Korean War (1950–53)

Legasee’s Korea Project captures the experiences of British veterans who served in The Forgotten War, one of the first major conflicts of the Cold War. These interviews capture the experiences of those who served in Korea, from the harsh winter conditions to the brutal realities of battle.

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An interview with

Michael Meller

At just fifteen years of age, Michael Meller worked as a laboratory technician hoping on...

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An interview with

Peter Waddington

Peter Waddington was initially conscripted into the South Lancashire Regiment but when the opportunity to...

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An interview with

Ken Dixon

Ken Dixon joined the Kings Liverpool Regiment. In his interview he recalls his service in...

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An interview with

Jim Grundy

Prior to heading to Korea, Jim Grundy was an undertaker. He joined the Army Catering...

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An interview with

Geoff Holland

Going to Korea lost Geoff Holland his fiancé but embedded behind the line with the...

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An interview with

Eric Peters

Eric Peters was amongst the first British soldiers to arrive in Korea.  As the front...

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An interview with

Clifford Herridge

Clifford Herridge was conscripted to the The King's Regiment (Liverpool). He became a cook which...

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An interview with

Brian Daley

Brian Daley was called up in 1951.  He went to the Far East but ended...

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An interview with

Bill Fox

Desperate for adventure Bill Fox volunteered to go to Korea with the Gloucestershire Regiment. He...

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An interview with

Bernard Cohen

Bernard Cohen went to Korea with the Royal Navy.  His role, working in the fly-deck...

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An interview with

Brian Hough

Brian Hough was a National Serviceman who fought in Korea with the Kings Regiment. He...

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About Korean War (1950–53)

Often called The Forgotten War, the Korean War (1950–1953) was a major Cold War conflict that saw British forces join a United Nations coalition to repel North Korean and Chinese advances in South Korea. British troops fought in some of the most intense battles of the war, including at Imjin River and the Hook. Despite its significance, the Korean War is often overshadowed in public memory.

Legasee’s Korea Project

To ensure that British veterans’ experiences are preserved, Legasee has undertaken two major projects to record their testimonies:

1. Korea – The Forgotten War (2016) – With funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Legasee recorded 50 interviews with veterans in the North West of England. These testimonies formed the foundation of this collection, as well as a schools programme, and a temporary exhibition at the Tameside Local Studies and Archive Centre.

2. British Veterans in the Korean War (2017) – In partnership with the Korean War Legacy Foundation, Legasee expanded the archive by filming additional interviews with British veterans. These testimonies became part of an international digital memorial alongside veterans from the US and South Korea, ensuring a truly global perspective on the conflict.

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An interview with

Michael Meller

At just fifteen years of age, Michael Meller worked as a laboratory technician helping on the trials of High-frequency direction radio. It was also known as the Huff-Duff system. Post-war he was an MP in Hong Kong where amongst other duties, he did he best to keep Korean war legend Bill Speakman VC on the straight and narrow!
Service:
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Jim Grundy

Prior to heading to Korea, Jim Grundy was an undertaker. He joined the Army Catering Corps but his specialist skills were in high demand. He has visited the U.N. Memorial Cemetery every year and taken care of the graves of the soldiers whose bodies he recovered. Jim will have the right to be buried at the cemetery.
Service:
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Geoff Holland

Going to Korea lost Geoff Holland his fiancé but embedded behind the line with the Royal Artillery he played an important role providing cover for the infantrymen in the frontline.
Service:
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Brian Hough