Brigade met the full weight of the attack down the main
corridor towards Seoul, and fought the Communists to a standstill
before withdrawing in conformity with the United Nations
Commander's tactical plan. Turks and Belgians joined in actions
which it is said will make regimental history. The brigade's heaviest
losses were suffered by the Gloucestershire Regiment. - (0 Reuters
The Times, 30th April 1951
CHINESE MASS 300,000
TO ATTACK SEOUL
U.N. PULL BACK TO NEW LINE
From Denis Warner Daily Telegraph Special Correspondent, United
Nations Command H. Q., Tokyo, Sunday - Dug in behind barbed wire
entanglements on the northern approaches to Seoul, United Nations
troops to-night awaited a major Communist attack against the South
Korean capital. Light contact only was made with Chinese forces'in
the area during the day.
Intelligence reports continue to tell, however, of an enemy build-up
south of Munsan and Uijongbu and north-cast alone theseoul-
Chunchon lateral highway. The two towns and the road passed into
Communist hands over the week-end.
- 56 -
~tes of the forces likely to be thrown into the assault on Seoul
m as high as 300,000, made up of nine armies, each of three
&Mons. A second force of 18 divisions is thought likely to attempt
to by-pass the city in an attempt to cut the main road leading south.
@UMM Nations confidence in the outcome of the immediate battle
wn reflected in a decision to keep heavy artillery in Seoul. To-night
&m massed guns threw thousands of rounds into Chinese formations
rowing on a line down to the Han River.
Off Inchon, the port for Seoul, a cruiser task force used its 8in. guns
in ~rt. The 13,190-ton light aircraft carrier Glory, which recently
~ this force, provided the only naval air action yesterday, with
Mcks against Haeju airfield.
@g the week-end allied forces fell back on a line running
~y across the peninsula from immediately north of Seoul to
de Yangyang area, just north of the 3 8th Parallel on the east coast.
% withdrawal was orderly. Tank task forces helped back scores of
Y~ded infantrymen.
By ones and twos the survivors of the Gloucesters entered the
AM lines. They now total more than a company in strength, but
od too much hope is now held for the rest of those missing after
die battalion's stand last week.
Wg misty weather helped the Communist build-up. Expectations
are that a fresh major attack will come within the next 48 hours.
&viewing the first week of the enemy offensive yesterday,
Ue~t-General Van Fleet, the Eighth Army commander, said that
$e Communists had already suffered 70,000 casualties out of their
initial attacking force of 300,000 troops. Another 300,000 were
immediately available to be thrown into the next round of the battle.
He said that the Chinese used "human sea" tactics. Neither the
weight of attack, the direction of the main effort nor the approximate
d* were a surprise to the Eighth Army, which had disrupted the
o@ive by inflicting heavy casualties.
0 The Daily Telegraph, 30th April 1951
WITH THE 27TH AND 29TH
BRIGADES IN KOREA
By Lieutenant-General H. G. Martin,
Dai Telegraph Milita Correspondent
During my recent visit to Korea, the 29th Brigade was in Army
muse in Yongdongpo, the south-bank suburb of Seoul. The Brigade
which was designed originally to be the British Army's sole contri-
bufion to the Korean campaign, was a strong and well-founded
brigade group of all arms, built around its three battalions, the Royal
Northumberland Fusiliers, the Gloucesters and the Royal Ulster
Rifles.
Thanks to the kind welcome of Brigadier Brodie and his command-
ing officers, 1 was able to pay my respects to all its units. These units
m composed very largely of reservists - married men for the most
@ with their civilian jobs or businesses.
The C.O. of the 8th Hussars, for instance told me that his regiment
as a whole was 70 per cent. and his transport drivers 90 per cent
reservist. His officers and men came from almost every regiment of
the Royal Armoured Corps.
MORALE SKY HIGH
Morale was sky high. Commanding officers were unanimous that
never had they known finer soldiers. These reservists represent,
however, all too high a proportion of our Regular Army Reserve, and
are correspondingly precious. All had a promise that they would go
home after 12 to 18 months' Colour service, and it was understood
that most of them would be going in September.
Commanding officers were asking themselves, in consequence, how
these grand soldiers, and particularly the signallers and other special-
ists among them, were to be replaced. In view of current events,
unfortunately, this question is now posed in an even more imperative
form.
By the end of March the real cold was over. Previously, of course,
it had been beyond description. The 29th Brigade keep green the
memory of the War Office expert in winter warfare who had come to
lecture to them before they sailed.
"You need not worry," he had told them, "Korea is not a cold
climate."
NO FIELD ALLOWANCE
That our men survived last winter almost unprovided with tents and
"space-heaters" - the Americans' ingenious petrol-stoves - was due
mainly to the fact that, having nothing to fear from enemy air or
artillery, they could generally find Korean houses in which to shelter.
Also, with their usual readiness to help, the Americans passed over
to our troops a certain number of tents and heaters; but a larger and
more regularised allotment would be necessary for another winter's
campaign.
The grant of field allowance to those serving in Korea is another
matter of urgency. When in 1945-46 the British Government
introduced their notorious post-war pay code for the Armed Forces,
they took the opportunity to abolish field allowance, announcing that
in future "extra pay for special duties" would be "absorbed in basic
rates." In other words the soldier would have to do without it. That is
not now good enough.
The men of many - perhaps all - of the other national contingents
in Korea draw special allowances. There are no amenities - nowhere
the soldier can go to relax out of the line. Winter or summer, the
climate is horrid. Service conditions have never been harder, or the
fighting more bitter.
True, in their "R. and R." scheme under which troops get five days'
leave in Japan, the Americans have generously counted in the men of
all the other contingents for air transportation; but these five days
come round only once in 10 months or so. No body of men ever
deserved their field allowance more than do our men in Korea. The
typically Whitehall prohibition will have to be reversed.
SEOUL TO THE IMJIN
Alone of the 29th Brigade, the 45th Field Regiment was then in
action, supporting the 1 st South Korean Division. 1 wished to pay the
Regiment a hurried visit; so my companion and 1 passed through
Seoul which 1 found less devastated than 1 had expected, and took the
road that leads northward to the lmjin - the road down which the
Chinese have poured once more.
Napalm had reduced perhaps every second village to a heap of black
ashes. On either hand, in an endless succession of steep, rocky ranges,
there s tehed the harsh brown-grey landscape of Korea. Every valley
bottoih'was filled by its spill of wet and terraced rice-fields.
The problem everywhere is how to get transport off the roads and
where to find gun positions. When it rains as it so often does, the
narrow mountain roads are transformed into quagmires. To pass is
then an experience; since one's vehicle must hug the road-edge, which
is all too apt to subside beneath one.
Nearly all the high-level bridges have been destroyed, and there is
not much Bailey bridging in evidence. In consequence one plunges
through a succession of fords, wondering how deep the last freshet
has made them.
MUD OR DUST
Mud or dust - you take your choice; within an hour or two of the
sky's clearing, the dust is re-appearing. Everyone inveighs against the
Korean dust, and it is certainly thick. Those of us, however, whose
memories go back to Mesopotamia in the First World War may
hesitate to award it the world title.
Somewhere short of Munsan we found the 45th Field Regiment
about to go into action. Since that day the regiment has forged fresh
bonds with its own infantry, and particularly with the Gloucesters, by
the faithful support it has given them in their desperate three-day fight
here on the lmjin.
From the 29th Brigade 1 flew to United States 9th Corps head-
quarters, where 1 was fortunate enough to renew my acquaintance
with the Corps Commander, Lieutenant-General.W.M. Huge: we
had met previously in Trieste. Next day, after General Hoge had
- 57 -
introduced me to General Ridgway, we flew on together to the head-
quarters of the 24th Division, under command of which the 27th
Brigade then was.
We found 27th Brigade headquarters seven or eight miles up a glen
in wild rugged country that recalled the Trossachs. There 1 spent two
days with them.
Brigadier Brian Burke had recently succeeded Brigadier Coad in
command. The brigade consisted of the Middlesex and the Argylll
and Sutherland Highlanders - the two original battalions - together
with the 3rd Royal Australian Regiment, a magnificent battalion of
individualists who respect, and are respected by, both Middlesex and
Argylls; the 2nd Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry with
whom the 27th Brigade must soon part when they are embodied in the
new Canadian brigade; and the 16th Field Regiment, Royal New
Zealand Artillery, who have won the confidence and admiration of all
whom they have supported.
The Middlesex and Argylls had been hm-ried from Hongkong at the
end of August and put hastily into the Pusan bridgehead early in
September, at a time of crisis when General MacArthur had said two
battalions then and they would be worth two divisions later on.
