Cold War: The Korean War

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Cold War: The Korean War

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Introduction

The Korean War (1950–53) is often called Britain’s Forgotten War, yet it was one of the most significant conflicts of the Cold War era. British forces played a vital role in the fighting, and thousands of veterans still live with the memories of this brutal and often overlooked war.

These resources offer a unique way to explore the conflict, using first-hand accounts from British veterans to bring history to life. Each resource provides clear background information, prompts class discussion, and encourages students to engage with real voices from the battlefield.

With film clips of veteran interviews as primary sources, these resources provide an engaging and immersive way to study conflict. By focusing on Britain’s role in the Korean War, they give students a fresh perspective on a global conflict that shaped the Cold War world.

Download the resources below and discover the real stories behind the history.

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Resource 1 – Origins of conflict

Learn about the origins of the Korean War and why Britain and its Commonwealth allies were drawn into the fight so soon after the end of the Second World War.

Resource 2 – The Draft

Find out about the lives of the National servicemen who went to Korea imagining an exciting posting in a far flung corner of the world. How different it would turn out to be.

Resource 3 – Where is Korea?

After a month at sea, British troops arrived in the port of Pusan. They found a mountainous country, with an extreme climate which had been ravaged by war.

Resource 4 – Life in a hutch

From June 1951, troop movement ground to a halt and the two armies faced each other along the 38th parallel. Both sides fortified their positions and dug in. Learn about the conditions they faced.

Resource 5 – The future of remembrance

Find out what survivors of the Korean war think of the phrase, “The Forgotten War”

Activity book

This activity book links to the individual resources listed above.

learning outcomes

These resources are designed to deepen students’ understanding of the Korean War and Britain’s role within it. Using veteran testimony as a primary source, the lesson plans encourage historical enquiry, critical thinking, and engagement with key themes of conflict and remembrance.

By working through the five thematic resources, students will:

Origins of Conflict – Understand the causes of the Korean War, the division of Korea, and why Britain became involved.
The Draft – Explore National Service and how it affected the lives of young British men sent to fight.
Where is Korea? – Examine the geography and conditions of the Korean Peninsula, and how they impacted military strategy.
Life in a Hutch – Gain insight into the daily realities of life on the front line through first-hand veteran accounts.
The Future of Remembrance – Evaluate how we remember the Korean War and why it remains significant today.

Curriculum Links

These resources are particularly useful for Key Stage 4, aligning with the GCSE History syllabus (AQA History Spec B), particularly the unit How did the Cold War Develop in the years 1949–1960?, which suggests the Korean War as a case study. However, they are also accessible for students at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 5, offering adaptable materials for a wider range of learners.

usage information

Our resources are all provided free of charge. Whilst they remain the intellectual property of Legasee Educational Trust, we would be delighted if you would download, print off, photocopy and use in the way that best suits your learning and teaching styles.