Never Forgetting the ‘Forgotten War’

This month our blog takes a look at the Korea War, also referred to as ‘The Forgotten War’, which began on the 25^th of June 1950 and lasted until the Korean Armistance Agreement was signed on the 27^th of July 1953. This three-year war resulted in the deaths of 3 million people and involved many different countries including Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, China, India and South Africa. This blog focuses on the 1^st Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and takes a look at the brave and honorary actions of these men.

After the Second World War, Korea was divided along the 38^th parallel which was an internal border between North and South Korea based on a circle of latitude. North Korea was supported by the Soviet Union whilst the South was supported by the United States. On the 25^th of June 1950, the North invaded the South and quickly managed to push and trap the South Korean and American troops around the Port of Pusan. The United Nations were quick to respond and send aid in support of the South against the North.

The first UK troops to be committed were the 1^st Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the 1^st Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment as part of the 27 Infantry Brigade. They were later joined by troops from Canada and Australia and were renamed as the 27 British Commonwealth Brigade. The 1^st Argylls landed in Pusan on the 30^th of August 1950 and were plunged straight into action to help the Americans halt the North Korean advance at Songju.

On the 22-23^rd September 1950, the 1^st Argylls were ordered to take and hold Hill 282 near Songju. About 1500 metres to the west was another higher feature, Hill 388. After heavy fighting and casualties, the Argylls successfully took Hill 282. Major Kenny Muir, the Battalions second in command, moved up the ridge with stretcher bearers to evacuate the wounded. However, the Argylls were heavily counter-attacked by superior numbers of North Koreans from Hill 388. Muir took command on the hill’s summit by directing fire, organised ammunition distribution, and helped move the wounded to shelter. An American airstrike was called for to hit Hill 282, however, the USAF aircraft attacked the Argylls position on Hill 282 and drenched the Argylls with flaming napalm by mistake and causing further casualties. Only around 40 men remained under Major Muirs command and he personally led a successful counterattack to reoccupy the ridge. Under heavy attack from the enemy, Major Muir redistributed the ammunition and engaged the enemy with a 2-inch mortar. Muir was killed by machine-gun fire, and his last words were ‘The [enemy] will never drive The Argylls off this hill’. Muir was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal for his actions.

The war continued and the Argylls advanced north of the 38^th Parallel through October, capturing the Northern capital, Pyongyang, on the 18^th of October 1950. In November, China entered the war and halted the UN advance. A planned attack on the Yalu River in November failed and the 27 Brigade was ordered to fall back on Sunchon to keep the main supply route open. This was known as the ‘Death March’ by the Jocks, undertaken in part on foot in the coldest of weather where Major David Wilson used his hunting horn to signal halts.

Between 2^nd of December 1950 and the 5^th of January 1951, the Argylls moved over 200 miles south to take up positions at Chanhowon-Ni, known by the Jocks as Frostbite Ridge, 30 miles north of Seoul. In February, they began their advance north once more through Yoju with some minor engagements with the enemy. At Pakchon, the Argylls went to the aid of a hard-pressed US unit, earning their General’s gratitude for their ‘discipline, coolness and workmanship’ under fire.

On the 18^th of April 1951, the Argylls were relieved by Korean forces and handed over their equipment to 1^st Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB). The main body departed Inchon on USS Montrose on the 25^th of April, however, a number of Argylls remained behind with the 1^st KOSB. In the service of the United Nations, 43 Argylls were killed and 179 were wounded. The Regiment was awarded Battle Honours Pakchon and Korea 1950-51.

The museum displays many objects from this period throughout the galleries – most can be found in Fearless in Battle. This week (23rd-27th September 2025) a wreath will be placed in the Affiliation Room beside the Rolls of Honour to remember those who served, and who gave the ultimate sacrifice, during the Korean War.

Written by Caitlin Stewart, Digital Content Volunteer