Walter Irish was just 18 when a chance encounter with a Royal Marine in uniform inspired him to enlist. Having grown up on a farm near Newton Abbot, he took easily to the physical demands of commando training and proudly earned his green beret. Posted to 41 Independent Commando, he soon found himself in Japan, re-equipped with American weapons and training alongside the US Marines.

In his interview, Walter recalls daring raids on North Korean supply lines, gruelling night landings, and the bitter cold of the Chosin Reservoir campaign where temperatures plummeted to -34°C. He describes the chaos of ambush, the loss of friends, and the sheer will to survive. Wounded by shrapnel, he was evacuated to Japan but carried with him the enduring bond of comradeship.

Walter went on to serve in Borneo, Malta, Singapore, and Aden, but Korea remained a defining experience. His testimony sheds light not only on the hardships of war but also on the resilience of a young Royal Marine who never forgot the men he served alongside.

Stanley White joined the Navy in 1946 and describes some of the challenges of working as an aircraft armourer at sea: tight living conditions, frightening typhoons, messing arrangements and working with explosives. He joined HMS Unicorn in June 1949 when she was recommissioned as a maintenance carrier; she sailed in September on a 12-month “show the flag” tour but was off Japan when the Korean War started in June 1950, so she diverted to Singapore to pick up aircraft. Stanley then transferred to the aircraft carrier HMS Triumph, where he was responsible for rearming Seafires (fighters) and Fireflies (ground-attack) with rockets, ammunition and bombs to support ground troops. He describes how the crew took their CO’s death in a deck-landing accident in their stride. He met his wife of 64 years during leave after returning from Korea. He subsequently served aboard HMS Ark Royal before leaving the navy and spending 29 years at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough.

Ken Jones provides a thorough account of his service as an Artificer Sergeant and tank engineer for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) during the Korean War. Fours years after being in the Army Cadet force, he began his military career at the early age of seventeen and three quarters. It was his ambition to join the REME as an engineer and after six weeks training with the South Wales Borderers, he would make the transition. Some time after serving in Germany during the aftermath of the war, he was summoned to Hanover where a Sergeant told him that he was going to Korea with the A Platoon. Arriving in Korea, Ken was assigned to Tac HQ ( 2 miles behind the front line) where he was placed in charge of tank repairs and preserving them in preparation for battle in no man's land. Based near the reservoir, the tanks would move across various hills into their battle positions. He shares memories of narrowly avoiding destruction from six mortars while crossing a ridge to Korean troops who would remain elusive by hiding inside a camouflaged cave, only travelling at night to deliver supplies before scrambling back to the sanctity of the cave. He also reveals the cruelty inflicted by some of their own men towards local Koreans who resisted them. In Korea, the terrain was just as much an enemy as the north Korean forces, proven when Ken describes a near miss involving a tank which ran out of control down a hill, crushing everything in its path. Tanks themselves could be death traps and this was no more apparent when operating a Churchill from WWII, Ken believing that anyone who managed to survive in such a machine should have been awarded a medal. He details the effectiveness of tanks and how despite their versatility, they were perhaps less mobile and more static during times of war than younger generations may believe. Ken's interview captures the intricacies of tank warfare and the contributions of the engineers who ensured their efficacy during the Korean War.  

John shares with us his memories of training as a Commando, including learning to swim, and specialising as an assault engineer. He was sent to Japan where he had to retrain on American equipment and weapons supplied by the US Marines. John would take part in raiding parties setting off explosives. John recalls the contrasting environments of desolate Hiroshima and beautiful Mount Fuji. His next objective is to get to the Chosin River Reservoir but they come under heavy fire from the Chinese in freezing conditions and with ammunition running low, so the decision is made to surrender. John admits that while he was mentally prepared to be killed or wounded, he had never thought about becoming a prisoner of war until he was one. He describes the terrible three week journey crossing the mountains, being made to march at night and in freezing conditions. Once at Camp 10 the men were subjected to indoctrination about the evils of capitalism. They were forced to march again, this time they believed to their freedom but, cruelly, only some POWs were handed over and the others, including John, had to march on to a different camp where the conditions were worse. John recalls day to day conditions in the camp and the punishments meted out, especially on those who tried to escape. John is finally released to Freedom Village at the end of the war. He recalls it was all a bit of a blur and that returning home took some adjustment as it felt like no one in authority cared.

Serving in patrol, John Bowman shares an uncommon glimpse into the delicate ceasefire which took place during the aftermath of the Korean War. Called up in 1952, the war had already lasted two years when John joined the Essex Regiment in Korea. Before this, he underwent extensive training, crossing between both Britain and Germany in preparation for the difficult terrain of a new environment. Common amongst new recruits from the UK, he possessed little knowledge of Korea itself. Arriving in Pusan, expectations were subverted upon receiving the sudden news that a ceasefire had been called; the calm of their newfound surroundings making this more apparent. However, it was a fragile peace and the UN still required troops to patrol their position and ensure stability. At Camp Salamanca, it was John's duty to re-fortify and strengthen their defences while the uncertainty of another North Korean attack hovered over them like a ceaseless cloud of dread. To add assurance, a new rule was implemented in which each side had to stay approximately 8 miles away from the 38th Parallel to reduce volatility of the situation. He spent many months in Korea, rebuilding the fortifications, discovering the remnants of previous battles, enduring harsh weather conditions and studying the difficult terrain of what was nicknamed 'Basterds' hill. Aside from his patrol duties, John still managed to have moments of respite: being able to express his love of painting for certain projects and contributing to a theatre production performed by famed comedian, Cheerful Charlie and his dancing troupe, the latter of which John found pleasant company. Many years later, he reflects on the reputation of Korea, amazed by their ability to overcome the devastation of the war but also questions the purpose and effectiveness of his country's involvement. John's interview provides a rare view into the aftermath of the Korean War, the conditions of its soldiers and the sensitivity of achieving peace.      