The battalions had consisted largely of National Service men, the
proportion of these being higher in the Middlesex than in the Argylls.
SPLENDID MATERIAL
Certainly these National Service men and their almost equally young
Regular comrades have proved themselves in Korea. As the C.O. of
the Middlesex put it to me, "They have leamt to live like animals on
the mountain tops through the winter cold."
All who have seen the National Service men at it will agree that the
British army has never had finer material. It is a thousand pities that
the psychological opportunity has been missed to send these proud
and self-reliant soldiers back to their homes and Territorial drill-halls
with a campaign ribbon to display.
From Brigadier Coad himself to company commanders and warrant
officers, those in responsible positions in the original 27th Brigade
have had to bear a quite abnormal strain. The brigade so-called
consisted at first of only its two weak battalions. It had to operate on
immense fronts. Physically, conditions were extremely trying.
Though the young National Service man is splendid material, at first
he needs constant supervision, and the turnover is ceaseless. The
brigade was passing constantly from one divisional command to
another; so it was impossible to institute a divisional system of reliefs.
The Americans did all they could, but there were some inevitable
hitches. Sometimes promised transport would not arrive.
AMERICAN TRIBUTES
Thus the relief, now in progress, of the 27th by the 28th Brigade, is
a most necessary step. It is fortunate, too, that the 28th, 29th and
Canadian 25th Brigade are soon to form a Commonwealth Division,
since there is ample experience to prove that a division is the lowest
formation that can be fittingly embodied in the army of another
nation.
Long before this last Chinese offensive began the 27th and 29th
Brigades had made their name in Korea. It was a fine thing to hear
every American commander from General MacArthur downwards pay
his tribute to them.
Now the counter-offensive has come at a moment when the 27th
Brigade was in the act of pulling out; the 27th and 28th - half-in and
half-out - can be having no easy battle. Together with the 29th they
are bearing the brunt. When the battle is over, great will be their
honour - but great also their needs. These needs must not go unmet.
(0 The Daily Telegraph, 30th April 1951
CASUALTY LIST OF 371 NAMES
The War office last night issued its longest list of recent casualties in
Korea. It contained 371 names - 52 officers and 319 other ranks -
killed, missing, or wounded. Other lists will follow at later dates, it
was stated.
Officers killed numbered nine and other ranks 35; officers missing
3 1, other ranks 1 1 1; officers wounded 12, other ranks 173.
The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers are listed as having the greates
number of casualties, their total of killed, missing, and wounded was
108. The Gloucestershire Regiment had particularly heavy losses
among its officers, six being killed and 19 missing.
(0 The Times, 2ndMay 7951
THE ROLL OF HONOUR
The War Office has issued the following list of casualties from
recent operations in Korea:
ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS - Other Ranks - WOUNDED -
Trooper W.N. Johnson.
ROYAL ARTILLERY - Officers - MISSING - Captain C.S.R. Dain,
Captain R.T. Washbrook, Major G.I. Ward, Captain R. Wisby, M.C.
Other Ranks - KILLED - Gunner F.J. Kilbum.
MISSING - W.O.11 G.E. Askew, Sergeant S.E. Aselby, Sergeant D.
Boswell, Gunner D. Boulton, Gunner A. Bruce, Gunner R.L.
Broomer, Gunner L. Bums, Gunner E.G. Bushby, Gunner N.R.
Campbell, Gunner J.A. Cooper, Lance Bombardier T. Clough, Gunner
A.H. Collins, Gunner J. Cameron, Sergeant H.W. Danes, Bombardier
T. Daley, Gunner J.C. Gabbs, Gunner M.E. Dunnachic, Gunner E.E.
Edson, Bombardier G.J. Fitzgerald, Gunner F.G. Gardner, Gunner T.J.
Gibson, Gunner J.W. Hildrew, Gunner J. Harris, Gunner J. Hepple,
Gunner B. Hesford, Gunner M.G. Lorimer, Lance Bombardier R.A.
Lintott, Bombardier E. Marvan, Bombardier G.R. Muncaster, Lance
Bombardier M.A. Mackay, Gunner M. Meneaud, Gunner J. Mason,
Gunner H.B.G. McFarlane, Gunner D. Mackic, Gunner J. Martin,
Gunner D.W. MeDonald, Gunner M. Mair, Lance Bombardier T.L.
Nutting, Bombardier G.F. Oliver, Gunner 1. Ormesher, Gunner M.
O'Neill, Gunner E.G. Pochin,,L@ce Bombardier D.M. Raymont,
Gunner M.B. Rees, Gunner @.A. Roberts, Gunner R.W. Ross, Gunner
A.W. Russell, Gunner E. Stott, Gunner E. Smith, Gunner J.Stocks,
Lance Bombardier B.S. Simms, Gunner J.C. Tracey, Gunner K.R.
Tolley, Gunner F. Usher, Gunner S.J. Vickersons, Sergeant J.G.
Watson, Gunner S.W. Williamson.
WOUNDED - Sergeant J.D. Hales, Gunner 1. Harvey.
ROYAL ENGINEERS - Officers- DIED OF WOUNDS -
Lieutenant B. Swinbanks.
MISSING - Lieutenant K.W. Eastgate.
Other Ranks - KILLED - Sapper V.D. Judd.
WOUNDED - Sapper R.A. Adair, Lance Corporal D. Balls, Sapper 1
Baldwin, Sapper J.G. Charlton, Sapper J. Conroy, Sapper P. Dempsey,
Sapper J. Gamble, Lance Corporal J.F. McLaughlan, Sapper A.
McCormick, Lance Corporal J. O'Kane, Sapper F. Price, Sapper W.R.
Rees, Corporal S.G. Seager, Sapper D.W. Suart.
MISSING - Lance Corporal A.S. Hogg, Sapper J. Hollis, Sapper R.
Harvey, Sapper R.A. Rennie, Sapper C.L. Wylie.
ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
Other Ranks - MISSING - Signalman J.T. Caims, Signalman H.
Jennings, Driver A.E. Miles, Lance Corporal S. Ward.
- 58 -
ROYAL NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS
Officm - KILLED - Lieutenant-Colonel K.0.N. Foster, O.B.E.,
2nd Lieutenant G.D. Rudge (Cheshires art 1 R.N.F.).
WOUNDED - Lieutenant J.J. Cubiss, M.C. (W. Yorkshires art 1
R.N.F.), Lieutenant A. MeNamara (R. Leicesters art 1 R.N.F.), Major
C.H. Mitchell, Major R.M. Pratt, D.S.O., Lieutenant S.A.S. Philips,
2nd Lieutenant B.E. Smith, Major H.J. Winn, M.C.
Other Ranks - KILLED - Fusilier S.D. Broadway, Fusilier F. Curry,
Supant C. Clarke, Fusilier B.L. Cox, Fusi tier K. Foster, Sergeant D.
McAnulty, Fusilier C. Sadler, Fusilier D. Tamblyn, Fusilier L. Walker,
Fusilier K. Wintersgill, Fusilier R. Winterton.
WOUNDED - Fusilier J.A. Allport, Fusilier E. Amell, Fusilier J.B.
Barker, Fusilier Broadbent, Corporal C. Bailey, Lance Corporal A.
Burland, Fusilier R. Bedford, Fusilier J. Birkett, Fusilier C.H.
Bwkthorpe, Fusilier R. Burgess, Fusilier F. Brown-King, Corporal 0.
C@ Sergeant W. Clark, Fusilier A. Charlesworth, Fusilier R.
Campbell, Fusilier J. Cumberford, Fusilier R. Crookes, Lance
Corporal S. Chambers, Fusilier J. Davies, Fusilier H. Dobson, Fusilier
W. Dove, Fusilier S. Dobbin, Fusilier R. Evans, Fusilier W. Felton,
Fusilier R. Freeman, Fusilier D. Fairhead, Fusilier W.G. Freakley,
Fusilier A. Feam, Fusilier E. Green, Fusilier S. Giles, Fusilier A.
Gower, Fusilier J.H. Gutteridge, Sergeant W. Gascoyne, Fusilier G.
Hill, Fusilier J. Hughes, Fusilier D. Hinchliffe, Fusilier D. Hambly,
Corporal I. Hadfield, Fusilier L. Jones, Fusilier F.A. Johnson, Fusilier
D. Jobson, Fusilier J. Kay, Fusilier A. Laidlaw, Lance Corporal L.
Lee, Lance Corporal J. Mason, Fusilier H. McNamara, Fusilier T.
McFall, Fusilier J. Mares, Fusilier J. Mussett, Lance Corporal P.
