New memorial project brings Britain's bloodiest Korean War battle to life
"Stand in the Bootprints of Heroes," produced by the Seoul-based non-profit British Korean War Memorial Committee, features 11 QR-coded signs located at key sites around the battlefield in Paju, some 25 miles north of Seoul. The codes link to a series of 19 video episodes detailing the events of the three-day battle with narration, music, photographs, paintings and maps.
The project's combination of real-world location markers with multimedia storytelling "brings history to life in a way that is immersive, respectful and accessible to all," Commodore Andy Lamb, Britain's defense attache in Seoul, said at a launch event held at the British Embassy in Seoul on Friday.
"It is helping people connect with the past without altering the landscape itself," Lamb, who serves as the president of the BKWMC, said.
The April 1951 battle came during the largest Chinese offensive of the Korean War and is remembered for the heroism of the British 29th Infantry Brigade, particularly the last stand of the Gloster Battalion.
British and U.N. forces held off the Chinese 63rd Army in an effort to delay their advance toward Seoul. On April 25, the heavily outnumbered U.N. troops were forced to withdraw from their positions, but the Gloster Battalion was surrounded and fought valiantly until being overrun.
The British held the key breakthrough point long enough to blunt the Chinese offensive and help U.N. forces maintain control of Seoul. With over 1,000 casualties, the Battle of the Imjin River remains Britain's bloodiest action since World War II.
The 1950-53 Korean War left millions dead, including some 160,000 South Korean soldiers and more than 36,000 U.S. soldiers. Britain provided the second-largest contingent to the combined United Nations Command -- over 81,000 troops -- and saw 1,078 killed and 2,674 wounded.
Despite the scope of the devastation, the Korean conflict has long been overshadowed in the West's historical memory, lost between World War II and the Vietnam War -- a situation the team behind the Imjin River project is hoping to help rectify.
"It is widely recognized as the 'Forgotten War,' and this work tries to address that," Lamb told UPI. "We're trying to bridge together commemoration and education. As the number of veterans reduces and many of them come to the end of their lives, it's important that we find new ways to commemorate and inform."
Younger Koreans also have much to learn about the history of the battles fought right in the backyard, said Lee Myung Hee, a Paju city official who attended the opening ceremony.
Lee told UPI that the city is planning to promote the Imjin River project and is organizing a tour for students in October.
"This project is a good opportunity for the younger generations, not only in Paju, but nationwide, to understand and remember what the veterans did during the Korean War," she said.
"Standing in the Bootprints of Heroes" is the second project by the British Korean War Memorial Committee, which receives its funding from local business sponsors and private donations.
The group installed a series of informative panels last year at Paju's Gloster Hill Memorial Park and is considering future expansions for the Imjin River site, including augmented-reality features and physical installations. A new project commemorating the 1951 Battle of Happy Valley in Goyang is also being discussed, organizers said.
British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks said in remarks at the launch event that the Imjin River tour is an innovative way to keep the stories of Korean War veterans alive.
"One of the great privileges of being ambassador is helping to mark the British contribution to the Korean War," Crooks said. "As the number of living veterans declines, our duty to preserve their legacy becomes more urgent."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
6 hours ago
- Associated Press
Henan Meets SCO: Anyang Receives Acclaim from Media and Think Tank Guests
ANYANG, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 July 2025 - From July 23 to 27, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Media and Think Tank Summit was held in Henan Province. During this event, guests from multiple countries visited Anyang, Henan, one of China's Eight Ancient Capitals, to gain profound insights into this ancient city's historical legacy and modern vitality. [VIDEO] Anyang is home to Yinxu (the Yin Ruins), a UNESCO World Heritage site, the hometown of Oracle Bone Inscriptions and the birthplace of the Book of Changes (I Ching). Along the banks of the Huan River stands the Yinxu Museum, its form echoing a monumental bronze Ding, radiating solemn grandeur. In the Oracle Bone Inscription exhibition hall, characters carved onto tortoise shells and animal bones seemed to grow more mysterious under dramatic lighting, as guests clustered around displays, intently deciphering each stroke's meaning. Yinxu Museum 'China's enduring civilization is a cornerstone of its global standing,' said Robinder Nath Sachdev, President of Imagindia Institute, New Delhi, India, visiting China for the first time. Deeply impressed by China's profound culture, he added, 'This visit has aroused a curiosity and I'll delve further into Anyang's history and culture upon my return.' At the Red Flag Canal Museum in Linzhou, Anyang, Olga Migunova, Scientific Director of the Center for the Study of China, St. Petersburg State University of Economics, lingered before the large photograph Celebration of the Red Flag Canal's Water Flow. As the guide narrated, scenes from over 60 years ago came alive. Under extreme hardship, local people leveled 1,250 hills, excavated 211 tunnels, and carved a 1,500-kilometer 'river of life' into cliff faces. This feat ended Linzhou's history of 'nine droughts in ten years,' a time when water was 'as precious as oil'. 