Page 72 - Bugle Issue 19 Spring 2022

WEST
Eyes left at Horse Guards
IMJIN 70 GUARD AT THE CENOTAPH
On 14 November, at the London
Cenotaph parade, veterans of the former Gloucestershire Regiment (Glosters) formed a commemorative Imjin 70 Guard. At 95 strong, numbers were almost identical to those killed in action at the battle, or who subsequently died – so each marcher represented one who had fallen. At their head were three who had survived the battle and then endured two and a half years captivity as POWs – Joe Collett, Tommy Clough & Brian Hamblett.
The Battle of Imjin River was one of the most significant of the Korean War. There,
the Glosters, as part of 29 Brigade, played
a crucial role in holding out for three days against overwhelming odds in a defensive position behind the Imjin River. This desperate action, which ultimately resulted in the destruction of the battalion, helped to prevent the encirclement of UN forces, and earned them the nickname The ‘Glorious Glosters.’
Adding special poignancy was the
burial in Korea, just days before, of three unknown Gloster soldiers, killed in the Battle of the Imjin River. The burial of the recently
exhumed bodies formed part of a national ceremony in Korea, with full military honours, broadcast live by the Korean Broadcasting Service and attended by Korean Prime Minister, Mr Kim Boo-kyum.
Parade Marshal of the Imjin 70 Guard
was the Captain Len Keeling, ex RSM of 1st Glosters. Len was supported by a team of volunteers, notably Jennie & Scott McBride, Mark Vernoum, Rob Howells and Colin Porter. Over the last year, Len worked very closely with Colonel Mike Cornwell (Regimental Association Chairman) and Brigadier Martin Vine (Last CO 1 Glosters) to put the Guard together.
The Glosters, RGBW & Rifles were all represented. The regiment enjoys strong family bonds, which continue to this day and on parade were brothers, fathers and sons. A symbol of this continuity was Kevin Deacon, serving Rifles, pushing the wheelchair of his Father (Ray – ex Glosters). Brigadier Charlie Grist, Late Rifles, intended to march but sadly duty prevented this. Charlie’s Grandfather, the late Lieutenant Colonel Digby Grist, was Battalion 2IC at the battle.
Sophie Raworth interviews Tommy Clough
Thanks to the efforts of Captain Guy Woodcock, Late Glosters, strong interest was generated from the media. This included a Daily Telegraph article focussing on Brian Hamblett, a national BBC TV interview
– conducted by news presenter Sophie Raworth at Horse Guards – with Tommy Clough, several pieces of BBC Points West
TV coverage, and a drive-time morning show interview on BBC Radio Gloucestershire with Brigadier Vine. Additionally, the whole day was recorded on still photographs and video, ensuring that a permanent record is available for future generations.
All involved will never forget this unique and moving experience.
Gathering at Horse Guards
The regiment enjoys strong family bonds, on parade were brothers, fathers
and
sons
72 RIFLES The Bugle