After joining the Royal Marines and completing his training, Fred travelled to Korea and conducted coastal raids to protect explosives experts from harm. While accompanying a convoy along the Chosin Reservoir, Fred was shot through the foot by North Korean fire. After recovering, he rejoined his unit during an ice-cold winter, which left him unaffected by the cold for decades since nothing compared to the Korean winter.

Fred describes his camaraderie with American marines, who he advised against their trigger-happy tendencies because enemy fighters could advance unhindered upon hearing the empty magazine’s distinctive “click”.

Fred never discovered why he was mentioned in dispatches but wonders if it was for performing his duties while injured. He gave blood from his arm to an injured comrade before their evacuation to a military hospital. He later cared for hospitalised patients, cracking jokes and brewing tea. He becomes emotional remembering those who died in his arms.

After returning to Britain, Fred was deemed unfit for service – a decision that still irks him today. He explains that the Korean War, its veterans and the fallen are widely overlooked. Fred’s moving story highlights the need to commemorate those who fought in history’s “Forgotten War”.