Forgotten war personnel remembered in solemn service
The platinum anniversary of the "Forgotten War" was marked with a solemn service at the nation's place of remembrance.
Shortly after sunrise on Thursday, the lament of a lone piper could be heard across the 150-acre National Memorial Arboretum, which marked the 70th anniversary since the signing of an armistice that brought an end to the Korean War.
The sombre melodies of Lance Sergeant Douglas Warren from F Company, The Scots Guards were a poignant tribute to the 1,100 Armed Forces personnel that were killed during the 3-year conflict.
It also signalled the start of a day of Remembrance that culminated with Remembering Korea – 70 years on, a special Royal British Legion commemorative event in London later in the day.
Armed Forces personnel laid wreaths at the British Korean Veterans Association Memorial Garden at the National Memorial Arboretum
Gathered at both the British Korean Veterans Association Memorial Garden, and the Armed Forces Memorial, representatives of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force laid wreaths in memory of the fallen and to honour the service and sacrifice of all Korean War veterans.
Despite its reputation as ‘the Forgotten War’, nearly 60,000 UK Armed Forces personnel served in Korea, alongside approximately 50,000 personnel from across the Commonwealth, and it remains the UK Armed Forces deadliest conflict since the Second World War.
The names of the 1,100 Armed Forces personnel killed during the conflict are inscribed on the gigantic Portland stone of the iconic Armed Forces Memorial at the heart of the Arboretum.
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of the National Memorial Arboretum and Director of Remembrance at RBL, said: "While the Korean War is now often referred to as ‘the Forgotten War’, the invaluable contributions made by all who served and 1,100 personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice will forever be remembered at the National Memorial Arboretum.
“The legacy of the 110,000 British and Commonwealth Armed Forces personnel who served is preserved within our memorials, ensuring that we can pass the baton of Remembrance to future generations and that these incredible stories of service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
