Arrived in Hiro, Japan 16-2-51 by air.

Sailed to Pusan, Korea on the ship "Aitken Victory" 6-5-52

Later joined 1^st Batt R.A.R. C. Coy 8 Platoon.

Good bunch of men, you soon make mates in any company, but a good trained bunch of men.

Korea seemed a backward country, Pusan as we saw it was just nothing – most buildings was a make up of old crates, a sea port, but out of what was a small city was just hills of nothing.

Seoul would have been a city of medium size only, but as I saw it was bombed out, the rest of the country would pass as hamlets, no roads to speak of, cart tracks, which was about all that used them.

Farming, paddy fields most rice, barley, not so made up as villages. Most remote areas, the Koreans was a friendly people. Hard workers in a hard stunty hills, most small trees, the paddy fields took up most vallies and slopes of hills. I’d say a poor country.

Settling in was at first hard, at first living under ground in hoochies was not the best, but we got used to it.

Food rations consisted of C rations passed out daily, 3 cans consisting of lima beans, chicken and vegetables, sausages and gravy, 2 cans of fruit, a can of tea, coffee bags , sugar etc, packet of American cigarettes, a can of biscuits and chocolates, while in the line, on rest area our cooks made up stews etc. a bottle of beer a day "maybe".

Clothing - In winter can be one of the most unpleasant in the world. So winter clothing issued, first had to be worn by the book as from the feet up. Socks thick but to fit into your boots with room to be able to move your toes, inner and outer strides but first long johns, then thick pants the water protected outers, the body, first needed a string vest, thick nylon, so as to let space, you might say to breathe not so you sweat which would freeze, not good, pullover over a wind-water proof parka which has draw strings around the neck and hood also the wrists to keep cold out, woollen gloves to protect frost bite more so handling steel, your fire arm. Then your head gear, also woollen ear flaps but can be folded up to make a cap, but if you do not follow these orders you leave off. Maybe your string vest you could easily free from your own sweat while on a patrol. Summer, well like the rest of seasons you dress to the weather, the months from November to March your into the coldest time anywhere on earth.

What leave? While you’re in the line there is a time you may go back to have a bath, one in a section at a time, but that is maybe. After eight months you are given 21 days R and R in Japan, there is a time from changing from one position to another, maybe 2 days which is also a time to bath and do your washing, first up your socks, this is back to clothing but its important your socks are dry and patched.

After Korea – going out of the line, your leaving mates but on arriving back to Japan you can’t get on that plane or ship, whatever, to be back in your own stage, but then there’s that let down as you’re discharged, back to being a civilian all within days, back to the way you started like your old job, and that’s it.

But to finish this off, I was proud to have volunteered to serve with the U.N. in this war in Korea. Also to see that country prosper.

Addendum: Green, Edward Kay (Kay) - Died peacefully at home, in Claremont, Tasmania. Australia on June 23rd 2008. He was a Past President of Korea Veterans Tasmania and took a great interest in all matters pertaining to the work of the Association. Kay as he was affectionately know had a infectious personality and will be sadly missed by all who had know him.  'Lest we forget.'

If you would like to return home . .  

or just return to the last page . . .

This page was last modified on 25-06-2008.