A Conscript in Korea

A memoir of service in the Korean War, though bitter cold, monsoons, and ever-present danger from enemy forces—includes photos.

This remarkable story begins when, as a young National Serviceman in 1951, the author walked through the gates at the Welch Brigade Training Centre, Brecon, and ends when he walked back into Civvy Street in 1953. Between these dates he went through many life-changing experiences, in particular the twelve months he spent with the 1st Battle Welch Regiment in Korea.


In this memoir he tells his story of this almost forgotten war in graphic detail. Temperatures could drop to -45 with biting Siberian snow-laden winds. In the spring came the monsoons followed by a humid mosquito-laden period. The Welch Regiment at that time were part of the Commonwealth Division that, allied to the American and Korean ROK armies, was tasked with holding a line north of the 38th Parallel while politicians tried to broker a deal. The Chinese were well dug in, and were a resourceful determined enemy, never missing a chance to edge forward even if it meant serious casualties. Artillery exchanges were often fierce, and information and fighting patrols often clashed.


As a lance corporal infantry signaler, the author was involved at all levels of operational and company activity and he gives the reader a real insight into the events and circumstances of war and the thoughts of a young man caught up in a desperate and dangerous conflict. The tenacity and spirit of young National Servicemen, and their Regular partners, shines through as they face life-threatening and exhausting situations and conditions.