The Glosters at Imjin: The Battle that Shaped a War

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The Glosters at Imjin: The Battle that Shaped a War (Korean War series 2]
Matthew Holden
Recorded Wed 16th July 2025, Queen Square, Bath

The Glosters, the most decorated infantry regiment in British history, saw one of their defining moments on a small hilltop close to the North Korean border. Surrounded on all sides by a vast Chinese army, the men of Gloucestershire held on for three more days.

This act of bravery, which resulted in 522 men spending almost three years as prisoners of the North Koreans, held the road to Seoul and changed the shape of the entire Korean War. Many accolades would follow including two Victoria Crosses, a George Cross and a United States Presidential Citation. However, perhaps the most enduring legacy is the success of the South Korean nation and the ultimate esteem in which the heroes of Imjin River are held by the peoples of South Korea to this very day.

Matthew Holden is the Chief Executive of the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, an establishment that is honoured to represent the Gloucestershire Regiment. Through this role, Matthew has strong ties to South Korea including having books published there, visiting the country frequently and even playing a small role in international relations between our two nations.

Image of soldiers at Imjin, from the Soldiers of Gloucestershire website.