Father and son retrace military history at 75th anniversary Korean War commemorations

For SQNLDR Carl Smith and his 15- year-old son, Hugo Smith, attending the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War in Seoul in April 2026 was a homecoming across generations.

Carl and Hugo are direct descendants of Korean War veteran Signalman Glen Smith of #1 Commonwealth Division, Signals Regiment, NZ Component. They are also grandson/ great‑grandson of First World War servicemen who fought on the Gallipoli Peninsula, continuing a century‑long legacy of military service.

To stand on the ground where Carl’s father once served, and to share that moment with each other was an honour they will never forget.

Carl and Hugo represented New Zealand as part of the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) Revisit Korea Program. They joined a Commonwealth delegation from Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, which included six veterans aged over 95.

Hugo proudly wore his Takapuna Grammar School (TGS) uniform and 30 Squadron Air Training Corps uniform to several commemorative events and formal dinners. Standing among international dignitaries, veterans, and military leaders, Hugo carried the Smith family’s history, TGS and 30 SQN ATC with eloquent pride.

Hugo’s participation reflects the strong tradition of service within the Devonport and North Shore communities. His role as a youth representative demonstrates how remembrance is carried forward through the willingness of young New Zealanders to learn, listen, and honour those who served before them.

The commemorations attended by Carl and Hugh included:

• Flower tribute to Commonwealth Service Veterans laid at the Korean War Memorial and Halls or Remembrance, Seoul – on 23 Apr 26.
• 75th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Battle of Gapyeong Commemorative Ceremony at Commonwealth War Monument marking the actions of the 27th Commonwealth Brigade at Gapyeoung in Apr 1951 – held on 24 April 2026
• 75th Anniversary of the NZ & AUS Armed Forces essential contribution to the Battle of Gapyeong over the period 22-25 Apr 1951 at NZ and AUS Korean War Monuments positioned deep up the Gapyeong Valley, held 24 Apr 2026
• ANZAC Day Service at the Korean National War Memorial, Seoul – 25 April dawn service
  A visit to the DMZ and Joint Security Area, standing across from North Korean border.

Among the most moving parts of the journey was a moment Carl was hoping to retrace. In 1952, Car’s father Signalman Glen Smith took a photograph of a Bell 47G Sioux helicopter lifting off from Fort George, the headquarters of the 1st Commonwealth Division. That photograph — a simple black‑and‑white snapshot of a helicopter rising above the Korean hills — became a treasured family heirloom.

Decades later, when Carl graduated from his RNZAF Wings Course in 1997, Glen presented that very photo to him as a gift. Carl earned his wings flying the Bell 47G Sioux — the same aircraft type captured in his father’s wartime photo.

And now, 74 years after Glen pressed the shutter, Carl found himself standing on the exact same ground where the photo had been taken.

“Full circle after 74 years. Here I am standing in the location where my father took that photo in 1952. He gave it to me when I graduated my Wings Course — and I was flying the very same helicopter type. To be here again, this time with my son, was incredibly special,” he said.

Photo of Bell 47G Sioux Helicopter taking off from Fort George airstrip, HQs for 1st Commonwealth Division (near Imjin River, Korea), taken by Glen Smith on his Polaroid camera.

Carl and Hugo retrace where the photo was taken

Hugo and Carl have expressed their deepest appreciation to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the people of the Republic of Korea for their extraordinary generosity, hospitality, and unwavering respect for Commonwealth veterans. The care shown to those who served — and to their descendants — is a powerful reminder that the sacrifices made 75 years ago helped lay the foundations of Korea’s remarkable success story. They ensure the legacy of veterans, including New Zealand’s veterans, continues to be cherished with dignity and gratitude.