June 2025 marks the 75^th anniversary of the start of a major international war in which Great Britain and its Commonwealth were involved, yet which today attracts hardly any attention.

The Korean War (1950–1953) was a conflict between communist North Korea, backed by Chinese and Soviet support, and South Korea, supported by a United Nations coalition led by the United States.

To mark this anniversary, BRLSI is hosting a special series of three talks exploring different aspects of the war, including its origins and some of the particular involvements of British and Commonwealth forces.

Korea: the Forgotten War will feature three talks, on 9, 16 & 23 July 2025.

Background

Triggered by North Korea’s invasion of the South on June 25th, 1950, the war aimed to unify Korea under opposing ideologies, escalating Cold War tensions. It ended in an armistice on July 27, 1953, with no formal peace treaty, leaving Korea divided at the 38th parallel.

Great Britain and the British Commonwealth played significant roles within the UN coalition, contributing troops, naval forces, and air support. Britain, motivated by its commitment to collective security and anti-communism, sent over 14,000 troops, primarily from the British Army (e.g., 27th and 29th Infantry Brigades). Key units included the Gloucestershire Regiment, which heroically defended Hill 235 during the Battle of Imjin River (April 1951), suffering heavy losses but delaying Chinese advances. British forces also fought in major battles like Kapyong and the Hook, showcasing tactical resilience.

The British Commonwealth Division, formed in 1951, integrated troops from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India, totalling over 30,000 personnel by 1953. It operated under UN command, primarily in the western sector, defending Seoul and the 38th parallel.

The Royal Navy contributed ships like HMS Belfast, providing coastal bombardments, while the Royal Air Force and Commonwealth air units (e.g., Australia’s No. 77 Squadron) conducted reconnaissance and bombing missions.

Despite smaller numbers compared to U.S. forces, Commonwealth troops were vital in stabilising UN lines during Chinese offensives. Their disciplined infantry tactics and naval support bolstered coalition efforts, though at a cost of over 1,100 British and 2,000 Commonwealth deaths. The war’s stalemate reinforced Britain’s role as a key UN ally, strengthening Commonwealth unity and Cold War alliances, but the inconclusive outcome and Britain’s changing role in the world also forced a change of thinking. When America next called on British support for a war to halt the spread of communism – this time in Vietnam – Britain largely refused to participate.

Korea: the Forgotten War Series at the BRLSI – series passes available!

Origins of the Korean War, with Francis Pike – Wednesday 9 July, 7.30pm – book here

Historian Francis Pike examines the background to the conflict and provides an overview of the global political and military situation before and during the conflict. Francis Pike is an economic and global political advisor, having worked with governments and financial institutions all over the world. He is a widely published journalist and is a regular contributor to The Spectator and is the author of two highly regarded history books: Empires at War: A Short History of Modern Asia since World War II and Hirohito’s War: The Pacific War 1941 – 1945. He is an expert on the Second World war in the Pacific Theatre.

Against the Odds: the Glorious Glosters at Imjin River, with Matthew Holden – Wednesday 16 July, 7.30pm – book here

The Royal Gloucestershire Regiment (‘the Glorious Glosters’) fought one of the most significant battles of the Korean War, their force of fewer than 700 men holding off at least 10,000 Chinese soldiers along a three mile front on the Imjin River. Although the Glosters lost 59 killed and more than 500 captured, their valiant effort delayed a massive Chinese advance for three days, allowing UN forces to regroup south of the Imjin River and protect the South Korean capital of Seoul. It is widely believed that, without their efforts, Seoul would have fallen. Matthew Holden is Chief Executive of the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum in Gloucester.

The British and Commonwealth Navies in Korea, with David Verghese – Wednesday 23 July, 7.30pm – book here

Great Britain and the Commonwealth provided significant naval support for the UN coalition in the Korean War, including destroyers, frigates, and carriers, operating under US naval command. Around 40 ships were committed. They were crucial in maintaining UN naval superiority, disrupting enemy logistics, and supporting ground campaigns, with notable actions at Inchon, Wonsan, and the Han River. Despite losses (eg, HMCS Athabaskan damaged), their efforts helped secure UN control of Korean waters, aiding the war’s stalemate outcome. David Verghese is a naval historian and biographer.

You can book all three talks in one purchase by buying a series pass from any of the individual talk pages – passes available here.