Korean War Legacy Project

Nick Ross

Bio

Nick Ross served in both World War II and the Korean War. During World War II, he saw action in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and Holland. After the North Koreans invaded the South, he quickly enlisted again to serve his country. In Korea, he engaged in the Battle of Chail-li and the Chorwan Valley. Besides his two years in Korea, he spent a year in Japan as an instructional staff member at Nippon Berra Training Base, Hura-Mura Battle School, and Kure. After his service, Ross returned to Canada and began a career as a police officer with the Niagara Falls Regional Police. Additionally, he held roles in professional policing organizations and contributed actively to his community.

Video Clips

The Impact of War on the Civilians

Nick Ross recalls enjoying his time serving his country in Korea. He vividly remembers almost being killed and buried alive, as well as climbing mountains nearly every day. Haunting him still are the memories of innocent civilians being shot, alongside visions of animals killed and crops destroyed.

Tags: Chinese,Civilians,Communists,Food,Living conditions,Physical destruction,Poverty,South Koreans,Women

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Remembrances of the Battle Field

Nick Ross describes leading Canadian troops in their first coastal battle. He recalls that many British troops in the area were completely wiped out, and the survivors were left hungry. During skirmishes in the Chorwan Valley, he found himself cut off from his platoon and under fire from snipers. The senseless killing of South Korean farmers and their families, along with the destruction of their crops and property, still disturbs him today.

Tags: Chinese,Civilians,Cold winters,Fear,Food,Front lines,Living conditions,Monsoon,North Koreans,Physical destruction,Poverty,South Koreans,Women

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Heavy Losses at Chail-li

Nick Ross recalls artillery and mortar fire raining down on his unit during the Battle of Chail-li, describing it as awful—like a day in hell. Despite fighting hard to put these events out of his mind, he still ponders the cruelty of the Chinese and North Koreans, noting that those killed were just boys.

Tags: Chinese,Civilians,Fear,Front lines,Personal Loss,Physical destruction,Poverty,South Koreans,Women

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Service in Japan

Nick Ross shares his experience as a member of the instructional staff at Nippon Berra Training Base, Hura-Mura, and Kure. Tasked with preparing soldiers for the physical demands of war and teaching them the necessary tactics for fighting in Korea, he took his responsibilities seriously. While in Japan, he delved into Japan's history in Korea before the Korean War, and the knowledge he gained continues to sadden him.

Tags: Civilians,Fear,Poverty,South Koreans

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