VETERANS of the Korean War are to join with former comrades from around the UK after being given a grant to travel to national commemorations of the conflict.

This is the first time members of the Swindon Branch of the British Korean Veterans' Association have been able to travel together.

Branch secretary Bert Davey, whose brother Tom died in the war, said: "We have a £1,200 grant from Awards For All so that we can go together for the first time to the commemoration day on July 27.

"It is being held at the National Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, and it is hoped this will become an annual day.

"Opportunities for veterans of Korea to meet up are rare and they gain a great deal of satisfaction at being reunited at commemorative events.

"They feel it is important that their comrades who died and are buried in Korea are remembered and should never be forgotten.

"The veterans have always felt that although the war only lasted three years and the fighting at times had similarities to the First World War, it became the 'forgotten war' as it took place 10,00 miles away in a country that service personnel had never heard of.

"There will be people from all the services represented in our trip."

Next month 25 Swindon branch members will attend the 51st anniversary of the end of the war.

Mr Davey, who did not serve himself, volunteers his time to help old comrades in memory of his brother.

The war started on June 25 1950 when communist North Korea led by Kim Il-sung invaded the Republic of Korea.

A United Nations task force of 22 countries was deployed to halt the advance.

The fighting lasted until July 27 1953 when an armistice was signed.

During the war 1,078 British servicemen were killed and 2,700 were wounded.

The Swindon branch meets at the TA Centre in Church Place the second Tuesday of every month at 11am.

Anyone who is interested in joining is asked to call Mr Davey on 01793 850471.

Catherine Turnbull