MeDowall, Fusilier R. McLeod, Fusilier C. MeAtamany, Lance
Corporal D. Milne, Lance Corporal R. Mitchell, Fusilier W. Neagle,
Fusilier R. Oakley, Fusilier J. Parry, Fusilier T. Parry, Lance Corporal
R. Pattison, Fusilier J. Pedley, Fusilier F. Pipkin, Fusilier R. Rees,
Fusilier E. Roberts, Fusilier B. Robson, Corporal F. Scott, Fusilier R.
Stewart, Fusilier F. Smith, Fusilier T. Sharp, Fusilier H. Taylor,
Fusilier D. Temple, Fusilier J. Theme, Fusilier R. Williams, Fusilier
L. Woodhall, Fusilier R. Walton, Fusilier J.H. Wade.
IfiSSING - Fusilier D. Briggs, Fusilier J.W. Cooke, Fusilier A.E.
Ellis, Fusilier A. Eke, Fusilier K. Fowler, Fusilier P. Harrison, Fusilier
B.F. Johnson, Fusilier D.J. MeDonald, Lance Corporal S. Russell,
Fusilier L. Spencer, Fusilier K. Slater, Fusilier A.E. Tyas, Fusilier W.
Wwting.
THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT
Officers - KILLED - Major P.A. Angier, Lieutenant P.K.E. Curtis
(D.C.L.I. art Glosters), Captain W.L.D. Morris, 2nd Lieutenant J.M.
Maycock, Captain R.A. St. M. Reeve-Tucker.
NUSSING - Lieutenant D.G. Allman (R. Hampshires att Glosters),
Lieutenant A.F. Blundel (Dorsets art Glosters), Lieutenant-Colonel J.P.
Came, Lieutenant H.C. Cabral, Lieutenant G.T. Costello (R.
Hainpshires art Glosters), 2nd Lieutenant D.J. English (R. Hampshires
art Glosters), Captain A. H. Farrar-Hockley, 2nd Lieutenant E. S. Gael,
Major E.D. Harding, 2nd Lieutenant J.A. Haggerty, Captain G.D.
Lutyens-Humfrey, Captain T.R. Littlewood, 2nd Lieutenant A. Peal,
2nd Lieutenant A.C.N. Preston, Captain H.J. Pike, Lieutenant G.F.B.
Teinple, 2nd Lieutenant T.E. Waters (W. Yorkshires art Glosters),
Captain AM. Wilson, Major P.W. Welter.
Odier Ranks - KILLED - Corporal L.J. Bishop, Corporal G.B.
Burchill, Lance Corporal D.A. Balls, Private R.T. Ballard, Private R.J.
Burton, Private D. Fox, Private W.A. Fox, Private J. Jones, Private
H.E. Judge, Corporal P.J. Maycock, Private J. Morley, Corporal R.G.
Norley, Lance Corporal D.M. Taylor.
WOUNDED - Private H.G. Anderson, Private D.R. Blackmore
(Devons art Glosters), Private G.F. Bullock (Wiltshires art Glosters),
Private R.E. Collett, Private H.W. Chalk, Private E.C. Clifford,
Private E.T. Collier, Private P.W. Drewitt, Private A. Davies, Private
H.E. Elkins, Private G.A. Egan, Private M.G. Guilford (Wiltshires art
Glosters), Private G.D. Gordge (Wiltshires art Closters), Private E.F.
Hobbs, Private J.L. Harris (Wiltshires art Glosters), Private D.R.
Hamson (Wiltshires art Glosters), Corporal L.A. Kemp, Private E.
Longley, Private D.E. Lynch, Lance Corporal W.W. Lealand, Private
A.F. Larnbert, Private L. Reynolds, Private B.N. Robins (Devons art
Glosters), Private S.W. Stone, Private N.G. Sinnott (Devons art
Glosters), Private W.J. Slocombe (Wiltshires art Glosters), Lance
Corporal L.F. Swatton, Private J.R. Shiers, Private A.H. Taylor,
Private H. Uttley, Private J. Vosper (Wiltshires art Glosters),
Private H. White, Corporal L.E. Waterbridge.
MISSING - W.O.11 N.V. Baker, Lance Corporal R. Bennett, C.Q.M.S.
P.E. Buss, C.Q.M.S. H.E. Buxcey, Private S.J. Famell, W.O.11 H.
Gallagher, Private B.G. Gallop, W.O.1 W.J. llobbs, Corporal C.A.
Jolly, Private J. Laing, W.O.11 A.E. Morton, Sergeant H.J. Pegier,
Corporal A.J. Powell, C.Q.M.S. R. Panting, Colour Sergeant J,
Ridlington, Sergeant D.W. Sallabank (Devons art Glosters).
THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT
Officers - WOUNDED - 2nd Lieutenant R. Brown,
2nd Lieutenant E.W. Martin.
Other Ranks - KILLED - Corporal T. Amos, Private W.A. Heath (S.
Staffords art Middlesex), Lance Corporal G. Innes (Glosters art
Middlesex), Private J. Oates (K.S.L.I. art Middlesex), Lance Corporal
Stanford.
WOUNDED - Private P. Bailey S. (Staffords art Middlesex), Private
T. Carrol, Private L. Church (S. Staffords art Middlesex), Private R.
Clarke, Private D. Everett, Private B. Fradley (S. Stallords art
Middlesex), Private W. Gayner, Corporal R. Hanner, Private R. Hilton
(K.S.L.I. art Middlesex), Private R. Jenner, Private J. Lofts, Private C.
Myatt (Glosters art Middlesex), Lance Corporal T. Moore (Queens art
Middlesex), Private R. Mathieson, Private New, Sergeant J. Perkins,
Private R. Russell, Private E. Sabin, Corporal K. Sutton.
ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES
Officers - WOUNDED - 2nd Lieutenant P.J.G. Kavanagh
(Inniskillings art k.-b.R.), Major Sir C.J. Nixon, Bt., M.C.
MISSING - Captain T.G. Docker, Lieutenant V.A. Dunlop (Kings art
R.U.R.), Lieutenant H.J. Marsh (S. Lancashires att R.U.R.),
Lieutenant J.M.C. Nicolls, Major J.K.H. Shaw, D.S.O., M.C., 2nd
Lieutenant VP.C. Whitamore (Loyals, art R.U.R.).
Other Ranks - KILLED - Corporal J. Lewis, Rifleman T. McGiven,
Lance Corporal J. Smith, Rifleman R. Washer.
WOUNDED - Rifleman 1. Byrne, Ritleman S. Brown, Lance Corporal
E. Brown (Gloucesters all R.U.R.), Rifleman R. Carr, Rifleman V
Dean, Rifleman P. Day, Private J. Done (Gloucesters art R.U.R.),
Private L.C. Edwards (Gloucesters art R.U.R.), Rifleman W.J.
Fletcher, Rifleman E.G. Gibson, Lance Corporal P. Hennessy,
Rifleman I.J. Hannon, Rifleman S.J. Law, Rifleman W. MeBumey,
Rifleman H. McKenna, Rifieirnan R.F. McLoughlin, Rifleman G.
McKinley, Lance Corporal W.O'Connor, Corporal E.J. O'Neil,
Rifleman T. Riley, Rifleman A.C. Ryan, Rifleman L. Smith, Sergeant
J. Stewart, Rifleman J.F. Shute, Rifleman G. Walsh, Rifleman W.
Whiteside.
MISSING - Private R.B. Cook (Gloucesters art R.U.R.), Rifleman L.
Clark, Rifleman F. Fitzgeraid, Rifleman H.A. McNaughton, Rifleman
B. Stoner, Pte H. Tucker, Rifleman W. Tumilson.
ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS
Other Ranks - WOUNDED - Lance Corporal A. Churchley,
Driver W.A. Carter.
- 59 -
MISSING - Lance Corporal J.R. Hyland, Driver P.H. Surtees,
Driver J. Thompson.
ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS
Officers - WOUNDED - Captain T. Dungavel.
MISSING - Captain R.P. Hickey
Other Ranks - WOUNDED - Private M. Elliott.
MISSING - Private K.C. Armstrong, Private F. Broome, Corporal
H.E. Calder, Private E.J. Janman, Private W.C. Webster.
ARMY CATERING CORPS
Other ranks - MISSING - Private A. Moseley.
(0 The Times, 2nd May 1951
THE ROLL OF HONOUR
The War Office has issued the following further list of casualties in
recent operations in Korea:
8TH HUSSARS - Officers - WOUNDED - Captain G.S. Murray (5th
Dragoon Guards art 8th Hussars), Captain P.C. Ormrod,
2nd Lieutenant J.B. Venner (7th Hussars art 8th Hussars).
