COVER STORY
Korean War Memorial Park in Paju , South Korea . Photo courtesy of Hannah Kim / Remember727
The Glorious Glosters
70 Years from Imjin
Imjin Barracks , home of NATO ’ s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps , is named after a decisive point in the Korean War - the Battle of Imjin River . The Gloucestershire Regiment , along with C Troop of 170th Independent Mortar Battery , famously fought a last stand on Hill 235 ( later renamed Gloster Hill ) after being ordered to “ hold on where you are ”. This allowed UN forces to regroup and block the Chinese 63rd Army ’ s Spring Offensive and advance on the capital , Seoul .
Private ‘ Sam ’ Mercer MBE 1929 - 2021
Sebastian Andrew Mercer aka SAM was one of the last Glosters ’ Korean veterans , having lost an eye and wounded in both legs during the Battle of Imjin River . After enduring two years in a Chinese Prisoner of War Camp he was released and taken back to Britain , where one of his legs had to be amputated . However , during his convalescence , he met his future wife ‘ Nurse Audrey ’ and enjoyed the best years of his life . During an interview with BFBS Sam recalls , “ she smiled at me over her facemask and I was done for .”
Born the son of a former British Indian Army officer , Sam was raised in London until his mother was committed to a mental hospital and he went to live with her brother ’ s family in Cheltenham . Eager to see the world , Sam joined The Gloucester Regiment straight out of school and served in Jamaica before being posted to Korea .
A man of deep humility who made light of his own experiences , Sam felt very strongly that the actions of all those who fought in that war must not be forgotten and became the lead ambassador for British Korean veterans .
He never forgot his comrades and in particular those who did not come back , as well as the Regiment that had given him a home and a meaning to his life . Sam was a hugely respected member of Gloucester ’ s veteran community and will be missed , but never forgotten ! hold on where you are
10 SPRING 2021 the imjin @ HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps