Corporal Ronald Kenneth Cashman MM, Royal Australian Infantry Corps, interviewed by Bill Bunbury in 1998 on his service during the Korean War, 1951-1953.

Recorded by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Radio National 'Hindsight' for the program 'Korea, 1950-1953, The Forgotten War'.

Reasons for enlisting to go to Korea; knowledge of Korea and the political situation before going; went when 18; battle school in Japan “toughening up course”; Operation Commando; Kowang-San (Hill 355); Maryang San (Hill 317); change from mobile to static war; opinion of “the enemy”; account of a truce for both sides to collect wounded , however a French Canadian unit attacked the unarmed Chinese stretcher bearers; good relationship with New Zealanders; Indian Field ambulance were marvellous; got on well with all other Commonwealth Units; boredom between patrols; living with artillery bombardment; ill-equipped for 1951 winter; food; staple diet was Second World War US combat rations; stalemate; end of war; uncertainty about what to do after war; Korean civilians; South Korean troops attached to unit(Korean Army Training Commonwealth [KATCOM]); promoted to Platoon Commander due to casualties in higher ranks; command passed to another officer after six weeks as several troops had gone AWOL; called for one volunteer to go home for paratrooper training and Cashman was selected and sent home; reaction of public to Korean War; believes the campaign was worthwhile; overall view of Australia’s role in Korea; volunteer force; why Korea is “The Forgotten War”.