Picture Ref: 77602-49A VETERANS group needs help tracking down the family of a forgotten hero killed in the Korean War.

Lieutenant Robin Arbuth-not is believed to be the only soldier from Swindon who died in the 1950-1953 conflict.

The Swindon branch of the British Korean Veterans Association formed in 1998.

But only now has news of the officer's sacrifice come to light.

Details of his role in the conflict often referred to as the 'Forgotten War' are sketchy.

Bert Davey, branch secretary, hopes Adver readers can put him in touch with surviving family members.

"Following up information received from a friend, I recently visited Christ Church to view a Roll of Honour dedicated to Old Boys of Swindon High School who died in the Second World War," he said.

"The memorial was transferred to Christ Church from Swindon High School in Bath Road in 1979.

"Added to the list of names was Robin Arbuthnot, who was killed in 1953."

A call to the British Korean Veterans Associations HQ confirmed that Lieut Arbuthnot, who served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, was killed in action on Christmas Day.

Although fighting officially ceased on July 27, 1953 when an armistice was signed, trouble often flared as troops from the United Nations tried to keep the peace.

Mr Davey, whose brother Tom, died in the conflict, said: "Until we received the information about Robin Arbuthnot we were not aware of anyone from the Swindon District who gave their life in what the veterans term the 'Forgotten War'.

"The branch would be grateful for information from anyone who may have known him."

Last month we told how Swindon members of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans' Association travelled to London for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

The Malayan conflict flared shortly after the Second World War and continued until 1966. Hundreds of servicemen and women lost their lives.

The plaque, which was the idea of the Swindon branch, was unveiled by the Duke of Kent in St Paul's Cathedral.

Mr Davey can be contacted on 01793 850471

Korean war

THE Korean War started on June 25, 1950 when communist North Korea led by Kim Il-sung invaded the Republic of Korea.

A UN taskforce made up of 22 countries was deployed to halt the advance.

Official figures show 1,078 British servicemen died in the conflict and 2,700 were wounded.

Kevin Shoesmith