A slight bit of nostalgia, with a reprint of an address that the Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. N G Wilson-Smith, MBE
made to all ranks of 1 PPCLI after the battalion was warned for duty in Korea – 20 August 1951.

WE ARE GOING TO KOREA!

Since taking command of the unit, almost one year ago to the day, I have had to pass on much unpleasant news to you. We have seen 2 PPCLI go to Korea to do a job we thought would be ours; we saw members of our unit once again made a training cadre for new forces trained for duty in Europe. Through all this and other disappointments, I asked that you take your orders like soldiers and wait until we were called for.

This you did and I congratulate you all on your discipline and steadfastness, and in the way in which you handled whatever job was given you.

Now our opportunity has arrived and we are all thankful that it sees us going as a complete unit. Having to leave a Parachute Company back is of course disappointing to those left back and those going, however we look forward to the time when they join us again.

It is unfortunate that we couldn’t jump into action and so use all the experience we have gained in our training exercises, but who knows — we may get a jump in action yet!

The task that faces us is a tough one; as tough as any this unit has been asked to tackle. We must fight what appears to be a much strengthened enemy, over ground that is indescribable, rugged; and under weather conditions that are — mildly stated — completely miserable.

This task will demand the very best we have to give. You will be called on for physical exertion far beyond what you imagine is your breaking point, and this will be required for long periods of time. Life will be miserable with wet cold feet, soaking clothes, cold food and an active vigilant enemy. The only answer to this — good soldiers!

Those who show themselves by their discipline, steadiness and all around soldierly qualities capable of taking it, will be in at the end to share the units victories and prestige. Those who slack, take the easy way out, let their section and platoon down, will be weeded and their place given to someone who is willing to do the job as it should be done. In the days to come, I, and the officers and NCOs shall be speaking often of this.

No one will try to fool you that what we are going into, is a "piece of cake" — it isn’t! It is a tough, nasty, unpleasant business but while you are in it you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are doing a real man-sized job of soldiering, and that you are earning the respect of all everywhere.

We are all confident of success; we are good — and we know it. In our self-confidence however, let us not underestimate our enemy who is tough, hard and fanatic; he is used to the country, he knows how to fight in it; he is well equipped for the type of fighting he is doing; he is bravely led and though his tactics of mass attacks seem amateurish to us, they can be effective unless met by superior skill and courage. The Chinese Red Army is not a collection of peasant rabble – it is an effective fighting force.

We must also remember that the Korean people, whose land we are bashing about, are also deserving of respect. They are to be treated with the same respect we showed the British and the people of the Continent; we are liberators — not conquerors. They are different from us; they look different, live differently; have a different religion, different morals; they even think differently, but nevertheless, they are on our side, fighting against the same common enemy. They want the same things we do – freedom from aggression. If you cannot treat them with respect as equals, then, at least, leave them alone!

To you all — GOOD LUCK!