From the Imjin to the Hook: A National Service Gunner in the Korean War
The British Army’s considerable contribution to The Korean War 1950 – 1953 was largely composed of ‘conscripts’ or national servicemen. Plucked from civilian life on a ‘lottery’ basis and given a short basic training, some like Jim Jacobs volunteered for overseas duty and suddenly found themselves in the thick of a war as intensive and dangerous as anything the Second World War had had to offer.

As a member of 170 Independent Mortar Battery RA from March 1951 to June 1952 Jim was in the frontline at the famous Battle of the Imjin River. By great luck, he evaded capture – and death – unlike so many. He returned to the UK only to volunteer again for a second tour with 120 Light Battery from March 1953 to March 1954. During this period, he was in the thick of the action at the Third Battle of the Hook during May 1953.

In this gripping memoir, Jim calmly and geographically recounts his experiences and emotions from joining the Army through training, the journeys by troopship and, most importantly, on active service in the atrocious and terrifying war fighting that went on in a very foreign place.
1116259194
From the Imjin to the Hook: A National Service Gunner in the Korean War
The British Army’s considerable contribution to The Korean War 1950 – 1953 was largely composed of ‘conscripts’ or national servicemen. Plucked from civilian life on a ‘lottery’ basis and given a short basic training, some like Jim Jacobs volunteered for overseas duty and suddenly found themselves in the thick of a war as intensive and dangerous as anything the Second World War had had to offer.

As a member of 170 Independent Mortar Battery RA from March 1951 to June 1952 Jim was in the frontline at the famous Battle of the Imjin River. By great luck, he evaded capture – and death – unlike so many. He returned to the UK only to volunteer again for a second tour with 120 Light Battery from March 1953 to March 1954. During this period, he was in the thick of the action at the Third Battle of the Hook during May 1953.

In this gripping memoir, Jim calmly and geographically recounts his experiences and emotions from joining the Army through training, the journeys by troopship and, most importantly, on active service in the atrocious and terrifying war fighting that went on in a very foreign place.
39.95 In Stock
From the Imjin to the Hook: A National Service Gunner in the Korean War

From the Imjin to the Hook: A National Service Gunner in the Korean War

by James Jacobs
From the Imjin to the Hook: A National Service Gunner in the Korean War

From the Imjin to the Hook: A National Service Gunner in the Korean War

by James Jacobs

Hardcover

$39.95 
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Overview

The British Army’s considerable contribution to The Korean War 1950 – 1953 was largely composed of ‘conscripts’ or national servicemen. Plucked from civilian life on a ‘lottery’ basis and given a short basic training, some like Jim Jacobs volunteered for overseas duty and suddenly found themselves in the thick of a war as intensive and dangerous as anything the Second World War had had to offer.

As a member of 170 Independent Mortar Battery RA from March 1951 to June 1952 Jim was in the frontline at the famous Battle of the Imjin River. By great luck, he evaded capture – and death – unlike so many. He returned to the UK only to volunteer again for a second tour with 120 Light Battery from March 1953 to March 1954. During this period, he was in the thick of the action at the Third Battle of the Hook during May 1953.

In this gripping memoir, Jim calmly and geographically recounts his experiences and emotions from joining the Army through training, the journeys by troopship and, most importantly, on active service in the atrocious and terrifying war fighting that went on in a very foreign place.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781781593431
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication date: 07/03/2013
Pages: 224
Product dimensions: 6.20(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Jim Jacobs was born in 1932 in Sussex. He was called up in 1950 and bored with home-based military life volunteered for overseas duty. Unusually after one tour in Korea he re-enlisted and is one of the very few who fought at both the Imjin River and Hook battles. After leaving the Army he emigrated to Australia but returned to England after 22 years. He and his wife live at Fareham, Hampshire.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vi

Preface vii

Glossary xi

Chapter 1 Another War 'Out East' 1

Chapter 2 Called to Arms 7

Chapter 3 Arrival at My War 25

Chapter 4 The Imjin River Battle - A Gunner's View 41

Chapter 5 Interlude in Japan 77

Chapter 6 Static Warfare, Heat, Rain and Mud 89

Chapter 7 Life on Jamestown Line 106

Chapter 8 Homeward Bound 127

Chapter 9 Obligation Fulfilled 133

Chapter 10 Once More a Volunteer 150

Chapter 11 Freedom is not Free 174

Appendix A In Remembrance 194

Appendix B Prisoners of War 196

Appendix C Letter to the Reservists 197

Appendix D The US Presidential Unit Citation 198

Appendix E Honours, Decorations and Awards 199

Sources & Bibliography 203

Index 204

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