A young 24-year-old British man who bravely fought in fierce battles during the Korean War (1950-1953) will return to Korea as an 88-year-old veteran. William Speakman was a private when he fought in the war.



Speakman belonged to the first regiment of the King's Own Scottish Borderers. In the early morning of November 4, 1951, Speakman fought hard with six other soldiers and launched grenade attacks in a battle on Hill 317, or "Hook Hill," near the Imjingang River. He was severely injured in one leg, but continued to take part in the fight until his regiment withdrew. He returned to Britain in January the following year due to the injury. However, he then came back to Korea voluntarily three months later to continue fighting in the war. The British government awarded him the Victoria Cross in appreciation of his distinguished military service.

Speakman is now planning to donate 10 of his medals, including the one he wore during government ceremonies over the past 40 years. He was awarded the medals by the British government in recognition of his contribution to overseas deployments. As an expression of his affection for Korea and for all the Koreans who sacrificed their lives during the war, he has said that it is his wish to be buried on Hill 317 when he dies.

According to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs on April 16, 88 people, including Korean War veterans and their families, will visit Korea between April 20 and April 25 this year. The ministry also said that Speakman is willing to donate his medals. The invitees include 31 soldiers who are currently members of the British Royal Artillery and the Hook Troop, whose soldiers also fought during the Korean War. The delegation will visit the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Busan, the Demilitarized Zone and attend a ceremony to commemorate the Battle of Kapyong. They will depart on April 25.

By Wi Tack-whan, Limb Jae-un
Korea.net Staff Writers
Photo: Yonhap News
whan23@korea.kr