Lance Corporal Albert Edward Campbell (known as Edward, or “Teddy”) joined up with the Lancashire Eighth Hussars (Cromwell Tank Division) aged 17; after 18 months’ service, he was posted to Korea.

 

Edward, along with 20 of his comrades, was taken as a prisoner of war on 3 January 1951 by Communist Chinese and North Korean troops after the Battle of Happy Valley. They suffered at the hands of the enemy and contracted Beri Beri; he remained in captivity for two years and seven months. He had moved through five different camps during that time. At one point, 6’ 1” Edward weighed only 7 ½ stones.

 

He returned home to Hazel Road, Longview in September 1953 along with two other local soldiers also held captive. The local press and neighbours greeted him, and he was given gifts including a gentleman’s dressing case; he later received a Civic welcome from the Council.

 

He was awarded the Korea Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Occupation of Japan medal and later the Prisoner of War medal, all on display here.