Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Rifleman B. Vancliff, Royal Ulster Rifles

Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (22372600 Rfn. B. Vancliff R.U.R.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued, nearly extremely fine (2) £140-£180

Benjamin Vancliff was born in Stepney, London in 1932 and attested for the Royal Ulster Rifles c. September 1950.
The 1st Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles disembarked for service in the Korean War at Pusan in early November 1950 as part of the 29th Independent Infantry Brigade Group.

By mid December 1950 a defensive line was being prepared on the south bank of the River Han on the border with North Korea protecting the approach to Seoul, the capital of South Korea. As the New Year started, the Fiftieth Chinese Communist Army engaged the United Nations troops focusing on 29 Brigade, who were dispersed over a very wide front (12 miles). The Royal Ulster Rifles fighting with 1st Battalion, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers were able to hold their position in their first major action at the Battle of Chaegunghyon and the Communist Army's progress was halted, at least temporarily.

The Battle of the Imjin River began on 22 April 1951 with the Communist goal being the taking of Seoul. By 25 April 1951, the 29th Brigade was ordered to withdraw as the Communist forces were threatening to encircle it. With virtually no cover and seriously outnumbered, the Royal Ulster Rifles came under heavy fire as they withdrew to a blocking position. The Brigade was able to hold its position, despite fierce fighting, and neutralised the effectiveness of the Sixty-fourth Chinese Communist Army. Although the enemy's offensive had come within 5 miles of Seoul, the capital had been saved. At the time, the Times reported the Battle of Imjin River concluding with: ‘The fighting 5th wearing St George and the Dragon and the Irish Giants with the Harp and Crown have histories that they would exchange with no one. As pride, sobered by mourning for fallen observes how well these young men have acquitted themselves in remotest Asia. The parts taken by the regiments may be seen as a whole. The motto of the Royal Ulster Rifles may have the last word Quis Separabit.’