Imjin Veteran Memorial set to be installed in Forest of Dean
New memorial honours local heroes of the Korean War
A new memorial will be installed this Friday, 24th April, to honour the veterans of the Battle of the Imjin River, in the Cyril Hart Arboretum of the Royal Forest of Dean.
The memorial project aims to commemorate the sacrifice of Forest of Dean soldiers, mainly national servicemen, who participated in this pivotal battle during the Korean War and subsequently endured years of captivity.
The Battle of Imjin River, a key confrontation during the Korean War from 22nd to 25th April 1951, played a critical role in defending Seoul from communist forces.
Through the efforts of the 1st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment, the ‘Glorious Glosters,’ the defence aided United Nations forces and secured a democratic South Korea’s future.
The installation comes shortly after marking the 75th anniversary of the battle’s commencement.
With the support of Forest of Dean District Council, Forestry England, Grail Engineering, and Mabey Bridge, the memorial has an approved design and site at Cyril Hart Arboretum, selected for its serene setting.
The memorial aims to preserve the stories of local veterans and ensure ongoing education about Britain's role in UN peacekeeping efforts.
At the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum in Gloucester, visitors will be able to explore the history of the battle and take part in a special programme of commemorative events as part of the Imjin 75 Commemoration.
The project gained renewed momentum following the loss of Roy Mills, the last surviving veteran from the battle, in October 2024.