The Marines in Korea

The Royal marines began their work in Korea, when, at the Request of the UN Naval Force Command, the Admiralty had called for volunteers, and Lt E.G.D. Pounds flew out from the UK to take command of 10 volunteers from the British Far East Fleet, who were with the US Marine Corps for 3 weeks training in Japan. On 8th September they were joined by Three Marines from No.41 (Independent) Commando and attached to the American Army's Raider Company. This company embarked on H.M.S. Whitesands Bay before sailing for their first operation, intended as a rehearsal raid on the north-west coast of South Korea.

Pounds' force landed, with American weapons, on Robb Island and Kongsoon beaches, having had difficulty getting past the rock reefs, which had holed their inflatable rubber boat. They withdrew without casualties, after making a reconnaissance, and leaving evidence, as decoys for the UN Force's invasion, which was to be further north. On Robb Island however, the Americans came under accurate fire and two were killed. At this time, the whole of South Korea, apart from the Pusan enclave had been overrun.

After the Inchon landings, and the securing of Kimpo airfield, Pounds' force was airlifted in and moved to defence positions, with its parent Raiding company, when North Koreans infiltrated across the Han river. For the next ten days, this small force took part in patrols and skirmishes through the hills. They later joined No.41 Commando.