ROYAL ARTILLERY - Officers - WOUNDED -
Major W.H. Pearce.
THE ROYAL NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS - Officers -
KILLED - Lieutenant F.B. Millington (R. Leicesters art R.N.F.).
MISSING - Lieutenant S.W. Cooper (R. Leicesters art R.N.F.),
Captain J.E.M. de Quidt (Warwicks art R.N.F.),
Lieutenant A.R.D. Perrins.
Other Ranks - MISSING - Fusilier C.R. Ableot, Fusilier T. Angus,
Fusilier J. Aitken, Sergeant A.F. Baggott, Fusilier S.G. Bartell,
Fusilier L. Bastable, Fusilier D. Barton, Fusilier T.E. Bloore, Fusilier
B. Baird, Fusilier M. Catchpole, Fusilier W.J. Cochlin, Fusilier S.
Chambers, Fusilier R. Cook, Sergeant R.A. Donald, Fusilier C.
Elcock, Corporal P.J. Forsdick, Fusilier R.G. Ford, Lance Corporal J.
Gorbom, Fusilier W. Haynes, Fusilier S.C. Jackson, Fusilier J.J.
Johnson, Lance Corporal J. Kain, Fusilier D.G. Kinne, Fusilier D.
Langley, Fusilier K.G. Murray, Fusilier J. Maguire, Fusilier S.A.P.
Mitchell, Fusilier Z. Needham, Corporal F. Peach, Fusilier G.H.
Stones, Fusilier J. Surley, Sergeant B. Sharp, Lance Corporal G.A.
Thomton, Fusilier S. Taylor, Fusilier R. Whitley, Fusilier 1. Walne,
Fusilier W.C. Wellman, Fusilier F. Watts.
THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT - Other Ranks -
KILLED - Private R. Vosper.
MISSING - Private A. Alexander, Private R.B. Allum, Private A.J.
Allum, Pte W.T. Baston, Private A.A. Brett, Private C.A. Baker,
Private G. Birch, Private L.C. Baker, Private R.A. Bennett, Private
M.E. Bounden, Lance Corporal E.J. Birt, Private J. Bowley, Sergeant
S.J. Brisland, Corporal E. Basham, Pte G. Chambers, Private G.
Chapman, Private A.U. Chawner, Private N.F. Chitty, Private W.J.
Cox, Private R.E. Cox, Private A.D. Carter, Private R.E. Crews,
Lance Corporal A.T. Cuthbert, Private J. Cam, Private G. Clarke,
Private K.H. Collins, Private W.C. Carter; Private G. Cooke
(Wiltshires art Glosters), Sergeant 1.H.J. Dee, Private W. Donaldson,
Private R.L.J. Davis, Private E. Day, Private F.R. Devine, Corporal
A.J. Donaghue, Private C. Dando, Private H. Deaney, Corporal D.A.
Daw, Private J. Edmonds, Private A.R. Evans, Private B. Eales,
Private A.P. Eagles, Private A.H. Fulgoni, Private G.H.R. Furr, Private
D.G. Fluck, Private R.C. Flynn, Private R. Gardiner, Private T.W.
Gardner, Private M. Godden, Private J.W.H. Grosvenor, Private W.G.
Gunn, Lance Corporal E. Green, Lance Corporal G.W. Garvey, Lance
Corporal G. Goldsmith, Lance Corporal D.G.A. Gray, Lance Corporal
F.A. Grinstead, Private R. Gardner, Lance Corporal A. Gault, Private
R.A. Gilding, Private L.E. Gisbome, Private C.G. Gray, Private W.
Harding, Private L. Henson, Private B.H. Hill, Private F. Hilton,
Corporal A. Holdham, Private E.A. Hart, Lance Corporal R.S.F.
Haskell, Private 1. Hawker, Private S.A. Heartnon, Private G. Hibbitt,
Private F. Hilton. Private P. Hone, Private R. Horsfall, Private D.G.
Kaye, Private R.F. Knowles, Private R.J. Jordan, Private D. Jones,
Corporal D. Jenner, Private J.W. Jones, Private J.T. Jefferies, Private
J. Keefe, Private D.W. King, Private E.W. Lucas, Private S. Lea,
Sergeant W. Lueas, Private G.L.S. Lee, Private M. Leach, Private J.A.
Lord, Private P.W. Lucas, Private J.S. Luckett, Private D. Morris,
Private H. Maynard, Lance Corporal D.D. Mew, Lance Corporal VG.
Mills, Private P.C. Marchant, Private E.C. Madgwick, Private H.
Mclntyre, Private A. Meredith, Pte A. Minns, Private P. Moore,
Private R.T. Othen, Private B. Pounds, Corporal W.D. Possee, Private
E.W. Partridge, Private W.A. Patrick, Private P. Patterson, Private
Pearce, Private E.E. Pearson, Private M. Pendle, Private H. Perkins,
Private R.G. Pettitt, Private T.A. Pink, Private S.G. Povey, Private H.
Powell, Private F.J. Price, Private D.W. Payne, Private G.A. Roberts,
Private D.A. Reynolds, PrivateW. Ramsell, Private C.V Rayner,
Private J.T. Read, Private R. Reeves, Private T. Remnant, Private
R.W. Reilly, Private 0. Smith, Private A.E. Spilsbury, Private F.P.
Steer, Lance Corporal H. Sharpling, Corporal W.H. Smith, Sergeant
W. Smythe, Private D.A. Savery, Private M.R. Sawyer, Private C.D.
Semmens, Private W.A. Seymour, Private J.D. Skoines, Private D.
Tomlinson, Private J. Tyler, Private A. Trude, Corporal S.H. Truan,
Lance Corporal S.A. West, Corporal K. Walters, Corporal WK.
Westwood.
THE ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES - Officer - WOUNDED -
Captain H.D. Miller.
Other Ranks - KILLED - Rifleman J. Doran (see note at end of
casualty list), ffifieman J.P. McCartam.
WOUNDED - Sergeant T.J. Buckley, Rifleman P.T. Berry, Rifleman
G.F. Colbom, Rifleman F.J. Charters, Rifleman J. Greer, Rifleman J.D,
Henderson, Rifleman J. Hooke, Lance Corporal S. Karsley, Rifleman
W. McColl, Rifleman J. Mclntyre, Lance Corporal R.F. Massey,
Rifleman F. MeDonald, Rifleman F. Neehan, Rifleman E.I.A. Pole.
MISSING - Rifleman JR. Anderson, Rifleman A. Altimas, Rifleman
L. Burrow, Rifleman C.S. Brierley, Rifleman H. Burton, Corporal J.
Baxter, Rifleman H.M. Bannon, Rifleman R. Boyd, Rifleman T.
Brannan, Rifleman S. Cordners, Rifleman H.J. Cordery, Rifleman
W.H. Cunningham, Rifleman P.J. Coyne, Rifleman D. Crawford,
Rifleman J. Coupe, Rifleman J. Conner, Corporal V.K. Clayton,
Rifleman J. Dowie, Rifleman P. Dunn, Rifleman N. Dooley, Rifleman
J.A. Edwards, Rifleman C.H. Farrow, Rifleman J. Gamble, Rifleman
C. Gouldsborough, Rifleman W.A. Gibson, Sergeant D. Gaw,
Rifleman T.H. Horion, Rifleman A. Hinchcliffe, Rifleman V.P. Hurren,
Rifleman J. Hasett, Rifleman G.L. Hobson, Lance Corporal S.J.
Hardacre, Rifleman J. Hull, Sergeant J.R. Hunter, Rifleman W. Julian,
Rifleman L. Jones, Rifleman H. Jones, Rifleman E. Kewin, Rifleman
J. Kay, Rifleman J. Kay, Corporal W. Lorimer, Rifleman H. Liddle,
Sergeant F. Lennon, Rifleman F. McMillan, Rifleman R.J.A.
MacDonald, Rifleman S.B. Mullan, Rifleman L. McKinney, Rifleman
J.B. Mellor, Rifleman A.F. Mooney, Rifleman A.W. Mallett, Rifleman
T.J. McConnell, Rifleman P. Maher, Rifleman W.B. Mercer, Rifleman
T. McCann, Lance Corporal C. McLauglin, Rifleman R. Martin,
Rifleman S. Montgomery, Rifleman D. Maher, Rifleman R.J.
Mulligan, Rifleman J. MeGuigan, Rifleman H. McCracken, Rifleman
P. Montgqmery, Rifleman E.R. McAlonen, Rifleman R. Norman,
Rifleman P. Neeson, Rifleman H. O'Kane, Rifleman J. Orr, Rifleman
S. Oakley, Rifleman T.A. O'Connor, Rifleman W.R. Pritt, Rifleman R.
Prior, Rifleman J. Porter, Rifleman S. Parkinson, Rifleman J.
