Derek Kinne
Fusilier Derek Godfrey Kinne GC (born 11 January 1930 in Nottingham, England) was awarded the George Cross for the valour he showed in withstanding torture at the hands of the Chinese Communist forces during the Korean War.[1]
He was serving with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers when he was taken prisoner by the communists on the last day of the Battle of Imjin River on 25 April 1951. He escaped twice, the first time within a day of his capture, and was held in solitary confinement in ever more brutal conditions as a result of his unbreakable defiance. His final period of punishment was for wearing a rosette to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. He was eventually released, in a prisoner exchange, on 10 August 1953.
Notice of his award was published in the London Gazette on 13 April 1954.[2] It ended thus
Fusilier Kinne was during the course of his periods of solitary confinement kept in no less than seven different places of imprisonment, including a security police gaol, under conditions of the most extreme degradation and increasing brutality. Every possible method both physical and mental was employed by his captors to break his spirit, a task which proved utterly beyond their powers. Latterly he must have been fully aware that every time he flaunted his captors and showed openly his detestation of themselves and their methods he was risking his life. He was in fact several times threatened with death or non-repatriation. Nevertheless he was always determined to show that he was prepared neither to be intimidated nor cowed by brutal treatment at die hands of a barbarous enemy. His powers of resistance and his determination to oppose and fight the enemy to the maximum were beyond praise. His example was an inspiration to all ranks who came into contact with him.[3]
He was born on 11 January 1930. His brother, Raymond, was killed in Korea while fighting with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1950, the event which spurred him to take re-join the army to take revenge for his brother[4]
In 2010 Derek Kinne returned to Korea to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War.
His service number was 22105517.
| Ribbon | Description | Notes |
| | George Cross (GC) | 1954 |
| | Korea Medal | |
| | United Nations Korea Medal | |
| | Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal | 1953 |
| | Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal | 1977 |
| | Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal | 2002 |
| | Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal | 2012 |