John Booth gives a gripping account of his service as a Wireless Operator for the Royal Signals during the Korean War. In 1950, after following in his family's footsteps as a grocer, John decided to volunteer for the Royal Signals as part of his National Service. He began his training at Catterick Garrison, lasting six months before being sent to Harwich where he joined the newly formed 1st Commonwealth Division. In 1951, he found himself boarding the Orwell, setting sail for Korea to join the war effort. John recalls seeing a substantial amount of smoke in Pusan upon their arrival, believing it was related to the conflict, though this was not the case. Reaching the frontage, his crew was placed near the Imjin River behind the infantry line, attached to three mortar batteries. His responsibility was to receive signals for chosen targets and call the batteries to fire at said targets across the battlefield. He reflects on the difficult living conditions of their camp: from cold tents to limited washing facilities, compounded by the fact they received no downtime in Korea until the end of their service. Despite these inconveniences, John maintained a dutiful air throughout. Reflecting on his experience, John was content with his contribution to the war, remembering the support and gratitude given by the Korean people for helping them during a tumultuous time. His interview gives insight into the bravery and loyalty demonstrated by British soldiers who volunteered to provide succour in the Korean conflict.

Cyril Blackman joined the Royal Marines in May 1949. He undertook his training at Deal and then Bickley before being shipped to Malaya to join the 3^rd Commando Brigade. Upon reaching Asia, Cyril volunteered for Lieutenant Colonel Drysdale’s 41 Commandos and commenced training with American Marines at Camp McGill in Japan. Cyril’s role in Korea was to raid targets along the Korean coastline as part of Charlie troop, he was mostly tasked with defending the perimeter. When the raids became less effective Cyril’s troop was withdrawn and re-deployed to Korea to journey to Chosin reservoir. Cyril speaks of the bleak conditions on the ground in Korea, and how he was fortunate to be evacuated as a result of contracting pneumonia. When he recovered Cyril returned to raiding on Yodo island near Wansam harbour. Despite being stationed in North Korean waters Cyril faced little hostility; he believes this was because all enemy resources were focused on the front line. Cyril’s 12 months in Korea shed light on a war that should never be forgotten or overlooked. He will always hold dear his time in the 41 Commandos for the long lasting friendships he built.

Bernard Barker provides a riveting recount of his life in the 1st Royal Tank Regiment during the Korean War. Beginning as a poverty-stricken farm boy, he was soon conscripted into National Service where he was given a choice between the infantry regiment and the tank regiment. He chose the latter, having no keenness for marching! Already having experience driving tractors on his farm, he learned quickly. Following his training in Germany, he was sent off to Korea where he was given the privilege of driving a 50-ton Centurion Tank; a formidable war machine due to its strong armour protection and high survivability rate. He recalls defending the Hook (a defended section of the UN frontline) and was ordered to keep the tank in a static position while firing towards incoming Chinese troops. He remembers the difficult weather conditions, dealing with both the cold of winter and the intense humidity of summer, all the while pelting the enemy with various ammunition such as armour-piercing rounds and two inch mortars. Throughout the battle, Bernard recalls the UN having the overall advantage since the Chinese failed to remain elusive, making them easy targets. However, he always found himself in an extremely vulnerable position as it was also his job to carry ammunition from a bunker outside into the tank, coming close to death on numerous occasions. Eventually, the battle reached a ceasefire but Barker was still required to stay and train at least until the following December, lest the delicate peace was abruptly shattered. He reflects on the Chinese who surrendered and how some of their people had since integrated themselves into Western Society. Bernard's story is one of poverty to prominence and offers insight into the nature of tank warfare during the Korean war and the relationships which developed between East and West.

Ron Smith grew up in an Army family but chose the Royal Marines, earning his green beret after tough commando training. Selected for service in Korea, he was sent to Camp McGill in Japan where, alongside the US Marines, he prepared for daring night raids along the Korean coast. He remembers his first mission vividly, and speaks warmly of his commanding officer, Colonel Drysdale, whom he calls “one of the finest officers I’ve ever met.”

In his interview, Ron shares striking memories: the tension of stealth landings nearly betrayed by barking dogs, the shock of Chinese forces entering the war, and the fierce fighting at the Chosin Reservoir. He recalls the eerie sound of enemy bugles, the trauma of combat, and the shrapnel wound that saw him evacuated to Japan. Later, he rejoined his unit for raids from Wonsan Harbour.

Ron reflects too on everyday encounters: the plight of Korean civilians, the adoption of a local child, and the lasting impact of a conflict often called the “Forgotten War.” Returning decades later, he marvelled at South Korea’s transformation.

John Parsler joined the Royal Navy at 15 and served on various ships until he was 18 when he joined the Naval Police, training in close protection and obtaining the Commando Green Beret. John was sent to Hong Kong soon afterwards but within a few months after the start of the Korean War, 41 (Independent) Commando was formed and he was drafted in and flown to a US base in Japan. From their base, John was in a troop of about 50 men assigned to a submarine that took part in raids on the Korean coastline to disrupt the enemy’s transportation supply lines. In November 1950 41 Commando joined a Untied Nations advance into North Korea working with the US Marine Corps and took part in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir under the British Command of Lt Colonel Drysdale. John was in a convoy of trucks as part of an operation to help relieve thousands of US troops encircled by the Chinese and as a result about half of 41 Commando were either killed or captured. 41 Commando continued operations until 1952 when it was disbanded and John returned to Hong Kong.