Tributes paid to Battle of Imjin veteran

Brian Hamblett was held captive for two years during the Korean War

A museum has paid tribute to a Korean War veteran following his death aged 94.

Brian Hamblett was born in Gloucester in 1931 and served as a machine gunner during the Battle of Imjin in 1951, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum confirmed.

The Gloucestershire Regiment made a last stand on Hill 235 against Chinese forces, the British Army's bloodiest action since World War Two. Mr Hamblett was later held captive in freezing conditiions for two years.

Mr Hamblett's death comes after he was featured in Stand in the Bootprints of Heroes, an online tour launched earlier this year to counter the Korean War's reputation as the "Forgotten War".

The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum said Mr Hamblett was a "hero" who "faced life with quiet strength and an enduring sense of humour that those who met him never forgot" despite the toll the battle took.

"Brian remained a steadfast supporter of his regiment and the museum, sharing his experiences generously with visitors and staff alike," it added.

"His passing sadly marks the loss of another of the final few heroes of Imjin. Brian's story, courage, and friendship will not be forgotten."

Rob Dixon, a former commanding officer of The Glosters, said Mr Hamblett "lived to a very good age" considering what he went through during the Korean War.

'Pretty awful' conditions

As a national serviceman, there was no expectation for Mr Hamblett to fight abroad but Mr Dixon said he and others volunteered to go.

"The situation was pretty awful, the Chinese did not believe in the Geneva Convention or any of the ways you're meant to look after prisoners of war so the conditions were pretty ghastly," Mr Dixon said.

"A great number of [soldiers] coming from the same part of the country and the county of Gloucestershire, that kept the spirit going.

"But they all lost a tremendous amount of weight, obviously, and a lot of dysentery, so it was not an easy two-and-a-half years at all."

After returning home from the war, Brian raised three sons. He is survived by his partner, Cathy.