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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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