'We've read much about Anyang, but experiencing it firsthand is entirely different. This, I believe, is the 'cradle of Chinese civilization',' Migunova said. She noted that Red Flag Canal embodies the Chinese people's tenacious spirit toward life and nature, reflecting their cultural tradition of uniting to overcome adversity. 'Similarly, if SCO countries stand together, we too can surmount countless challenges.' Aman Mambetaliyev, Deputy Director of the Central Communications Service under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, remarked: 'The Red Flag Canal spirit offers inspiration to other countries. Coming from Kazakhstan where water scarcity and global warming challenge us, we might adopt this approach. The Canal demonstrates that shared conviction and purpose can achieve the impossible.' Guests also visited Henan Guangyuan New Material Co., Ltd. in Linzhou. In its electronic fabric workshop, automated production lines drew them to pause and take photos. 'We've read about this in journals, but witnessing cutting-edge materials being made is truly awe-inspiring,' said Nikolay Migunov, Chief Editor of 'Daotong Eastern Literature Press' Company Limited. 'I realize now: the hum of precision machines and the rhythm of assembly lines foster a social bond, igniting collective pride in 'Made in China'.' This journey, bridging history, illuminates the future. Walking through Central China, guests absorbed the splendor of Chinese civilization, heard tales of tenacious endeavor, and perceived the pulse of economic development. Meanwhile, the sincere fellowship of the 'SCO Family' grew ever stronger. Hashtag: #AnyangMunicipalPublicityDepartment The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Time Business News
7 hours ago
- Time Business News
Must-Know Exam Techniques Taught in Secondary Chinese Tuition
Chinese exams can feel like a mountain to climb, especially for secondary school students. With the pressure of doing well and keeping up with schoolwork, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's where secondary Chinese tuition comes in. Whether it's for normal or secondary higher Chinese tuition, many students benefit from the focused help and skills taught in these classes. Today, let's explore the must-know exam techniques that students pick up from such tuition classes in Singapore. Some students spend hours memorising words and writing essays, only to score lower than expected. It's not because they don't try hard enough. The problem often lies in the lack of effective strategies. Learning exam techniques is just as important as knowing the content. In fact, students who master exam strategies usually perform better, even if they are not top in language skills. The first step to scoring well is knowing the structure of the paper. In most Chinese exams, you'll find sections like: Comprehension (理解问答) Composition Writing (作文) Cloze Passage (完形填空) Sentence Construction (造句) In secondary Chinese tuition, tutors break down each part clearly. Students get to know what markers look for, how marks are awarded, and common traps to avoid. With this understanding, they walk into the exam hall with confidence, not fear. Time often runs out before students finish the last question. Tuition teachers train students to pace themselves. One popular method is to break the exam into chunks. For example, spend: 30 minutes on composition 20 minutes on comprehension 10 minutes on cloze passage 10 minutes for checking They also teach students to move on if they're stuck, then come back later. This avoids wasting time on one tough question and losing easy marks elsewhere. Writing a Chinese essay can feel hard if you jump straight into it. In secondary higher Chinese tuition, students learn to plan before writing. The common steps include: Understanding the question Brainstorming ideas Listing points Using linking words and clear structure They also practise using common idioms (成语) and proverbs to make their writing richer. This adds flair to their work and impresses examiners. One powerful skill taught in secondary Chinese tuition is how to spot keywords. For comprehension passages, students are trained to: Highlight key phrases in the question Look for matching words in the passage Avoid copying blindly from the text Answering in your own words is important. Tuition classes give lots of practice so that students don't just rely on luck. Exams don't just test what you know but how well you use it. Many students struggle with a limited word bank. In tuition classes, students: Learn new words through themed topics Practise using them in different sentences Review them regularly with flashcards and quizzes This not only helps in cloze passages but also lifts the overall standard of writing. One of the oldest tricks in the book is also one of the best. Past year papers show students the type of questions they'll face. They also help to: Spot common question types Identify weak areas Build exam stamina In secondary higher Chinese tuition, tutors often mark and give detailed feedback. This helps students improve fast and avoid repeating the same mistakes. Many students forget that oral and listening make up a big part of the grade. Good tuition classes focus on these too. For oral, students practise: Describing pictures Sharing personal views Using good expressions For listening, they do mock tests and learn to pick out key points. These areas are often neglected in school, so tuition helps fill the gap. Chinese grammar can be tricky. Mistakes in word order or wrong measure words can cost marks. In secondary Chinese tuition, teachers go through common grammar rules in simple steps. They focus on: Subject-verb-object order Use of particles like 的, 得, and 地 Correct