Unknown ‘Glorious Glosters’ soldiers buried with honours

THREE unknown soldiers who were killed in action during The Battle of the Imjin River will finally be laid to rest in an official ceremony in South Korea today.

The three were from the ‘Glorious Glosters’ – First Battalion, the Gloucestershire Regiment – and fought in the famous battle, which took place from April 22 to April 25 in 1951.

The formal ceremony will be broadcast by the Korean Broadcasting System, live from Busan, South Korea. The soldiers will be laid to rest with full military honours, just over 70 years after they were killed.

In attendance will be Korean Prime Minister, Mr Kim Boo-kyum, and other members of the Korean government, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Korea, Mr Simon Smith, the UK Military Attache, Brigadier

Michael Murdoch MBE, and Mr Mike Freer MP, UK Trade Minister.

The Battle of the Imjin River was one of the most significant of the Korean War, and the Gloucestershire Regiment played a crucial part in holding out for three nights against overwhelming odds in a defensive position behind the Imjin River, stopping the UN forces from being surrounded, and earning them the nickname of ‘Glorious Glosters’.

The bodies of the three soldiers were discovered wearing uniform with Glosters’ buttons, and were never brought back home to England.

The service will take place at the main United Nations Cemetery in Busan, South Korea, where all the other Korean War casualties from the Gloucestershire Regiment are buried.

This is one of many occasions taking place to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Imjin River, with other events including the national commemoration at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, November 14, in London.

Ninety veterans from the Gloucestershire Regiment, including survivors of the battle, will be attending the London event.

Chris Ryland, chairman of the Soldiers

of Gloucestershire Museum, said: “It is poignant that in the same year we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Imjin River, we can also celebrate the sacrifice made by these three unknown casualties from the battle.

“The legacy of these soldiers will live on and we are delighted they will receive full military honours and the attendance of such esteemed members of the Korean community.

“The Glosters’ efforts during the battle is something the regiment remembers proudly, and we are thrilled to be taking part in a number of events globally including the Cenotaph Parade this Sunday.

“Thank you to all those involved with the many events commemorating the Battle of Imjin River and the effort made in keeping the memory of the Glosters alive.”

We are delighted they will receive full military honours CHRIS RYLAND