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A veteran interview with

Michael White

Michael served in Korea with the 42 Field Regiment. Royal Artillery. He gives a good account of his time in service.

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About Michael White

Michael White grew up in wartime England, facing rationing and Nazi air raids. At 18, Michael signed up for National Service and trained as a driver for the Royal Artillery. In August 1951, he travelled on the Empire Fowey for his first deployment in the Far East.

After reaching Japan, he was sent to Kowloon, Hong Kong, where he learnt about the brutal fighting in Korea. Soon after, he was chosen for duty in Korea. Before leaving, he trained with mortars and became a Technical Assistant Royal Artillery (TARA). Michael recalls how he used 4.2 mortars against the enemy and his experience of napalm. Soldiers experienced very rough conditions, dealing with lice and long periods without washing.

During rest and recuperation in Incheon and Hiroshima, Michael experienced Asian culture and much-needed relaxation. He fondly remembers flying over Mount Fuji and notes that many soldiers took photos beside signposts showing how far away home was. Michael has since returned to Korea, witnessing its amazing transformation. For his service, the Koreans awarded him a medal and invited him to visit a memorial in Pusan, honouring those who died.

Credits

Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
Reviewed by:
Jake Woods
Transcribed by:
Jake Woods

Copyright:
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Home | Veterans | Michael White

A veteran interview with

Michael White

245599762

Michael served in Korea with the 42 Field Regiment. Royal Artillery. He gives a good account of his time in service.

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Cite this interview:

MLA Style:
White, Michael. A Veteran Interview with Michael White. Interview by Martin Bisiker. Legasee, 25 Oct. 2017 https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/michael-white/. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
APA Style:
White, M. (2017, October 25). A Veteran Interview with Michael White [Interview by Martin Bisiker]. Legasee. Retrieved May 17, 2025, from https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/michael-white/
Chicago Style:
White, Michael. 2017. A Veteran Interview with Michael White. Interview by Martin Bisiker. Legasee, October 25. Accessed May 17, 2025. https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/michael-white/
Harvard Style:
White, M. (2017). A Veteran Interview with Michael White. [Interviewed by Martin Bisiker]. Legasee, 25 October. Available at https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/michael-white/ (Accessed: 17 May 2025)
Vancouver Style:
White, M. A Veteran Interview with Michael White [Internet]. Interview by M. Bisiker. Legasee; 2017 Oct 25 [cited 2025 May 17]. Available from: https://www.legasee.org.uk/veteran/michael-white/
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Photo Gallery icon 15 Photos
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