The service and sacrifice of United Nations forces during the Korean War were honoured in London last month.

Deputy Commander United Nations Command (UNC) Lieutenant General Scott Winter and United Kingdom Chief of Joint Operations Air Marshal Paul Marshall laid wreaths during a commemorative service held at the Korean War Memorial.

UNC representatives from the United States, United Kingdom and Australia gathered at the memorial in Victoria Embankment Gardens to reflect on the sacrifice of those who served following the outbreak of war on the Korean Peninsula in 1950.

Of the more than 17,000 Australians who served during the Korean War as part of the multinational force, 340 died and more than 1216 were wounded.

Lieutenant General Winter reflected on the legacy of those who served and the enduring relevance of the mission they helped establish.

'Your sacrifice was not in vain, and it will never be forgotten by the Korean people, nor those who continue to serve within the United Nations Command today.'

“To our veterans and their families, your sacrifice has built a thriving democracy and economy for the Republic of Korea, all rebuilt from the ashes of conflict,” he said. 

“Your sacrifice was not in vain, and it will never be forgotten by the Korean people, nor those who continue to serve within the United Nations Command today.”

Established in 1950 following the UN’s recognition of North Korea’s aggression against South Korea, the UNC coordinated the contribution of 22 nations during the Korean War. Today, 18 member states continue to support the command's mission.

“While the strategic environment has evolved considerably since the Armistice was signed in 1953, UNC's purpose remains unchanged,” Lieutenant General Winter said.

“Through multinational cooperation, military readiness and enforcement of the armistice agreement, the command helps deter aggression, investigate violations, and maintains the conditions for peace on the Korean Peninsula.”