IPSWICH: The efforts of British troops during the Korean War were remembered by ex-soldiers in a special ceremony in Christchurch Park.

Dozens of members of the British Korean Veterans Association gathered to commemorate the “forgotten war”, which took place between 1950 to 1953.

Ipswich mayor Jane Chambers also attended the service on Saturday, which was conducted by Waldringfield rector Reverend John Waller and saw the installation of a new plaque.

Members of the association said the service went “really well” and they were proud of the plaque – they just hope this memorial lasts longer than its predecessors.

Ipswich resident Charles Bull, who fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1951, said: “We had a tree, but it was vandalised for whatever reason.

“After that, we had another tree, but it wasn’t too keen and died. Then, the Friends of Christchurch Park told us there was a Korean fir tree near the Cenotaph that was originally planted as a memorial so we decided to adopt it and put the plaque there.”

Mr Bull, a former member of the Navy, was on the first ship that went into Japan during the conflict.

The 81-year-old joined the Armed Forces when he was 17 and travelled the world in his job, also fighting in the Borneo conflict during his 27 years of service.

He highlighted the Korean War as a significant historical event and the fact that the British fought hard on behalf of our East Asian counterparts.

He said: “The Koreans never forgot what the British troops went through out there and those poor devils in the Army went through hell.

“It is an important part of history and I think it’s right to remember it.”

n Did you fight in the Korean War? Tell us your story. Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk