Branch member Desmond (Des) Burge has recently been honoured by the Republic of Korea with the presentation of a medal and a proclamation as an “AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE.”

The citation reads:

It is a great honour and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the service you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy.

We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us re-establish our Free Nation.

In grateful recognition of your dedicated contributions, it is our privilege to proclaim you an “AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE” with every good wish of the people of the Republic of Korea. Let each of us reaffirm our mutual respect and friendship so that they may endure for generations to come.

Minister
Patriots and Veterans Affairs
Republic of Korea

Chairman
Korean Veterans Association
Republic of Korea

Unable to visit Korea, Des was presented with his medal at the final meeting of the now-disbanded Korean Veterans Association in December 2013 by the Chairman of the West Yorkshire and Halifax Branch KVA.

PO/CK(S) DESMOND BURGE

Before his service in the Royal Navy, Des was a farm worker, which precluded him from serving, as this was a “Labour-controlled” occupation. He therefore decided to work down the pit for two years, which would release him from this obligation (we were obviously more in need of food than coal!).

Signing on for the Royal Navy in 1949 as a cook, he served on the carrier HMS Warrior before joining the destroyer HMS Cockade on the Far East Station on 5 October 1950.

HMS Cockade being re-fuelled at sea.

Des Burge on HMS Cockade - 1952

Prior to departure, Des was part of the rigging team at The Royal Tournament at Earls Court in 1950 (fourth from the right with rigging stick).

The Korean War was in full swing—the first operation sanctioned by the recently formed United Nations. Des saw action during this campaign, with HMS Cockade being involved in shore bombardment and carrier chasing (part of the protection screen around carriers).

These were 28-day operations, with a return for a few days to Sasebo or Kure in Japan.

Des is seen holding the mixing bowl steady as the Captain of HMS Illustrious stirs the Christmas pudding mix. This would serve up to 1,800 personnel.

After his time in Korea, Des joined the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, which was based at HMS Drake in Devonport. Desmond left the Royal Navy as a Petty Officer in 1956.

For the technically minded, HMS Cockade was a “C” class destroyer:

13 January 2015

Desmond Burge passed away on the 21st January 2024.