A New Battlefield : The Royal Ulster Rifles in Korea 1950-51 Hardback

A New Battlefield follows the Royal Ulster Rifles as it prepares for the first major conflict fought by Britain since the defeat of the Japanese in 1945. During the summer of 1950 the Battalion was stationed at Sobraon Barracks in Colchester and was in the process of being issued with desert kit for a tour of duty at Khartoum in the Sudan; its numbers were just under four hundred men.

For service in Korea these numbers had to be drastically increased and drafts of volunteers and reservists were brought in from various sources. Consequently this 'Irish' Battalion contained men from the Lancastrian Brigade, Welsh Brigade, Mercian Brigade, the Light Infantry and other Battalions of the Irish Brigade.

Despite their varied backgrounds all ranks soon coalesced into a professional unit that took the campaign in its stride. From winter temperatures that dropped well below 40 degrees to a summer heat that rose to 105 degrees with a humidity to match, these men survived all and dealt with a brave and tenacious enemy.

The Battalion sailed for Korea in October 1950 and fought its first major action in January 1951 at Chaegunghyon, or as it was known to the Rifles, 'Happy Valley'. During the fighting, the Battalion lost 157 men in one twenty-four hour period. Besides numerous photographs there are also appendices including Honours and Awards, Operation 'Spitfire', an Order of Battle for 29 Brigade, and a Nominal Roll, which includes casualties.

A New Battlefield will be produced in a strictly limited hardback printing of 500 numbered copies, each copy signed by both authors.