70th Anniversary of the cease fire in Korea

Horse Guards, London, 27th July 2023

 

A celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Cease fire in Korea was excellently organised by both the Royal British Legion and the Korean Embassy. After years of celebration opportunities being missed and only being celebrated nationally by the Korean Embassy and us veterans it was significant that a body with the stature of the RBL helped to create a nationwide awareness of the sacrifices made by our comrades who still lie in Korea. Here is a brief report in the day at Horse Guards Parade on 27th July 2023

 

The whole proceedings were movingly anchored by the BBC Newsreader Jane Hill and the order of the ceremony was:

 

 A reading on conditions in Korea by Sgt Alan Guy, MBE Royal Army Medical Corps Citations for Ivan Williams RA; Bill Fox Gloucestershire Regiment: Entry of Standards to the music “The Hills of Korea” Composed by Kevin Lamb

Commentary on the Battle of Inchon by Jane Hill

 

Mike Mogridge was asked to give a reading on The Royal Fusiliers time on the Hook, when we were sent to support the Duke of Wellingtons Regiment and then held it for three weeks during which time we heard a new queen had been crowned.

 

Brigadier Brian Parritt, CBE spoke of the cease fire itself and its effects on the Soldiers. NB Brigadier Parritt was Forward Artillery Officer with the Fusiliers and wounded on the Hook and was also on the Samichon Ridge when the cease fire was signed

 

Relatives of some of the Korean Veterans who have passed on gave touching memories of their loved ones letters home

 

His Excellency the Korean Ambassador and His Majesty The Duke of Gloucester then addressed the congregation.

 

A film was shown from Korea giving thanks to our Forces for our help from the Korean Prime Minister and numerous Korean Service Commanders in Chief.

 

A Drum head alter was laid and Last Post and Reveille sounded.  Wreaths were laid by HM the Duke of Gloucester and the Korean Ambassador followed by veterans and relatives.

 

The proceedings were lightened by a Korean group playing traditional music including the never to be forgotten Arirang and a beautiful Korean dancer, Ye Rin Lee.

 

The Regiment was well supported among others by John Ingle, Derek Randall and Mike Mogridge with one or two others and Mike Mogridge gave separate interviews with BBC News; British Forces TV Network; Three Korean TV Broadcasters (not in Korean).  He was then asked to go to the BBC to be interviewed by Mark Urban on Newsnight that evening.

 

If you wish to see this 5-minute interview go to iPlayer on your TV. Search for Newsnight then select the edition headed “Global warming Global Boiling”.  The interview is at the end of this session.

 

Our thanks to all the RBL Staff who ensured we did not go astray in our endeavours to remember, and make the Nation aware, of the sacrifices of our fallen comrades and indeed ourselves in Korea. Also to the BBC who appeared to be the main media supporter then and since.

 

 

Mike Mogridge BEM