THE last meeting was held on Wednesday, April 2 at Plymouth Court, Headless Cross. and a one-minute silence was observed for our latest Afghan casualty.

April 2 anniversaries were Battle of Copenhagen, where Nelson famously “turned a blind eye”, the USA entered the First World War and the 32nd anniversary of Falklands War.

April’s programme was the Korean War Battle of the Imjin River, delivered by Ron Gallivan.

Starting with a brief history of the Japanese occupation of Korea, members saw how the Russians and Americans gained control by the end of the Second World War.

What followed was the 1948 general election shambles, which divided Korea and led to a North Korean invasion of the south.

The Battle of the Imjin River occurred at the start of the Chinese Spring Offensive on April 21, 1951. For the next three full days until April 25 the 29th British Brigade were constantly attacked and eventually overwhelmed by four Chinese armies totalling over 27,000 men.

The Glosters were cut off, surrounded and annihilated.

Seventy men were killed, 217 escaped and 552 were taken prisoner. They endured two more years of atrocious North Korean treatment and later the Chinese treatment, from which a further 33 Glosters died.

The Glosters won two Victoria crosses during the action and one brave P.O.W. won the George Cross for bravery and leadership. Next meeting is on Wednesday, May 7 and will involve The Welsh Wars of Edward I. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm. Normal £3 door charge applies. Contact Ron Gallivan on 01527 545450 or e-mail ronnieg33b@hotmail.

co.uk for full details.