Rodney Stevens
A Woodford Island war veteran is searching for any other Korean War veterans living in the Clarence Valley so they can get together and celebrate this year’s 70th anniversary of the armistice, signed by US President Dwight Eisenhower signalling the end of the conflict, over a drink.
John Fitzpatrick, aged 92, was a seaman in the Navy and was a handler on a four-inch gun, who loaded the ammunition on the river-class Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Condamine.
Mr Fitzpatrick said Nyal “Snow” McClymont was in the Royal Australian Regiment 3rd Battalion, one of Australia’s main land forces who were part of the British Commonwealth Infantry Brigade in the war.
He said both he and “Snow” had discussed trying to locate any other local Korean War veterans and believe there may be more living in the Clarence Valley.
“There were quite a few Korean War veterans in the Valley and over the years it has come down to only two of us, Nyal “Snow” McClymont from Grafton and I live on Woodford Island,” he said.
“He was in the Army, and I was in the Navy, and we’ve heard though the grapevine lately that there’s another Korean War veteran in the Valley.
“We are trying to get in touch with him because this year on the 27th of July was the 70th anniversary of the ceasefire in Korea.”
Mr Fitzpatrick said he and “Snow” McClymont would love to meet any other Korean War veterans to reminisce on their experiences.
“We’d just like to get together to have a drink for Christmas and celebrate the 70th year of the Korean War ending,” he said.
Any Korean War veterans who would like to connect with Nyal “Snow” McClymont and John Fitzpatrick can call him on 6647 6711.