Brian Hamblet

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A veteran interview with

Brian Hamblet served in the Gloucestershire Regiment in the Korean War. He had a remarkable view of the Battle of the Imjin.

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About Brian Hamblet

When Brian Hamblett was called up for National Service, he could hardly have imagined the journey ahead. He remembers the epic voyage around the world to Korea with real fondness — a last adventure before the war began in earnest.

Serving in the Machine Gun Company, Brian worked the Vickers gun on Hill 327, where he first witnessed the devastating effects of napalm. Soon after came the Battle of the Imjin River. Despite the overwhelming Chinese assault, Brian admits he never fired a shot before being captured and marched north to Camp No.1.

In his interview, Brian describes life as a prisoner of war: the harsh conditions, the struggle to endure, and the comradeship that helped men survive nearly two years in captivity. Returning home was not simple — the adjustment to post-war Britain brought its own challenges.

Looking back, Brian reflects on the war’s cost and its necessity, offering rare insight into both combat and captivity during one of Korea’s defining battles.

Credits

Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
Reviewed by:
Lucy Smith

Transcripts:
Please note that transcripts and closed captions in the video player are automatically generated by Vimeo.

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