The first year of the Korean War was a tumultuous series of epic battles, ending in a legendary and harrowing retreat.
In the summer of 1950, British and Australian troops were dispatched to fight with UN forces in the savage struggle against communism in Korea.
After both triumph and tragedy while breaking out of the “ Pusan Perimeter,” 27th Brigade – the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the Middlesex battalions, soon joined by the Royal Australians – spearheaded the UN drive north. After a spectacular series of battles, victory beckoned. 27th Brigade was halted to allow the Americans the glory of reaching the Chinese border.
But across the rugged border, in a shock counter-offensive, China stormed south. In a desperate action, 27th Brigade fought its way out of the trap, to join the UN Command on a harrowing, 200-mile ‘ bug out.” And across the peninsula, surrounded by eight enemy divisions in terrain higher than Cassino and temperatures colder than Stalingrad, 41 Commando fought alongside US Marines at Chosin Reservoir – ‘ Hellfire Valley’ , the most nightmarish battle fought by American or British troops in living memory - and escaped annihilation by a hair’ s breadth.
‘ Gripping… The men who fought with the UN force deserve to be remembered better than they currently are. Salmon’ s moving, fascinating book at last does them justice.’
‘ Casts fresh light on Britain’ s role in one of the 20th century’ s bloodiest yet least remembered conflicts.’
‘ The author is rapidly earning himself a reputation as a key chronicler of the years of the Korean war: this latest title is incisive, compelling and neatly crafted, and will enhance that reputation further.’
‘ One of the book’ s main assets is the many eyewitness accounts which enliven the exciting narrative. Thanks to Andrew Salmon, this forgotten war will now always be remembered.’
‘ Among the best works of non-fiction I have ever read. An absolute page-turner. Like a top work of thriller fiction, but it is for real.’
‘ The story is full to the brim, rich in tales of courage and of horror… a powerful story, distinctive in style, which pulls no punches… a military history that is fascinating, shocking and thought provoking in equal measure.’
A compelling tale that explains the camaraderie of small units in war, but doesn't shy away from the visceral if sometimes exhilarating experience of high-intensity conflict, the brutalising effect on those waging it and the consequences for the Korean population. This admirable book does justic to its subjects who deserve to be better remembered.
