The "forgotten war" of Korea will be remembered this weekend on the 50th anniversary of a conflict which saw 1,200 British troops lose their lives.

Members of the Southend and District Korean War Veterans' Association will march to the town's cenotaph for a rededication ceremony for the Korean standard. Chairman Syd Webb, 75, will lead the parade from Prittlewell Square at 10.30am to the war memorial on Sunday.

While remembering those left behind he will also be thinking of his own lucky escape from Korea.

The decorated war veteran, of Spire Road, Laindon, was not long in Korea before he was blown up in the Battle of Injin River and brought back to Britain for treatment. His injuries were so serious that he has spent much of his life in a wheelchair.

The Korean war was the first United Nations battle after the Second World War. Although there was a cessation of hostilities in 1953 no peace treaty has been signed.

He said: "I did not fight in Korea for very long as I was injured. But I consider myself lucky because many men lost their lives and some of my colleagues were kept prisoners of war for two and a half years."

Southend mayor Graham Longley will join the South Korean attache at the service which starts at 11am.

Memories - Syd Webb

Picture: MIKE BELLENIE

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