Main, Ralph (Oral history)

1723018516
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Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

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Description

Object description

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

Content description

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.

Object Details

Category: Sound
Related period: 1990 to the present day (production), 1945-1989 (content)
Creator: IWM (Production company)
Hart, Peter M (Recorder)
Main, Ralph (Interviewee/Speaker)
Production date: 2007-08
Dimensions: whole: Duration 90, Number Of Items 3
Catalogue number: 30400

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