A Thornbury veteran who served in the Korean War has been celebrated on the 70th anniversary of a famous battle.

The Battle of the Imjin River took place from April 22-25, 1951. It was during this conflict that the Gloucestershire Regiment earned their honorific The Glorious Gloucesters for their brave stand whilst vastly outnumbered by Chinese forces.

Colonel (Retired) Harold Griffiths, 93, is the only member of the Thornbury branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) to have served in the Korean War.

After studying medicine at university Harold was then liable for National Service and was posted to the 11th Field Transfusion Team in the Commonwealth General Hospital in Kure, Japan, supporting the last big action in the sector - the Battle of the Hook involving the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, the Black Watch and the Royal Fusiliers.

He also served at a casualty collecting post near the Imjin River.

After his time in the army Harold continued his surgical training, eventually working as an orthopaedic consultant at Southmead and Frenchay hospitals.

On completion of National Service, Harold served in the Territorial Army until 1995, and at the end of his military career he was honoured with a CBE (military) by the Queen.

Harold has five children, 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was the Thornbury RBL's first president and is now one of its most senior members.

As a member of Thornbury RBL he feels it is important to consider both the physical and mental welfare of HM Forces and veterans.

John Black, branch community support for Thornbury RBL said: "Thornbury & District Royal British Legion is very proud and honoured to count Harold as one of its members, someone who has had such a distinguished military and medical career.

"Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be serving or a veteran of the Armed Forces. In fact anyone who shares our aims and values can join the RBL and will be very welcome.

"Our branch normally meets on the last Sunday of the month in the Black Horse on Gillingstool at 12 noon.

"Of course, this isn’t currently an option due to Covid restrictions. However, we look forward to resuming these meetings as soon as we can, and anybody who would like to join the branch will be very welcome."