Robshaw, Rifleman G. Riding, Rifleman E. Ross, Rifleman M. Reidy,
ffifieman G. Ritchie, Rifleman W. Shields, Rifleman W. Stroner,
- 60 -
Rifleman IJ. Speirs, Rifleman A. Shaw, Rifleman L. Short, Rifleman
W.H. Thompson, Rifleman J. Tweedie, Rifleman E.J. Valler, Rifleman
M.0. Ward, Rifleman E.F. Woods, Rifleman J. Welch, Rifleman W.J.
Young.
ROYAL ARMY CHAPLAINS DEPARTMENT - Officers -
MISSING - Chaplain to the Forces, 4th Class S.J. Davies (art
Glosters).
ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS - Officers - MISSING -
Captain D.R. Patchett.
Other Ranks - MISSING - Corporal F. Geary, Corporal D. Hansford.
ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS -
Other Ranks - MISSING - Lance Corporal R.F. Mathews.
ARW PHYSICAL TRAINING CORPS - Other Ranks -
MISSING - WO. 11 S.G. Strong.
ARW CATERING CORPS - Other Ranks - MISSING - Private M.
Byrne, Private J. Campbell, Corporal A.W. Flegg, Private R. Foster,
Sergeant PD. Hawkes, Private F.H. Stevens, Private A.H.J. Venning,
Corporal I.M. Watkins, Private J.A. Watson.
(0 The Times, 3rd May 1951
Note re: Rifleman J Doran. His name did not appear in the MOD
list of those who diedfrom any means during the Korean War Nor did
his name appear in WO 32116046 Cause ofdeath Listing at the
Public Record Office, Kew. Subsequent research revealed that the
regimental number shown against big name in the casualty report
raised by his battalion in May 1951, and included in WO 28111165,
the RUR War Diaryfor May 1951 at the Public Record Office, Kew,
belonged to Rifleman J Walshe whose name does appear in the
MOD @ list. We subsequently learned that 22523389 Rifleman J
Doran and 22523389 Rifleman J Walshe were one and the same per-
son. Rifleman Doran has been listed under his real name - Walshe.
- Patrick Lohan
THE ROLL OF HONOUR
The War Office has issued the following further list of casualties in
recent operations in Korea:
ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS - Other Ranks - WOUNDED -
Trooper R. Cliffe, Corporal V. MeNamara, Trooper D.S. Poulton,
Sergeant E Rowan.
MISSING -Trooper J.B. Baugh, Trooper K.M. Bielby, Trooper P.
Coate, Trooper J.W. Dunn, Corporal J.W. Holberton, Lance Corporal
J.W.L. King, Trooper E. O'Donnell, Sergeant DR. Reekie, Trooper
A.R. Smith, Trooper S.F. Sears, Corporal E. Stone, Trooper M.L.
Walton.
ROYAL ARTILLERY - Officers - KILLED - Lieutenant A.B.S.
Hudson, Captain A.M.L. Newcombe. (Captain A.M.L. Newcombe
was repatriated as a POW after the ceasefire).
Other Ranks - KILLED - Gunner J.W. Camp, Gunner W. Hewitt.
DIED OF WOUNDS - Gunner R. Cruikshanks.
WOUNDED - Gunner J. Fairhurst, Gunner D. Griffith, Gunner DR.
Shaw, Bombardier J.C. West.
MISSING - Gunner R.E. Button, Lance Bombardier G.M. Clarke,
Gunner J. Micklethwaite.
ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS - Other Ranks - WOUNDED -
Driver L. Newman.
MISSING - Driver E. Greenman.
THE ROYAL NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS - Other Ranks -
MISSING - Fusilier W. Ellis, Fusilier R. Sugden.
THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT - Other Ranks -
WOUNDED - Sergeant J. Hall.
MISSING - Private A. Adicm, Lance Corporal W. Aylward, Private R.
Austin, Private A. Anderson, Private L. Alldrett, Private L. Allen,
Private H. Askey, Corporal C. Bailey, Corporal J. Bateman Corporal
E. Broughton, Lance Corporal T. Benneyworth, Lance Corporal C.S.
Bidwell, Private D.C. Bailey, Private R. Beddis, Private T.R.
Bingham, Private R.A. Boorman, Private F.W.D. Bostock, Private J.
Brooks, Private J.J. Brown, Private T.Barry, Corporal P.J. Bear,
Private N. Batts, Private V. Benford, Private D. Binding, Private M.
Bissell, Private G. Bloomfield, Private D. Bool, Private S. Bradley,
Private M. Bradshaw, Private A. Bradshaw, Private W. Brazenall,
Private H. Bramley, Private DR. Butcher, Private A. Colbum,
Sergeant T. Clayden, Corporal L. Charman, Private A.Carter, Private
M.T. Cawsey, Private J. Chambers, Private P.J. Clark, Private F.
Clutterbuck, Private W. Cooper, Private E.E.A. Comey, Private A.
Crosby, Private R. Cham, Private J. Clarkson, Private R. Clayson,
Private R.W.A. Coltman, Private W. Cook, Private M. Coombes,
Private D. Coram, Private J. Cox, Private A.J. Cusson, Private E.
Davies, Private L. Davis, Private G. Dawson, Private P. Dearden,
Private H. Digweed, Private J. Dixon, Private A. Dowse, Private F.
Dudley, Private F. Davies, Private T. Davies, Private B. Dimmelow,
Private C. Durack, Private R.J. Dowding, Private R. English, Sergeant
K. Eames, Private W. Ennis, Private S.E. Edwards, Private T.
Finnerty, Private S, Foster, Private S. Furminger, Private R. Foster,
Corporal W. Greenaway, Private W. Coddard, Private H. Graham,
Private R. Green, Corporal J. Green, Private P. Godden', Private W.
Gray, Private D.J. Green, Private K. Gudge, Private K. Godwin,
Corporal D. Griffin, M.M., Lance Corporal J.A. Hartigan, Sergeant i.
Hale, Sergeant B. Hill, Sergeant P.J. Hoper, Corporal A. Hatwell,
Corporal R. Hirst, Private B. Hamblett, Private H. Hawkins, Private
R. Headland, Private E.J. Hammond, Private E. Harris, Private A.
Hawkins, Private D. Hollebone, Private G. Hunter, Private S. Hall,
Private A. Hardy, Sergeant E. Jerkins, Lance Corporal H. Johnston,
Private M. James, Private E. Jinks, Private W. Johnson, Private L.
Jones, Private P. Jones, Private L. Judkins, Corporal D. Jarinain,
Private D. Kendall, Private W. King, Private W. Kear, Private R.
Knight, Corporal V. Lawson, Corporal R. Lee, Lance Corporal J.W.
Lee, Private R. Loader, Sergeant B. Murphy, Corporal L.A. Manley,
Private D.E. Mansfield, Private H. Mason, Private W. McKay, Private
E.C. Morriss, Private F. Murton, Private L. Mallery, Private D.Marks,
Private A. Marsh, Sergeant D. Northey, Lance Corporal K. Newby,
Private E. Nash, Private R. Nash, Private J. Neath, Private T. Nugent,
Private K.C.M. Prince, Private A.D. Preece, Private H. Perkins,
Private A.H. Parfitt, Private M. Penrose, Private F. Perryman, Private
J. Poulton, Lance Corporal E. Rogers, Lance Corporal J.W. Riches,
Private F. Ross, Private E. Ratcliffe, Private W. Reynolds, Private R.
Rich, Private D. Richards, Private G. Roberts, Private E. Rose, Lance
Corporal W.G. Swancott, Private A. Sykes, Private W. Street, Private
A. Savage, Private J. Sheldrake, Private G. Sephens (Private G.W.
Stephens released in Big Switch), Private R. Searle, Private R.
Sheldon, Private S. Smith, Private U. Smith, Private D. Stockting,
Corporal B. Smith, Private F. Simpson, Private C.M. Smith, Private 1.
Stanbury, Private F.W. Stapleton, Private C. Stoneman, Private P.
Tozer, Private G. Tucker, Private G. Tull, Private H. Tew, Private A.
Thorling, Private A. Tremlett, Private W. Turner, Corporal F. Upjohn,
Private H. Underdown, Corporal J.0. Vaughan, Private E. Viney,
Private J. Varney, Corporal G. Warren, Lance Corporal H. Walker,
Lance Corporal W. Wright, Private F.S. Woodrow, Private B.
