The Korean War, which took place between 1950-53, is known as ‘the forgotten war’. The crucial role played by the Gloucestershire Regiment during the conflict, and in particular at the Battle of Imjin River, is perhaps not as well-known as it should be. 22nd-25th April this year marked the 75th anniversary of the battle.

Around 700 of the Glosters held out against an estimated 30,000 Chinese troops, enabling UN forces to regroup and block the Chinese advance, saving South Korea and paving the way for it to be the democratic, prosperous and innovative nation it is today.

You could argue that without the Glosters’ intervention, there would be no Samsung, no K-Pop and Son Heung-min may not even have been able to play for Tottenham Hotspur!

There is a $1 million memorial to the Glosters near the City of Paju

The people of South Korea remain extremely grateful for the actions of the Glosters. There is a $1 million memorial to the Glosters near the City of Paju, which was unveiled in 2014. The memorial unveiling was attended by the then Mayor of Gloucester, Chris Chatterton. Hill 235, on which the Battle of Imjin River was fought, has been renamed Gloster Hill.

The South Koreans have previously made generous donations to the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum at the Docks, as well as donating PPE to the county during the Covid pandemic.

Honouring the link between our cities

During my time as Leader of the City Council, we signed a memorandum of understanding with the City of Paju to explore deeper cultural and economic links.

I agreed to name the walkway alongside the Victoria Basin in the Docks as ‘Paju Walk’ to acknowledge the link between our cities.
The story about the Glosters at the Battle of Imjin River inspired my friend Matt Cass to suggest we write a book about the many little-known facts about the city, which became ‘100 Facts, Myths and Legends About Gloucester’.

The 75th anniversary of the battle was marked by events at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum and a talk at the Gloucester History Festival. The role played by the Glosters is something of which the city and the wider county can be extremely proud.

Paul James was born and brought up in Gloucester and served as a City Councillor for 24 years, including over 12 years as Leader of the Council. He has written a number of books about Gloucester and the surrounding areas and holds a number of voluntary roles in the city.