Korean War Soldier’s Brother Expresses Pride Over Memorial Plans

Andrew Gardiner, whose brother served in the Korean War, has expressed that he is “very proud” of proposals to construct a memorial commemorating his regiment. David Gardiner, Andrew’s brother, became a prisoner of war after the Battle of Imjin River took place in April 1951. During the conflict, troops from the Gloucestershire Regiment, also known as the “Glorious Glosters”, faced the Chinese Red Army, being outnumbered by a ratio of almost seven to one, while striving to protect South Korea’s capital city. The Imjin Veterans Memorial Steering Group aims to collect £18,000 for the construction of a memorial dedicated to the 15 men from the Forest of Dean who participated in the battle. This memorial is planned for construction at The Cyril Hart Arboretum, situated close to Coleford. Mr Gardiner described the bravery demonstrated by the Glorious Glosters as “quite unbelievable”, noting that 23 young soldiers lost their lives during a single night of the battle. David, his brother, was held captive as a prisoner of war in North Korea. Recounting his brother’s difficult experience, Mr Gardiner stated: “It was so oppressive, in order to survive the Siberian winter, they wanted you to sign for communism for food and medical treatment.” He added: “There was a small group of the Glosters, about 20 of them, and they refused to sign. They were regarded as retrogrades and treated appallingly.” Mr Gardiner expressed his belief that his brother would have been “very proud” of the initiatives to establish a memorial. He further commented: “It’s unbelievable, I’m very proud that we’re able to do something in the Forest of Dean which will represent the whole of the country.” The project involves eight individuals, among them Anny Reid, who serves as a trustee for the Royal British Legion and holds the position of chair of trustees at the National Memorial Arboretum. Ms Reid, having served in the Royal Air Force for 30 years, stated she is “very aware of casualties and deaths” and “passionate” about commemorating those who have served their nation. She remarked: “I’m really proud that we’ve got this far and that we’ve managed to achieve this because I think it is very important not just for the Forest themselves, but for the families of those men who who lost their lives at Korea.”