Whitchurch, Private A. Whitehead, Private P.G. Winter, Private P.
Wade, Private D. Walker, Private A. Ward, Private F. Wells, Private N.
Ward, Private B.L. Wagg, Private A.R. Waycott, Private H. Wheller,
Private C.R. Williams, Private G.L. White, Private J. Wilson, Private
R. Young.
- 61 -
THE ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES - Other Ranks - MISSING -
Rifleman N. Anderson, Rifleman D. Brown, M.M., Rifleman K.
Fletcher, Rifleman A. Magill, Rifleman W.H. Robinson.
ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS - Other Ranks - MISSING -
Sergeant S.F. Baxter, Corporal E.T. Bruton, Corporal H. Manning,
Corporal E. Marshall, Corporal C. Papworth.
Amendments to earlier lists - Lance Corporal W.W. Lealand,
Glosters, previously reported 'wounded' is missing.
Rifleman J.R. Anderson, R.U.R. and Rifleman L. McKinney, R.U.R.,
previously reported 'missing' in error.
(0 The Times, 4th May 1951
THE ROLL OF HONOUR
The War Office has issued the following further list of casualties in
recent operations in Korea:
THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT - Other Ranks -
WOLJNDED - Private J.E. Crabbe, Private G.A. Freeman,
Private C. Pack.
MISSING - Private R. Allman, Private S. Adams, Private SA. Allum,
Private W.C. Armstrong, Corporal G. Baker, Corporal W. Bilboe,
Lance Corporal J.W. Baldwin, Private F.A. Bourel, Private H.J.
Brown, Private F. Barclay, Private S. Barlett, Private L.Bennion,
Private V. Bowl, Private S. Bow, Private F.D. Bailey, Private D.N.
Barber, Private A.J. Bigglestone, Private F. Brazier, Private C.A.
Brooks, Private R.A. Budden, Sergeant I. Claxton, Sergeant S.W.
Cottam, Corporal E.H. Childs, Lance Corporal J. Crisp, Private D.T.
Cla,rk, Private W. Clark, Private F. Cannon, Private F. Carter, Private
A. Clarke, Private J. Collins, Private D. Comish, Private H. Cox,
Private J. Cragg, Private M.P. Chilcott, Private W.C. Carkett, Lance
Corporal C. Dyer, Private F. Dowds, Private G.J. Dailey, Private F.W.
Daws, Private H. Dawson, Private R. Desforges, Private C. Dillon,
Private R. Dymond, Private S.W. Davis, Private H. Durham, Private
W. Dix, Corporal G. Elliot, Private L. Essex, Private J. Everitt, Private
C.H. Edkins, Private A.P. Ellard, Private L. Ellerby, Private P.J.
Etherington, Private W. Fenner, Private H. Fowler, Private J. Fowler,
Private D. Fritchley, Private R.H. Fish, Private K.F. Fisher, Private
C.D. Francis, Private A.W. Grant, Private J. Gazzard, Private R. Gray,
Private H. Green, Private J. Green, Private R. Grimes, Private N.A.
Gadd, Private D.A. Gardiner, Private A. Gee, Private J. Godbold,
Private A.C. Grist, Lance Corporal H. Hawkesworth, Private A.E.
HAte, Private M. Holmes, Private S.D. Bill, Private R.C. Hall,
Private C. Hall, Private R. Halpin, Private E. Hartland, Private D.
Hole, Private R.W. Hughes, Private R. Hukins, Private G. Harris,
Private E.E. Harrison, Private D. Haines, Private B. Jackson, Private
P. Jennery, Private J. Johnson, Private J.K. Joyce, Private T. Knight,
Private R.A. Lee, Private D. Large, Private A. Lambert, Private D.
Lendrum, Private D. Lueas, Corporal R.Y. Masters, Lance Corporal
J.C. Mahon, Private S.G. Maxim, Private J.S. MeLean, Private S.A.
Mercer, Private R.L. Middleton, Private R.W. Mills, Private N.J.
Mounter, Private N. Murphy, Private P. Maskell, Private R.
Matthews, Private D. Maxwell, Private T. Meads, Private A. Mitchell,
Private J. Moyes, Lance Corporal T. Newark, Private F.A. Nash,
Private G. Newhouse, Private C.W. Nicholls, Lance Corporal W. Orr,
Private W. Osbome, Sergeant P. Pethrick, Sergeant P.J. Pugh, Lance
Corporal E.O. Pressley, Private R.J. Pearson, Private L.C. Payne,
Private G.R. Price, Private L.H. Perks, Private D. Palmer, Private W.
Palfrey, Private H.G. Pemberton, Private B. Phillips, Private V
Pilditch, Private J. Potter, Private J. Pye, Corporal S. Robinson,
Corporal T.J. Roots, Private D. Reardon, Private F.L. Richards,
Private E.R. Rose, Private R.A. Rogers, Private L. Roberts, Private W.
Roberts, Private J. Robson, Corporal J. Short, Lance Corporal S.
Seymour, Private M. Smith, Private F. Smith, Private W.R. Smith,
Private K.J. Smith, Private S. Sainsbury, Private A.J. Sheppard,
Private R.F. Stone, Private H.J. Swetton, Private F. Sheiton, Private T.
Shetcliffe, Private C. Sinclair, Private R. Sladen, Private W. Synnott,
Sergeant M.H. Tuggey, Lance Corporal Taylor, Corporal G. Thomas,
Private A.R. Taylor, Private R.C. Taylor, Private M.J. Thomas, Private,
P. Thomas, Private R.M. Thomas, Private L. Tyrrell, Private A.E.
Tideswell, Private D. Tudor, Private R. Turley, Corporal R.
Wellington, Private J. Ward, Private R.M. Warrior, Private T. Watson,
Private A. Wicks, Private J.H. Williams, Private R.A. Wino., Private
C.C. Warren, Private W.A. Widshe, Private O.G. Williams, Private D,
Winter, Private G. Wood, Private R, Yates.
Amendment to earlier casualty list - Fusilier W. Haynes, R.N.F.
Previously reported missing, now located (wounded) in field
hospital.
(C The Time,@, 5th May 1951
GENERAL MacARTHUR'S EXAMINATION ENDS
General MacArthur, on the third and last day of his appearance
before the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees,
repudiated the strategic ideas both of ex-President Hoover and
Senator Taft, but repeated his belief that intensification of the war
against China would lead to early and complete victory.
The New York Times, having discussed his programme and the
assumption on which it rests, decided that "the hazards of such pro-
posals become evident from the mere recital of them ... we cannot
afford to risk a break with our allies by pursuing a course of action
which might well bog us down in an unlimited war in Asia."
The New York Herald Tribune says that "the MacArthur,. thesis is
challenged on its face by innumerable lessons of military and political
history in Asia and elsewhere; since, if it is not sound, the costs of
acting upon it would be catastrophic. The testing must now be press
with the maximum thoroughness allowable under the limitations of
security."
Referring to his advice that "if our western allies would not follow
us ill Asia he would go in alone," it says "that rather startling
revelation of General MacArthur's basic attitude and outlook makes
it of critical importance that the recommendations founded upon it
should be, however sincerely advanced, very carefully and critically
examined. It was an attitude and outlook which, his present
protestations to the contrary, led MacArthur straight into the trap
the Chinese Communists prepared for him last winter. The possibility
that it would lead us into a vastly larger and more tragic trap again
cannot be dismissed without the most thorough test of the present
MacArthur thesis."
C The Times, 7th May 1951
A U.N. ADVANCE IN KOREA
From Our Own Correspondent, New York, May 8 - United Nations
forces, with South Korean troops in the vanguard, advanced to-day
on the west Korean front to a point on the east bank of the Han river
17 miles north-west of Seoul, and armoured patrols diverging from
Uijongbu advanced as far as 20 miles north of the city. At the extreng
western end of the line United Nations forces on the Kimpo peninsul
exchanged mortar fire with enemy troops.
(0 The Times, 9th May 1951
- 62 -
K.S.L.I. EMBARK FOR KOREA
From Our Own Correspondent, Hongkong, May 8 - The King's
Shropshire Light Infantry embarked for Korea to-day on board the
US.& Montrose. Lieutenant-General Sir Robert Mansergh addressed
the troops and remarked they would be the only light infantry
battalion among the British contingent in Korea.
(0 The Times, 9th May 1951
HEROISM OF THE GLOUCESTERS
HIGHEST U.S. AWARD
In Korea, May 8 - The few survivors of the 1 st Battalion, The
Gloucestershire Regiment, and the 170th Independent Mortar Battery,
paraded today to receive from Lieutenant-General Van Fleet, the
Eighth Army commander, the blue ribbon of the Presidential Unit
Citation for heroism in action, the highest American decoration
awarded to units.
