28 Apr to 11 May 2010
With the onset of spring many photo opportunities have arrived. This blog and the attached images cover several events, which I outline below.
Firstly, I was able to spend time with the British Veterans, who fought in the war here 60 years ago and returned here on a visit recently. For some of them it was the first time they have been able to come back to Korea and to the places where they fought.
It was a very special and emotional experience for all and it was difficult for them to believe the changes that have taken place since they were last here all that time ago. I have included some images here, including one of William Speakman, looking at the place where, as a result of his actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. The VC is Britain’s most prestigious military award. It is specifically awarded “for most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy”. The following is a summary of his actions that day:
‘In November 1951, Speakman’s section was holding the left flank of his company’s position and suffering serious casualties. The British positions were being over-run by thousands of Chinese. On his own initiative, Speakman collected a pile of grenades and led six others as they carried out a series of charges. These charges had the effect of breaking up several of the enemy attacks, causing them heavy casualties. Even after Private Speakman was wounded by shrapnel, he continued to lead charge after charge. When they ran out of ammunition, they threw rocks and stones and any other available debris. In all, Private Speakman led 15 counter-charges for six hours, delaying the enemy long enough to allow for his company’s safe withdrawal’.
On a completely different note, I was also invited to the Jongmyo Daeje ‘Great Rite’ Confucian celebration which was extremely colourful and an amazing event to behold. I was merrily photographing away when I was grabbed by the arm and placed next to the king for a photo – now that doesn’t happen every day!
Finally, I was playing djembe (a type of African Drum) near my home when I was approached by the organisers of the ‘World DJ Festival’ to attend for free. Now, that doesn’t happen every day either, so how could I say ‘no’! It was a great place to photograph lots of colourful characters, as well as a great opportunity to play djembe!
