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Auction: 17002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 342

A rare Korean War casualty's pair awarded to Lance-Corporal W. P. Moore, The Welch Regiment, who was killed in action on 'The Hook' feature on 13 January 1952

Korea 1950-53 (22437598 Pte. W. P. Moore, Welch); U.N. Korea 1950-54, generally very fine (2)

William Patrick Moore was born on 13 June 1933. His father, William Moore, and his mother, Ester Moore (nee Price), lived at 19a Church Street, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan.

Young William was embarked for Korea in the 1st Battalion, The Welch Regiment and arrived at Pusan on 10 November 1951. The Battalion occupied forward positions around 'The Hook' feature, where the policy of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel H. H. Deane, was 'Attack is the best defence'. This meant mounting continual aggressive patrols in the depth of a severe winter to thwart enemy attacks: it was a successful tactic and Deane was awarded the D.S.O. for his inspirational leadership.

On the 10 January 1952, a 'C' Company patrol was ambushed and, in the ensuing firefight, three soldiers, including Private B. C. Chard were killed. On the next day, a patrol led by 2nd Lieutenant S. C. J. Burgess was attacked and he was killed, his body being left on site until it was recovered the following day.

On 13 January, another patrol from 'C' Company clashed with the enemy and Moore, aged 19, was killed. His body was taken to the 8063 MASH where the cause of his death was described as a 'missile penetrating his spinal cord'.

Moore and Chard were buried side-by-side in a 'Canvas Square' in the U.N. Military Cemetery, Pusan, the service being conducted by the Rev. Robert J. Dwyer

Postscript

Moore's uncle - his mother's brother - Fusilier John Anthony Price (3961254) was also killed in action aged 19, whilst serving in the 1st Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. He died in Belgium on 15 May 1940 and was one of five soldiers of his regiment buried in adjacent graves at St. Agatha-Rode churchyard, Leuvin, Vlaams-Brabent, Belgium: they were all killed on the same day and are the only war casualties buried in that civilian cemetery.


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Sold for
£650