In the words of the official citation, the Gloucesters and mortar
personnel were honoured for their epic stand when the 29th Brigade
took the main shock of the Communist offensive from April 22 to 25.
Between 40 and 50 men of the battalion got back, leaving 600 killed
and missing on the field. If the King approves, every man serving
with these units will be able to wear the ribbon, and a blue streamer
will be added to the unit's battle honours.
Behind a dais facing the three-sided parade were the Union Jack, the
brigade colours, the flags of Belgium and Luxembourg, and the
colours of the Belgian battalion which is part of the 29th Brigade.
American Military Police held the Stars and Stripes and the standard
of Lieutenant-General Van Fleet. A guard of honour was mounted by
the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. Pipers of the Royal Ulster Rifles
played as Brigadier Brodic, the brigade commander, reported to the
army commander.
THE GENERAUS TRIBUTE
General Van Fleet said: "I have come to be in good company, and to
pay tribute to the wonderful British Commonwealth forces. 1 wanted
to get better acquainted with and pay tribute and give honour to
your gallant stand. 1 know 1 am in great company. 1 am proud and
honoured to be here." The General said they had stopped the
communist advance and he felt deeply the losses they had suffered.
They had acted in keeping with the finest traditions of the British
forces.
Lieutenant-Colonel Digby Grist, the Gloucesters'new commanding
officer, received the award for the battalion, and Major T. Fisher-Hoch
received it on behalf of the 170th Independent Mortar Battery.
The 29th Brigade commander also received a message from
Lieutenant-General Milbum, commander of the 1 Corps, in which he
said: "I want to commend you and your officers and men for gallantry
in action while defending the lmjin River line during the last days
of April against the assault of greatly superior forces. Subject to
exceedingly heavy pressure, you did not falter, and met his attacks
with fighting will and courage beyond his belief as is attested by the
hundreds of enemy dead in close proximity to your actions." The
Communists would remember the 29th Brigade as a formidable
opponent. "We are all proud of you. American G.I.s right across the
Korean front are giving unstinted praise to the 29th and 27th
Brigades."
The French battalion is the only other non-American unit in Korea
to have been awarded the Presidential citation. - (0 Reuters
The Times, 9th May 1951
THE INDOMITABLE GLOUCESTERS
Eighth Army Headquarters, Korea, May 11 Lieutenant-General
Van Fleet, the Eighth Army commander, having called for reports on
the part played by the officers and men of The Gloucestershire
Regiment and the 170th Independent Mortar Battery in the recent
Communist offensive, and having reviewed all the information, today
issued the following special communique.
The Ist Battalion and C Troop (of the Independent Mortar Battery)
were defending a very critical sector of the battlefield during a
determined attack by the enemy. The defending units were over-
whelmingly outnumbered. The 623rd Chinese Communist Army
drove the full force of its savage assault at the positions held by the
1 st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment, and attached unit. The
route of supply ran south-east from the battalion between two hills.
The hills dominated the surrounding terrain northwest to the lmjin
river. Enemy pressure was built up on the battalion front during the
day, April 23.
On April 24 the weight of the attack had driven the right flank of
the battalion back. The pressure grew heavier and heavier, and the
battalion and attached unit were forced into a perimeter defence
on Hill 235. During the night heavy enemy forces had by-passed the
staunch defenders and closed all avenues of escape.
The courageous soldiers of the battalion and attached unit were
holding the critical route selected by the enemy for one column of the
general offensive designed to encircle and destroy the 1 Corps. These
gallant soldiers would not retreat. As they were compressed tighter
and tighter in their perimeter defence they called for close in air
strikes to assist in holding firm. Completely surrounded by tremen-
dous numbers, these indomitable resolute and tenacious soldiers
fought back with unsurpassed fortitude and courage.
As ammunition ran low and the advancing hordes moved closer and
closer, these splendid soldiers fought back viciously to prevent the
enemy from oven-unning the position and moving rapidly to the south.
The heroic stand provided the critically needed time to regroup other 1
Corps units and block the southern advance of the enemy. Time and
again efforts were made to reach the battalion, but the enemy strength
blocked each efrort. Without thought of defeat or surrender, this
heroic force demonstrated superb battlefield courage and discipline.
Every yard of ground they surrendered was covered with enemy dead,
until the last gallant soldier of the fighting battalion was overpowered
by the final surge of the enemy masses.
The 1 st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment, and Troop C,
170th Independent Mortar Battery, displayed such gallantry, determi-
nation, and esprit de corps in accomplishing their mission under
extremely difficult and hazardous conditions as to set them apart and
above other units participating in the same battle. Their sustained
brilliance in battle, their resoluteness and extraordinary heroism are in
keeping with the finest traditions of the renowned military forces of
the British Commonwealth, and reflect unsurpassed credit on these
courageous soldiers and their homeland. - (0 Reuters
The Times, 12th May 1951
CASIJALTIES IN KOREA
The following casualties incurred in action in Korea have been
notified to the War Office:
ROYAL ARTILLERY - Other Ranks - WOUNDED -
Gunner A. Capstick.
THE ROYAL NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS - Other Ranks -
KILLED - Lance Corporal H. Hamer.
WOUNDED - Sergeant F.P. Waters, Lance Corporal W. Bainbridge,
Lance Corporal J.T. Hayes, Fusilier B. Hirst, Fusilier J. Hamill.
- 63 -
THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT - Other Ranks -
DIED OF WOUNDS - Private B.N. Robins, Devons art Glosters;
Private H. Uttley (previously reported wounded).
MISSING - Sergeant J. Leathem, Sergeant P.C. Crompton, Corporal
A.H. Perkins, Private H.M. Mairs, Private R.L. White, Private J.W.
Wood, Private R.H. Wheatley, Private J.E. Wiseman.
Amendments to earlier lists: Previously reported missing - now
located (wounded) - Private A.D. Carter.
THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT - Other Ranks - WOUNDED -
Private E. Sampson.
THE ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES - Other Ranks - MISSING -
Rifleman J.R. Anderson, Rifleman C.D. Clark, Rifleman H. Howarth,
Rifleman S. Stewart.
Amendments to earlier lists: Previously reported missing - now
located - Rifleman J.A. Edwards, Rifleman W. Julian, Rifleman T.J.
McConnell, Rifleman J. Welch.
Previously reported missing - now located (wounded) - Rifleman E.
Kewin, Rifleman R. Nonnan, Rifleman E.J. Vallen
C The Times, ]2th May 1951
RELIEF FOR CARRIERS IN KOREAN WATERS
The Admiralty stated yesterday that it had been found desirable to
give ships' companies and aircrews of carriers a period of rest after
six months' service in Korean waters.
"if the war in Korea continues," said the statement, "H.MS. Glory
will thus require some relief in October, and to effect this, while
avoiding even a temporary reduction in the British Commonwealth
contribution to the United Nations Forces in Korea, the Australian
Government has generously agreed to make H.MA.S. Sydney
available for Korean service for three months from October."
(0 The Tirnes, ]2th May 1951
GALLANTRY IN KOREA
AWARDS TO ROYAL MARINES
Awards to members of 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines,
for gallant and distinguished service in Korea, were announced in the
London Gazette last night.
The Commanding Officer, Major (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel)
Douglas Bums Drysdale, of Haslemere, Surrey, is made a Companion
of the Distinguished Service Order, and the Military Cross is awarded
to Captain (Local Major) Dennis Leolin Samuel St. Maur Aldridge,
Captain Leslie George Marsh, of Southboume, Bournemouth, and
Captain Patrick John Ovens, of Cirencester.
The Military Medal is awarded to Colour Sergeant (Acting
Quartermaster Sergeant) James Baines, of Plymouth; Marine George
Bramble of Norwich; Corporal Ernest Cruse, of Exmouth; Marine
Arthur Alexander Henry Harper, of Newport, Isle of Wight; Marine
Malcolm Hine, of Milford, Surrey; Sergeant Reginald William David
James, of Southsea; Corporal Henry Langton, of Liverpool; Corporal
Gersham Maindonald of St. Peter Port, Guernsey; and Marine Richard
Twigg.
(0 The Times, ]9th May 1951
KOREA CASUALTIES
The following casualties incurred in action in Korea have been
notified to the War Office:
GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT - Previously reported killed
in error, now located - Private D. Fox.
Previously reported missing now located -
Private 0. Smith, Private H. Graham.
ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES - WOLTNDED - Corporal W. Colleton,
Lance Corporal A.J. Thomson, Rifleman T. Gorman,
Fusilier J. McKie.
