Korean War Legacy Project

Harry McNeilly

Bio

Harry McNeilly served as a motor transportation specialist in the British Army during the Korean War, training with the Green Howards, an infantry regiment, at Richmond Barracks. He left for Korea in early 1952, where his role allowed him to connect civilians back home to those serving on the frontlines. Through his work escorting correspondents to the frontlines, he helped bridge that gap. In 1999, he had the opportunity to return to Korea, allowing him to witness firsthand the country he had helped defend during the war.

Video Clips

Becoming a War-Time Father

Harry McNeilly recalls his brief time in Seoul during the war, where he formed a unique bond with a young, dutiful Korean orphan. The boy, "smart as a button," had lost his family during the conflict and latched onto him, who made an effort to look after him. Their relationship became a memorable part of his time in Seoul.

Tags: Seoul,Impressions of Korea,Orphanage,Physical destruction

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4oknaEAvcg&start=968&end=1098

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/harry-mcneilly#clip-1

Embed:

Korea Then and Now

Harry McNeilly recalls the Korea he saw during the war to the Korea he saw revisiting over forty years later. During the war he remembers a Korea had been made barren by being stripped of all its trees. Upon revisiting he was astounded by the development Korea had achieved in such a short time. Even more astounding was the respectful reception he received as a Korean War veteran.

Tags: Seoul,Impressions of Korea,Physical destruction,Pride

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4oknaEAvcg&start=451&end=709

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/harry-mcneilly#clip-2

Embed:

Navigating the Front Lines and Escorting Correspondents

Harry McNeilly specialized in Motor Transport during the war. For most of his service, his role involved escorting correspondents from various countries to the front lines. He jokes about how he managed to get people where they needed to go without ever studying Korean geography.

Tags: Busan,Front lines,Pride,Prior knowledge of Korea

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4oknaEAvcg&start=316&end=450

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/harry-mcneilly#clip-3

Embed:

Transporting Supplies

Harry McNeilly recalls transitioning from escorting correspondents to joining the 57th Transportation Company. This unit's primary responsibility was transporting fuel, ammunition, supplies, food, and clothing to the units stationed on the front lines.

Tags: Food,Front lines,Living conditions,Weapons

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4oknaEAvcg&start=1170&end=1280

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/harry-mcneilly#clip-4

Embed: