The Royal Engineers in Korea

The Photographic Memoir of Frank Merritt

Matt Merritt

• Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
• Year: 2024
• ISBN:
  9781399044738
• Topic: Geschichte
• Subtopic: Militärische Biographien

Although never formally diagnosed, Frank Merritt was on the autistic spectrum. He was also dyslexic and it was rare for him to write anything down. When he was called up for National Service in the 1950s, during the Korean War, he could have deferred, as he was a farmer's son and farming a reserved occupation. Feeling it was his duty to serve, he joined the Royal Engineers. When Frank arrived on the frontline in Korea to join 55 Independent Field Squadron, 28th Field Engineer Regiment, they didn't know what to do with him. Frank was unconventional and rebellious, and upon discovery of his keen interest in photography he was appointed the unit's photographer. Frank took it upon himself to explore Korea, believing in the 'join the army and see the world' motto. He'd frequently wander off alone with his Leotax camera, in an active war zone, oblivious to the danger. The Koreans he encountered were often surprised to see a UN soldier strolling through their villages and farms unarmed and taking photos. Frank went into places that were off limits due to enemy activity, taking candid photographs of ordinary Koreans going about their daily lives despite the war.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Book Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 From England to Japan
• Chapter 2 Capchong and Kamak-san
• Chapter 3 The Korean People
• Chapter 4 The River
• Chapter 5 Korean Service Corps
• Chapter 6 ‘Scheme 1’
• Chapter 7 ‘Scheme 2’
• Chapter 8 ‘Scheme 3’
• Chapter 9 Stalemate
• Chapter 10 Tockchong
• Chapter 11 Seoul
• Chapter 12 Tokyo
• Chapter 13 Winter
• Chapter 14 The Road
• Chapter 15 The Castle Inn
• Chapter 16 Homeward Bound
• Acknowledgements
• Bibliography and Sources
• Back cover