use of measure words Students also learn sentence patterns they can use in both writing and speaking. This part of the exam requires students to find and correct mistakes. Tuition teachers train students to spot grammar slips, wrong characters, and misused words. With regular drills, students learn to see patterns and fix errors quickly. Perhaps the most important thing students gain from tuition is confidence. With the right techniques, regular practice, and support from tutors, they no longer fear the subject. Confidence leads to better focus and fewer careless mistakes. In Singapore, where competition is high, many parents turn to tuition to give their children an edge. Through exam techniques secondary Chinese tuition Singapore offers, students receive more than just extra lessons. They get: Personalised feedback Targeted strategies Regular revision A boost in confidence Whether it's for basic or secondary higher Chinese tuition, these classes help students unlock their full potential. Chinese may not be the easiest subject, but with the right exam techniques, it becomes manageable. The key is to prepare smart, not just hard. If your child is struggling, consider enrolling them in secondary Chinese tuition. With the help of trained tutors, proven strategies, and a little practice, they can face exams with greater skill and calm. By focusing on key techniques—like planning compositions, managing time, and mastering comprehension—students gain a clear path to better scores. And with the right support, they'll start to enjoy the subject a little more too. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Newsweek
China's Submarine Rescue Ship Detected Sailing Toward Russia
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Chinese naval vessel designed to rescue submarines in distress was spotted last week while transiting waters near Japan—a key ally of the United States in Northeast Asia—and apparently en route to Russia. The presence of the Chinese submarine rescue ship coincided with Russian naval drills that spanned the Northern Hemisphere, including the Pacific Ocean, from July 23-27. Newsweek has contacted both China's defense and foreign ministries for comment via email. Why It Matters Japan forms part of the first island chain—alongside Taiwan and the Philippines—under a U.S. containment strategy aimed at limiting China's military activities across the Western Pacific. Tokyo routinely reports Chinese aircraft and ships operating near its territory. China, which operates the world's largest navy by hull count, with more than 370 ships and submarines, has been expanding its military presence beyond the first island chain and into the second, formed in part by the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. In June, two Chinese aircraft carriers operated simultaneously in the broader Western Pacific in a sign of Beijing's maturing operations in what it calls the "far seas." What To Know The Joint Staff Office of Japan's Defense Ministry said a Chinese navy Dakai-class submarine rescue vessel with the hull number 841 was observed sailing in the East China Sea on July 24, marking the first time the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force had identified the ship. On Friday, the Chinese naval vessel passed through the Tsushima Strait and entered the Sea of Japan—known as the East Sea in the two Koreas—according to the report. The Sea of Japan borders the Korean Peninsula, the Japanese archipelago and Russia's Far East. The vessel, also known as the Type 927 submarine support ship, is one of three ships of its class built by China, according to Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck, who writes about Chinese naval developments for the specialist outlet Naval News. "The Chinese Navy has been significantly expanding their submarine salvage capability with two new designs," Luck told Newsweek, referring to the Dakai and Dafeng ship classes. A Chinese Dakai-class submarine rescue vessel transits the East China Sea on July 24, 2025. A Chinese Dakai-class submarine rescue vessel transits the East China Sea on July 24, 2025. Joint Staff of Japan's Defense Ministry Luck described both classes as large, modern vessels that considerably enhance the "capability and range for Chinese submarine salvage and support operations." Given the significant expansion and ongoing modernization of China's submarine fleet, he said it was "very much plausible" that a submarine was part of the Dakai-class vessel's deployment. In its latest report on China's military development, the Pentagon assessed that the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)—the official name of China's navy—has "highly prioritized" the modernization of its submarine fleet, which is expected to grow from 60 to 80 vessels by 2035. What People Are Saying Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck told Newsweek: "Generally speaking, the Chinese navy would want to ensure their logistics support chain in the context of significantly expanded submarine operations particularly for the nuclear-powered fleet. Therefore this deployment is yet another sign of things to come." The Pentagon said in its 2024 China military power report: "The PLAN operates six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN), six nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSN), and 48 diesel powered/air-independent powered attack submarines (SS). Despite the ongoing retirement of older hulls, the PLAN's submarine force is expected to grow to 65 units by 2025 and 80 units by 2035 due to an expansion of submarine construction capacity." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the Japanese military will detect the Chinese submarine rescue ship on its return journey—or even track a Chinese submarine operating near its territory.
