RSL Sub-Branch Albany invites community to pay respects at 71st anniversary of Korean War armistice

Often referred to as the forgotten war, Korea is far from forgotten. The war erupted in 1950 when communist North Korea, backed by the Chinese regime, stormed into South Korea with the intent of capturing the south and forcing the Korean Peninsula into one communist country. UN forces quickly intervened, including Australian army, navy and airforce units, and after three years of bitter fighting, the North was at a stalemate and forced to agree to a ceasefire on July 27, 1953. UN forces remained in South Korea for several years after the ceasefire and the US still maintains a large force in the south of the country. Two Albany RSL members served in Korea after the ceasefire. Ivan Tilney was a British Army Engineer and Ken Morrison was an Australian Army Paymaster. Sadly, Private John Atkinson from Albany was killed on April 24, 1951, in the Battle of Kapyong. Albany residents are invited to join the Albany RSL to commemorate Australian involvement in the Korean War, especially the sacrifice of Private Atkinson and the service of Mr Tilney and Mr Morrison. The service will be held on Saturday, the 71st anniversary of the ceasefire. Michael Tugwell is services director at the RSL Sub-Branch Albany. The Korean War Service will be held at St John’s Anglican Church on York Street at 2pm on July 27. Queries about the service should be directed to Mr Tugwell on 0421 647 301.