Main, Ralph (Oral history)

British private served with 1st Bn, Middlesex Regt, 27th Commonwealth Bde in Korea, 1950-1951

REEL 1 Background in Portsmouth area and London, 1931-1949: family background and social circumstances; education; move to London, 1944; presence of troops in preparation for D Day, 6/6/1944; air raid shelter; blackout; view of German air raids on Portsmouth; food rationing; V1 and V2 raid on London; question of following progress of war; recreation; various jobs, 1945-1947; failed attempt to join Royal Navy; training as steward and voyages aboard various ships with Merchant Navy, 1947-1949; Period with Royal Fusiliers Depot, Shorncliffe Camp, 10/1949-3/1950: reception and kitting out; hut accommodation; food rations; drill; PT; weapons training including rifle, bayonet, Bren gun, PIAT, and hand grenades; preparations for kit inspection; relationship with recruits and instructors; canteen; recreational visits to Folkestone; passing out parade; continuation training; tactical exercises. REEL 2 Continues: news of posting to Hong Kong; vaccinations; embarkation leave. Voyage aboard Empire Orwell to Hong Kong, 3/1950. Period with 1st Bn, Middlesex Regt, Bees Camp, Fanling, New Territory, Hong Kong, 4/1950-8/1950: reception and posting to C Coy; converted stable barracks; prickly heat; sun burn; observation post duty overlooking Lo Wu railway crossing from China; Chinese smuggles shot by Chinese guard; Chinese graveyard; guard duties; relationship with regular NCOs; recreational visits to Hong Kong Island and hospitality of British residents; transfer to B Coy; question of posting to Korea. Voyage aboard HMS Unicorn to Pusan, Korea. Recollections of operations in Korea, 8/1950-5/1951: train journey to Nak Tan Perimeter; trip wire mines; US food rations; reconnaissance patrols; situation; advance following US landing at Imjin; view of US air strike on 1st Bn, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and assisting with evacuation of casualties; continued advance; flight to Kinpo airfield, Seoul area; situation; US winter clothing; situation on advance via Sariwen to Pak Chon; cold weather conditions; reactions to news of Chinese involvement and mass attack tactics employed. REEL 3 Continues: nature attached to 2nd US Div to Seoul including long marches and taking up rearguard position to cover Kuni Pi Pass; Korean refugees, crossing ice on Han River and taking up defensive positions; situation on retreat to Kap Yon; success in holding back Chinese attacks on slit trench defences on Kap Yon Hills; opinion of officers and NCOs; reactions to leaving Korea. Period at San Wei Camp, Fanling, New Territory, Hong Kong, ca 5/1951-9/1951: recreations; routine duties; extension of national service by 6 months. Voyage back to GB, 9/1951-10/1951. Demobilisation, 11/1951. Post-service career: work in building trade, as steward in Merchant Navy and bank messenger; acclimatisation to civilian lifestyle; effects of army service; TA service with London Irish Rifles, 1952-1955; membership of Korean War Veterans Association and Middlesex Regt Korean Club.