The UK had been somewhat different in that we were the only country that sent conscripted men, rather than volunteers, to fight. (My first week’s pay as a National Serviceman was 28 shillings, from which deductions were made for a tin of Brasso, dusters, and anticipated barrack room damages)!
I must admit that when I got discharged, the last place I wanted to be reminded of was Korea and its memories. However, I eventually wrote in November 1957 to Woolwich. I was surprised when my medals were then quickly despatched to me.
The Queen’s Korean War medal has your number/rank/name/regiment engraved around the edge, mine with Gunner rather than the correct Bombardier. It niggled me at the time but I just put them back into their boxes and forgot about them.
(Also, unlike today when well remunerated soldiers return to the UK, some from only peace keeping duties, they hardly arrive back into the UK before they line up and receive their medals. But be that as it may. )
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