MELJ0211 Accession Number: MELJ0211

Description

The blue and white flag of the United Nations (UN), which is flown by the anti-communist forces in Korea has brought old enemies together as comrades-in-arms, breeding friendships where before there was national antipathy, dating back sometimes for generations. Italians work side by side with Ethiopians, and Americans, Canadians and Britons who fought fascism in Italy now work in friendship with Italians. But perhaps the most monumental comradeship to develop is between the Turks and the Australians and New Zealanders whose fathers fought on Gallipoli. The Turkish Brigade in Korea is part of the 25th American Infantry Division. Like the Anzac units it was one of the first to take up the UN cause, and during the war against the communists it built up a record of toughness and gallantry that proved 'Johnny Turk' of today to be as formidable a fighter as those who fought the Anzacs at Gallipoli. In spite of language difficulties, the Turks and Aussies and Kiwis formed a close friendship right from the outset of the war in Korea. They visited each others' messes and canteens, they swapped badges and scarves, and on Anzac Day, Turks attended the parades, and joined in the traditional celebrations afterwards. A particular friendship sprang up between the Commander of the Turkish Regiment, Colonel (Col) Kemal Madanoolu, and Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) S H Buckler, Commander of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR). When Col Madanoolu was posted home recently, he invited Lt Col Buckler to a farewell party at the Turkish Brigade. Col Madanoolu used a tape recorder to record the proceedings and presented the tape to Lt Col Buckler. In the picture, Lt Col Buckler and his Turkish friend are listening to the tape. Lt Col is from Melbourne, Vic. (Original British Commonwealth Forces Korea (BCFK) Public Relations caption).