Korean War Anniversary

A parade and thanksgiving service have taken place today to mark the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War. The war began on 25 June 1950 when communist North Korea invaded South Korea. A United Nations force was established to protect the South, and over 100,000 British troops served within this, alongside troops from the USA, Canada, India and several other countries. It is sometimes referred to as the "Forgotten War" as it took place soon after the Second World War and was somewhat overshadowed by conflicts such as the Vietnam War which took place afterwards.Veterans recall having no idea where Korea was when they were posted there, and when they got there having to endure extremes of temperature, long periods of boredom, and also some very fierce fighting, especially after the Chinese army joined the North Korean side. After fierce fighting an armistice was called on 27 July 1953, although technically the war has never ended. Veterans who have returned to South Korea are often warmly welcomed by citizens grateful that their country was saved from disaster and has become a vibrant and successful democracy, in some contrast to the repressive regime that continues to rule in the north.

You can find more information about the war here in this BBC article, and watch a slideshow of key sounds and images here. There is also absolutely masses of information on the war here.

PS: The image above was taken in Haengju, Korea in 1951 and is from the US National Archives.