From Korea to Thornbury (via London, Glasgow & Southmead)

In the USA it is called the Forgotten War because it was overshadowed by WW2 and Vietnam, but there are still some alive today and living locally who served in the Korean War.

One such is one of our most distinguished local members, Colonel (Retired) Harold Griffiths CBE.

The Korean War lasted from June 25th 1950 until July 27th 1953 and it was during this conflict that the Gloucestersire Regiment earned their honorific “The Glorious Gloucesters” after the action at Imjin River (22nd-25th April 1951).

At 93 years of age, Harold is one of our most “senior” members, and the only one of the branch to have served in the Korean War.

Harold was the first President of Thornbury RBL and although his career started in medicine, he was soon liable for National Service, serving in the Army in Korea.

Harold comes from a military family with his father serving as a volunteer officer in the South Wales Borderers at the end of the 19th century and then serving in the second Anglo-Boer war in 1900.

Harold’s parents suggested that a medical career might suit him and he went to university and St. Mary’s hospital, developing an interest in surgery whilst training. Having qualified in medicine Harold was posted to Korea and served with the British Commonwealth Forces. Conditions could be hard at times with the British Army living in cold tents although the American food rations were OK.

Harold had no home leave for two years and missed seeing his family. Luckily letters were taken and delivered twice a week by air so the family were able to stay in touch.

Harold’s posting in Korea was to the 11th Field Transfusion Team in the Commonwealth General Hospital in Kure, supporting the last big action in the sector, the Battle of the Hook involving the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, the Black Watch and the Royal Fusiliers. He also served at a casualty collecting post near the Imjin River.

After his time in the Army Harold continued his surgical training in the London area at Stanmore, Mount Vernon and Harefield, and then to the Western Infirmary in Glasgow before coming south again as an orthopaedic consultant at Southmead and Frenchay hospitals.

On completion of National Service, Harold served in the Territorial Army until 1995, and at the end of his military career he was honoured with a CBE (military) by HM The Queen.

Harold enjoys a happy family life and is very proud of his 5 children, 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

As a member of Thornbury Royal British Legion he feels it is important to consider both the physical and mental welfare of HM Forces and veterans.

Thornbury & District Royal British Legion is very proud and honoured to count Harold as one of its’ members, someone who has had such a distinguished military and medical career.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be serving or a veteran of the Armed Forces. In fact anyone who shares our aims and values can join the RBL and will be very welcome. Our branch normally meets on the last Sunday of the month in the Black Horse on Gillingstool at 12 noon. Of course, this isn’t currently an option due to Covid restrictions. However, we look forward to resuming these meetings as soon as we can, and anybody who would like to join the branch will be very welcome .