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VETERANS RETURN TO KOREAN BATTLEFIELDS FOR 60TH ANNIVERSARY
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Warren Snowdon today announced he would lead a commemorative mission to Korea in late October to mark the 60th anniversary of Australia’s most significant engagements in the Korean War.
“To ensure we honour those who served in the battles of Kapyong and Maryang San, and other important engagements of the Korean War, I have selected eight representatives from the veteran community to accompany me in travelling back to the soil on which they served 60 years ago,” he said.
Mission representatives comprise seven Korean veterans, including one nurse, and one relative of an Australian serviceman listed as missing in action.
Representatives cover each service arm, key activities of the Korean War and are from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and the ACT.
The mission party will visit key battle sites to pay tribute to fallen mates and participate in several commemorative activities including the Republic of Korea’s United Nations Day Ceremony with other Commonwealth nations.
They will also visit the demilitarized zone – separating North Korea from the South.
Making his announcement at the Australian War Memorial’s International Conference on the Korean War, Mr Snowdon said 2011 marks the 60th anniversary of some of the most crucial and fiercely-fought battles of the entire campaign– this week being 60 years since the Battle of Maryang San.
The Korean War began on 25 June 1950 when North Korean Forces invaded South Korea.
More than 17,000 Australian Navy, Army and Air Force personnel fought as part of the United Nations Force, defending South Korea from a communist North Korean invasion.
The War ended with the signing of an armistice on 27 July 1953, but Australia maintained a presence in Korea until 1957.
Overall 340 Australians were killed, more than 1200 injured, 30 were taken prisoner and 43 were listed as mission in action.
Sadly almost four million Koreans were killed, making it one of the bloodiest wars in which Australia was involved.
Mr Snowdon said Korea was a significant event in Australia’s military history – marking the first collective United Nations action and reinforcing Australia’s position as a valuable ally.
“Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses won international respect for their courage, endurance and combat skills during the Korean War. We will continue to recognise their service and sacrifice and ensure the next generation learns about their experiences,” he said.
The mission party will depart for Korea on 22 October following an official farewell in Sydney on Friday evening, 21 October 2011.
Editors’ note: A list of veteran representatives is attached. Images and full biographies of veteran representatives, historical images and factsheets on the Korean War are available on the DVA Media Centre at www.dva.gov.au/media
Veteran representatives on Korean mission party
NSW
Commander Kenneth Barnett RAN (Retd) (Navy)
Mr Michael Skennar (Army)
Mr Ian Saunders – son of Private John Saunders MIA (Army)
QLD
Mr Kevin Grayson (Army)
Mr Raymond Deed BEM (Army)
Ms Valma Keylar (Army)
VIC
Mr Stanley Connelly (Army)
ACT
Group Captain Milton Cottee AFC (Retd) (RAAF)
Media inquiries:
Interview with veteran party – contact Emma Collien 02 6289 4787 or 0429 129 661
Interviews with Minister Snowdon – contact Marcus Butler 02 6277 7820 or 0417 917 796