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Today, in England, it's St. Georges Day, our Patron Saint. Unlike other nations we don't make a big thing of it - perhaps we should.

But 70 years ago today British, Belgian and Luxembourg forces were fighting for their lives, and the United Nations, along the Imjin River in Korea, roughly half-way between Seoul and Pyongyang. The British 29th Brigade managed to hold an Army-sized attack by Chinese Communist Forces (CCF), allowing time for other UN forces to shore up the line, undoubtedly saving Seoul and possibly the whole of South Korea.

The Gloucester Regiment was decimated, and won Everlasting Glory. But the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and Royal Ulster Rifles, along with other units like the 170th Mortar Battery and the aformentioned Belgians and Luxembourgers, also suffered severely.

From our perspective of Armour and Artillery, 45th Royal Artillery provided essential fire support with Quads and 25-pdr's. C Squadron of the 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars used Centurion Mark 3's, losing about half their number in carrying out wounded soldiers on their decks while 'running the gauntlet' of Chinese roadblocks. The Centurion was on the Top Secret list at the time, as its gun stabilisation mechanism was the best in the World, so after the action the tanks had to be either recovered or blown up (fortunately, the average Chinese infantryman, while fighting with fanatic bravery, didn't know much about Military Intelligence ). Universal Carriers were also there in support.

The Korean War 1950-53 is truly the Forgotten War. I'm trying to bring it to the fore with my 45RA Quad and 25-pdr, and I've recently acquired a Centurion that I'm going to retro down to a Mark 3 as used by KRIH. The Americans used Sherman Easy 8's, the North Koreans used T34/85's and (should Armortek ever produce them) Cromwells and Chaffees were also in theatre. So there's plenty of scope for us to have a 'Korea Korner' at shows and displays. I'll just leave that thought with you .

Please pause a moment to reflect on the actions of brave men, on all sides. Their Name Liveth For Evermore.

Best wishes, and stay well,

Chris

Thank you Chris for that timely reminder. We will remember them.

For the fallen on whatever side of whichever conflict.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them !

Meanwhile, on the right flank, 27 Commonwealth Bde were fighting for their lives in what became known as the Battle of Kapyong. It is celebrated today by 3 RAR as their primary battle honour. The Brigade consisted of Australian, Canadian and British battalions, with US tank and New Zealand artillery support. These battalions held off and subsequently defeated a Chinese division of over 10000 men. Kapyong stands with Imjin as two of the most bloody but successful positional defensive battles, fought in the the most challenging terrain and weather.