The KPA tried to get my dad

Eichhörnchen · 01-17-16, 07:27 AM

During correspondence with mako88bs this morning about Korean War reading, I remembered there's a photo of my dad in this book:

Published by Constable & Robinson (2000); ISBN 0-09-480230-0

Here's the photo from his own album, along with a smaller one of him (on the left) in front of his Bedford QL truck:

He drove his NAAFI truck along the Imjin River for the RASC, so he said he was technically an "armed civilian" (he had a .303 rifle in the cab, just in case). He said the Australians painted the name "Ned Kelly" on the front of his truck for a laugh while he was off duty.

Did this conflict involve any of your family? Post here...

Cybermat47 · 01-17-16, 07:45 AM

I don't think anyone in my family was involved in that war - my maternal great grandfather was in the Army in WWI (when he lied and said he was older) and WWII (when he lied and said he was younger), so I doubt he'd be let back in for Korea, even if he wanted to go through hell again. He barely got out of Tobruk, thanks to a Stuka hitting his hospital ship.

My Pa (paternal grandfather) had been in the Navy in WWII (on a destroyer in the Pacific/Indian Ocean), but he probably left when the war was over. I'll have to ask him when I see him.

My Pop (maternal grandfather) was doing National Service, possibly at the time of the Korean War, but he didn't see combat (as a result he refuses any badges or other such things).

Oberon · 01-17-16, 07:58 AM

My grandfather had a scrap against Asian communists, but not in Korea, but next door in Malaya. My mother recalls he once mentioned that the children used to run out to meet the commandos when they arrived at the various villages and the commandos would play with them, unfortunately the communist insurgents worked this one out and started booby trapping the children, which meant that whenever the children ran out to the commandos they'd have to defend themselves with force.

I can't begin to imagine what he went through.

45 Commando Bren Group wading through the jungle

Briefing

My Grandfather on the left and a gentleman identified only as 'Steve', this picture was taken on deployment prior to Malaya...in Palestine.

August · 01-17-16, 10:11 AM

Pop made it there for the tail end in 1953.

Jimbuna · 01-17-16, 10:41 AM

No actually family but I knew an elderly gentleman who was in the Gloucestershire Regiment during the fighting on Gloster Hill and was one of the fortunates who managed to reach safety.

~SALUTE~

Sailor Steve · 01-17-16, 10:48 AM

Great stuff, Eich! My dad joined the Navy right after the end of WW2 (just too young) and was out before Korea started, so he missed any combat experience.

01-17-16, 07:27 AM	#1
Eichhörnchen Starte das Auto Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: The Fens Posts: 17,409 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	The KPA tried to get my dad During correspondence with mako88bs this morning about Korean War reading, I remembered there's a photo of my dad in this book: Published by Constable & Robinson (2000); ISBN 0-09-480230-0 Here's the photo from his own album, along with a smaller one of him (on the left) in front of his Bedford QL truck: He drove his NAAFI truck along the Imjin River for the RASC, so he said he was technically an "armed civilian" (he had a .303 rifle in the cab, just in case). He said the Australians painted the name "Ned Kelly" on the front of his truck for a laugh while he was off duty. Did this conflict involve any of your family? Post here... __________________ Last edited by Eichhörnchen; 03-08-18 at 01:32 AM.

01-17-16, 07:45 AM	#2
Cybermat47 Willing Webfooted Beast Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 5,408 Downloads: 300 Uploads: 23	I don't think anyone in my family was involved in that war - my maternal great grandfather was in the Army in WWI (when he lied and said he was older) and WWII (when he lied and said he was younger), so I doubt he'd be let back in for Korea, even if he wanted to go through hell again. He barely got out of Tobruk, thanks to a Stuka hitting his hospital ship. My Pa (paternal grandfather) had been in the Navy in WWII (on a destroyer in the Pacific/Indian Ocean), but he probably left when the war was over. I'll have to ask him when I see him. My Pop (maternal grandfather) was doing National Service, possibly at the time of the Korean War, but he didn't see combat (as a result he refuses any badges or other such things). __________________ Historical TWoS Gameplay Guide: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?p=2572620 Historical FotRSU Gameplay Guide: https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/sho....php?p=2713394

01-17-16, 10:11 AM	#4
August Wayfaring Stranger Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 23,216 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Pop made it there for the tail end in 1953. __________________ Flanked by life and the funeral pyre. Putting on a show for you to see.

01-17-16, 10:41 AM	#5
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,661 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	No actually family but I knew an elderly gentleman who was in the Gloucestershire Regiment during the fighting on Gloster Hill and was one of the fortunates who managed to reach safety. ~SALUTE~ __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

01-17-16, 10:48 AM	#6
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	Great stuff, Eich! My dad joined the Navy right after the end of WW2 (just too young) and was out before Korea started, so he missed any combat experience. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

01-17-16, 07:58 AM	#3
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20	My grandfather had a scrap against Asian communists, but not in Korea, but next door in Malaya. My mother recalls he once mentioned that the children used to run out to meet the commandos when they arrived at the various villages and the commandos would play with them, unfortunately the communist insurgents worked this one out and started booby trapping the children, which meant that whenever the children ran out to the commandos they'd have to defend themselves with force. I can't begin to imagine what he went through. 45 Commando Bren Group wading through the jungle Briefing My Grandfather on the left and a gentleman identified only as 'Steve', this picture was taken on deployment prior to Malaya...in Palestine.