Korean War veteran Colonel Francis Scott returns to Hill 317 for the first time since the war | Adelaide Now
Korean War veteran Colonel Francis Scott returns to Hill 317 for the first time since the war
Political Editor Tory Shepherd, The AdvertiserOctober 16, 2016 7:00pm
GLENSIDE veteran Colonel Francis (Peter) Scott, 87, hopes to stand in South Korea, and peer through the border to Hill 317 — where he won a striking victory, and lost comrades.
The fight for Hill 317 — also known as the Battle of Maryang San, or Operation Commando — was described by official Korean War historian Robert O’Neill as “one of the most impressive victories achieved by any Australian battalion”.
This week veterans of that 1951 battle including Colonel Scott DSO (Ret’d) will return for the first time to relive history and visit Australian graves.
Colonel Scott was there with 3RAR (3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment).
The Australians joined British troops to take the strategically important hill, driving out the Communist Chinese forces.
“We’d suffered 20 killed and 100 wounded. We were bombarded; all sorts of artillery and mortars. We suffered a lot of casualties that day,” the decorated veteran told The Advertiser.
Weeks later, it was recaptured.
Colonel Francis (Peter) Scott, (Ret’d) served in the Korean War and will return there for the first time since the war to visit the spot where he took part in the Battle of Maryang San. Pic: Tricia Watkinson
Colonel Scott in Korea in 1952.Colonel Scott said he had waited 65 years to get back to Korea.
“I’ve been reluctant to put my name forward before; but now I’m 87 I thought it might be my last opportunity to go,” he said.
“I have two of my Royal Military College (Duntroon) classmates that were killed when I was there and I’m hoping to go and pay my respects to them.
“And I’m hoping to see 317; it’s in either enemy territory or No Man’s Land and I believe we can see that from the South Korean side.”
Seven other veterans from around Australia will join him, along with Veterans’ Affairs Minister Dan Tehan and Opposition defence personnel spokeswoman Gai Brodtman, for commemoration services.
“This will be an important mission for Australia and our Korean War veterans because it will mark the final Government mission to Korea of a veterans’ group,” Mr Tehan said.
“For some of the veterans representing Australia this will be the first time they have returned to Korea since the end of the war and it will be a great privilege to share that journey with them.”
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Peter Oct 17, 2016
He was also our CO in Vietnam in 1971
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Neil Oct 17, 2016
Yet again Australia seems to forget it's Heros , these men fought for and on behalf of our country and should have the honour and respect of all Australians . Lest We Forget !!!
