UNMCK Tributary Message
- WriterPeter Dilley
- Date2008-07-24 11:26:14
- Count2180
On July 27 2007 I had the great honour to visit the UNMCK Busan through the generous kindness of the UPKMF (UN Peace Forces of the Korean War Memorial Federation). It was a wonderfully moving experience to be so warmly welcomed into the beautifully tended cemetery grounds by the many ROK Veterans present and to take part in the service of remembrance for all the fallen. We couldn’t chat very much but the enthusiastic embraces said it all and will long be remembered.
A poignant moment for me was to find the memorial on which is recorded the names of our shipmates in HMS Ocean who lost their lives in the Korean conflict during 1952 and were either buried at sea or lost on shore and have no known graves…
Lt./Cdr (P) Timothy J. C. Williamson-Napier RN
CPO Aircrewman Leslie Edwards
Naval Airman 1 Richard Herbert
SBA Alan Findlay
Lt (P) Robert C. Hunter RN
Lt./Cdr (P) Donald R. A. Dick DSC, RN
PO El. (Air) Kenneth Jordan
And in 1953: - Lt (P) A. J. D. Evans RN
Lt (O) K. M. Thomas RN
The loss of the latter two officers was all the more sad to bear in that they died just twelve days before the armistice that would have seen them reunited with their loved ones. Our shipmates are not forgotten and it would be deeply appreciated if their sacrifice could be honoured by the laying of a flower at the site this coming Sunday July 27th on behalf of the HMS OCEAN ASSOCIATION. Thank you, and special thanks to all the Korean people who have made and care for the UNMCK Busan now and into the future. Your efforts bring great comfort to the families of our sons who have now become your sons forever.
Please excuse me for sounding pedantic but in closing, may I very respectfully draw your attention to a minor point in the UNMCK web site heading? The flowing scroll reads ‘Here rest are the brave fallen who sacrificed their lives for world peace and freedom’ - Again, with great respect, may I suggest a slight change to ‘Here at rest are the fallen…’ or ‘Here rest the brave fallen…’ might perhaps be considered.
Kindest regards, yours sincerely
Peter Dilley- ex POAF(A) 802 NAS-HMS OCEAN 1952