I have never come across this medal before. It is a copy of the medal presented to those who served in the 'Forgotten War,' Korea, between 1950 and 1953. This short sharp war cast many lives and reflects the USA and Russia's first attempt to dominate the world without resorting to Atomic War! By fighting in South East Asia, Africa and Central & South America nuclear devastation was kept at bay for sixty years. The devastation and after effects may well have cost over fifty million lives but none occurred in the west, so that's all right then! Several nations were involved in the fight in Korea, The US, Britain & Australia amongst them. Remembrance today must include these men along with those who served in the major wars before 1950. These men suffered similar traumas and you can read about two such men on this short memorial to them, 'A Hill in Korea.' Another who served there, aged 18 and conscripted like it or not, was Sir Michael Caine the actor. He saw service there as well as in many movies, where at least he knew how to look like a soldier. Michael Caine, Royal Fusilier.
Korea was only one of many wars and battles fought, especially during the 'end of empire' that saw Britain loose the many colonies around the world. India, Israel, the middle east, Malaysia, Kenya where the Mau Mau rebellion lasted several years, Cyprus and Aden all saw British troops in action. 1958 was the only year in which British forces saw no action. Of course we also think of Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, the Falklands and Oman, a war in which the SAS worked silently for many years. Wandering through town today I passed an ageing army lorry festooned with poppies, rifles and tommy guns, a German steel helmet of WW2 vintage, without the German inside, and a group of stout ex-servicemen bedecked with medals, some from the Second War. On Sunday they will assemble again at one of the memorials and their remembrance will be more poignant than any of ours. They do not remember names and old photographs, they will remember the memories, and they will remember the person who did not return.
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6 comments:
Actors don't interest me as a rule but I must say Caine is the type of guy you would like to have for a neighbor. I have enjoyed many of his films. He's natural without affectation and certainly his experience in Korea has given him an unequivocal edge.
Leaz, That does make me respect him somewhat.
After the end of WWII, my dad, like so many, was finding it hard to accept life as a civilian, working and living with people who could not imagine the things he'd seen, the constant filmreel that rolled in his head, terrible things. And the tight brotherhood he'd been part of as a prisoner of war, he told me, shortly before he died that "it all seemed so trivial, what people thought important".
He'd resumed his old job, promoted, more money, and married, with his own house.
Somehow he just couldn't settle. Then one day, a letter arrived, from his old Brigadier. Who was forming a new unit for Malaya.
"Dennis, I want you to be part of it. Promotion from Staff-Sergeant/Warrant Officer to Captain......." And there he was packing his kitbag, when my mother intervened.
I think she was quite forceful about it. Incandescent.
He regretfully declined Brig. Mac Vittie's kind offer of another free trip to the tropics.
Soub, Few men are the same after that.
"they will remember the memories, and they will remember the person who did not return."
How poignant!
xxx
RDG, Poignant indeed.
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