Previously reported missing - now located -
Rifleman H.M. Bannon.
Previously reported missing - now located (wounded) -
Rifleman B. Stoner.
(0 The Times, ]9th May 1951
HMS GLORY & HMS KENYA
IN ACTION
American troops are being rushed forward to try to plug the gap
cut in two South Korean divisions which have been badly mauled
with several of their units being caught in ambushes as they were
retreating. One strong allied tank force was also ambushed on the
same front but managed to fight its way out down a dry river bed.
Navy aircraft from four allied carriers were among those which took
part in operations yesterday. United States pilots flying from the
carriers Princefon, Boxer, and Philippine Sea concentrated on close
air support in the eastern sector, while British aircraft - Sea Furies and
Fireflies - flew from HMS. Glory to make heavy attacks on gun
emplacements and troop concentrations in the area of Chinnampo.
The British cruiser Kenya, also operating on the west coast, shelled
troop concentrations on the Changsan peninsula, and, in collaboration
with air spotters sent up from HMS. Glory, shelled the area west of
Songhwa, 30 miles south-west of Chinnampo.
(C The Times, 19th May 1951
KOREA CASUALTIES
The following casualties incurred in action in Korea have been
notified to the War Office:
ROYAL NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS - MISSING -
Fusilier J. Martin.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT - MISSING -
Private G. Green, Private W. Hawkes.
ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES - MISSING - Rifleman B. Mulligan.
Previously reported missing, in error - Rifleman R.J. Mulligan.
(0 The Time,@, 26th May 1951
- 64 -
WOUNDED GLOSTER FOUND
New York, May 2 7 - Greek troops on the lmj in river front, who
overran hills where the Gloucestershire battalion made its stand,
found one dazed and wounded Englishman, Lionel Essex, who had
been cared for by a Korean family behind enemy lines for 33 days.
He was wounded in the arm and leg.
(0 The Times, 28th May 1951
KOREA REPORTER KILLED BY MINE
Pusan, South Korea, Sunday - Derek Arthur Gordon Pearcy,
London-bom Reuter-Australian Associated Press correspondent
in Korea, was killed when his jeep ran over a mine on the western
front yesterday. An officer in the jeep was also killed and the driver
seriously wounded.
Pearcy, who was 25 on Friday, is the fourteenth correspondent to be
killed in Korea.
The niineburst occurred at the Canadian 25th Brigade command
post. Vehicles had been running over the spot for days.
In his last dispatch from the Korea front, written on Friday and
delayed, Pearcy told of khaki-bereted Canadians of the 25th Infantry
Brigade going into battle at dawn for the first time.
"Their small arms were at the ready, their eyes alert for the slightest
movement ahead of them. The first shot rang out. The infantrymen
ducked for cover, fanned out and fired at a hill on their flank. There
was a short silence, then a rattle of Sten guns, then silence again. The
Canadians turned North again and the advance resumed."
(0 Reuter Archives, 28th May 1951
CEREMONY IN H.M.S. THESEUS
From Our Own Correspondent, Portvmouth, May 29 - The aircraft
carrier Theseus (Captain A.S. Bolt, R.N.) arrived here to-day after a
period of active service in Korean waters, and was presented with the
Boyd Trophy at a ceremony on the flight deck. The trophy was
presented by Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fraser of North Cape, First
Sea Lord, and received by Lieutenant-Commander M.P.G. Smith,
R.N., in command of the air group of the Theseus.
Lord Fraser, making the presentation, said that the prestige of the
Royal Navy, particularly the Naval Air Arm, was the highest possible,
and the Theseus had set an example of how things should be done.
"For that our American friends have given you full testimony."
The trophy was won by the air group, which comprises No.807 Sea
Fury and No.810 Firefly squadrons, for carrying out 1,444 sorties
without accident and with an average serviceability of over 90
percent, during operations in October, November, and December of
last year. The Boyd Trophy is awarded yearly for the finest feat of
aviation in the Navy.
(0 The Times 30th May 1951
CASUALTIES IN KOREA
The following casualties incurred in action in Korea have been
notified to the War Office:
ROYAL NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS - WOUNDED -
Fusilier F.A. Bainbridge.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT - Previously reported
missing - now located (wounded) in hospital - Private L. Essex.
ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS - WOUNDED -
Corporal D. Hilton.
The Times, 2nd June 1951
MR ACHESON PRAISES GLOUCESTERS
From Our Own Correspondent, Washington, June 3 - While being
questioned by the senate committee yesterday the Secretary of State
paid a tribute to the 1 st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment,
calling their fight "one of the great stories in military history."
"It was very gallant," he said. "It was a superb thing ... they held
up the entire advance of the Chinese in the western sector until the
rest of the troops could get themselves into position."
The exploit of the Gloucesters seemed at first to be too little
understood and too little appreciated in the United States. This was
the result of the accidental circumstance that there was only one
American correspondent - representing the Christian Science Monito
- at that part of the front at the time.
(0 The Times, 4th June 1951
THE ROLL OF HONOUR
The following casualties incurred in action in Korea have been
notified to the War Office:
8TH HUSSARS - WOUNDED - Captain G.N.R. Whitfield.
THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS - Officers -
WOUNDED - Lieutenant A.H.F. MeMillan-Scott,
2nd Lieutenant E.R. Mudie.
Other Ranks - KILLED - Private H.J. Banton, Private A.B. Clark,
Corporal J. Gallagher, Private J. Millar (A. and S.H. art K.O.S.B.),
Private J.H. Purdie.
WOUNDED - Private J.C. Aitchison Private A.J. Bennett (A. and
S.H. art K.O.S.B.), Corporal N. Campbell, Corporal R.S. Clelland,
Lance Corporal J. Conaghan, Private N.A. Cunningham (A. and S.H.
art K.O.S.B.), Private D. Cathrall, Private K.A. Davis, Private W.H.
Dougherty, Private J.D. Elmalie (A. and S.H. art K.O.S.B.), Private A
Forrest, Private R.A. Hudson (A. and S.H. art K.O.S.B.), Private R.P.
Hastie, Sergeant J. McMillan, Private A. Nicoll, Private J. Shaw,
Private G.M. Wilson (A. and S.H. art K.O.S.B.), Corporal C.B.
Wilkinson, Private D. Whitelaw.
THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT - KILLED -
Private A.L. Bailey.
WOUNDED - Private J. Harris.
Previously reported wounded, now reported missing -
Private J.L. Harris (Wiltshires art Glosters).
THE KING'S SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY - KILLED -
Lance Corporal W. Hanlon, Corporal K.A. Richardson.
DIED OF WOUNDS - Lance Corporal G.A. Yapp.
WOUNDED - Lance Corporal. F. Bayley, Private R.K. Brown,
Private T. Bagnall, Private W.T. Bames (Middlesex art K.S.L.I.),
Corporal R.W. Griffiths, Private R.S. Gordon, Private J.D. Garman
(R. Sussex art K.S.L.I.), Private S.G. Patworth, Private T. Sheldrake,
Private HR. Seabright, Private H.W. Sellens (Middlesex art K.S.L.I.)
Private E.G. Stone, Private R. Smith.
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ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS - KILLED -
Driver W.C. Greenwood.
WOUNDED - Driver J. Blackwell.
(0 The Times, 9th June 1951
U.S. DECORATIONS
FOR BRITISH TROOPS
The War Office announced last night that the King has approved
the following American decorations to British troops in recognition
of gallant and distinguished services in Korea:
SILVER STAR MEDAL - Brigadier T. Brodie, late Infant%-
Brigadier B.A. Coad, late Infantry; Lieutenant-Colonel G.L. eilson,
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders; Major J.B. Gilties, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders; Captain C.N.A. Buchanan, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders (missing); 2nd Lieutenant G.A. White, Royal
Army Ordnance Corps, (posthumous).
BRONZE STAR MEDAL - Major R.A. Gwyn, Middlesex
Regiment; Major I.D. McN. Reith, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
(posthumous). Major J.D. Stewart, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders; @aptain W.H. Ellery, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers',
Captain D.W.VP. O'Flaherty, Royal Artillery; Sergeant D.B.
Hummerstone, Middlesex Regiment, (since killed in action); Sergeant
J.C. Robertson, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders; Corporal G.N.
Cross, Royal Engineers; Corporal J. Walker, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders; Sapper J.C. Hannon, Royal Engineers; Sapper A.F.J.
Preston, Royal Engineers.
(0 The Timey, 9th June 1951
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JUNE 1950 KOREAN WAR JULY 1953 |