FAMILIES of Redcar and Cleveland residents killed in action during the Korean War are being asked to come forward as part of a British Legion scheme.
The scheme would give relatives of soldiers who fought and died in Korea the chance to apply for the ‘Revisit Korea’ programme, which would see families visit South Korea at the request of the Republic of Korea’s government.
16 veterans are known to have died in the war and the Redcar branch of the Royal British Legion is looking to trace families of those in the borough to notify them of the opportunity.
Alan Maggs, who is organising the campaign for families to come forward in Redcar and Cleveland, said: “I am seeking the families of serviceman killed during the Korean War, on behalf of the Government of South Korea, who will sponsor a family member to fly to Korea. The only cost to them is travel to and from Heathrow Airport.
“The deadline for this year’s trip, which goes in October, is Saturday 30 July but there will be another trip next year.”
To contact Alan, email him on ea.maggs2@gmail.com or give him a call on 01642 299137.
The Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Cllr Barry Hunt, is backing the search for families. He said: “I give my whole-hearted support to this search for families of veterans who sadly died in the Korean War; this is a rare opportunity for people to visit the country their loved ones gave their lives and I would urge families to get in touch with Alan.”
The Revisit Korea programme itself is being organised by the British Korean Veterans Association and more information on the association can be found by emailing revisitkorea@gmail.com or calling Charlotte O’Kane, National Overseas Co-ordinator on 01926 484221.