Korean Rose – Foreword:
I was delighted when I learned that author Harry Blackley (Love & Death in Cyprus), told me that he was planning another novel, this time set in Australia and the Korean War, especially the contribution of the Turkish Brigade in that “forgotten war”.
Like any good storyteller he has blended fiction with some little known facts.
Korean Rose is a great story that I found hard to put down. Call me sentimental but I found the story of Rose McDonald, the Australian nurse, and Kemal Hasol, the Turkish Lieutenant, really moving.
The battle scenes and the conditions endured by medical people are brilliantly portrayed.
I think this novel will make people sit up and realize how the Turks fought so bravely along side the Australia and New Zealand contingent in a war as bloody as any in history.
In recognition of their courage under fire, I was instrumental in the formation of the Victorian Returned Services League Turkish Sub-Branch.
It is with pleasure that I recommend people read Korean Rose. You won’t be disappointed.
Bruce Ruxton AM OBE
President of the Victorian Branch of the RSL 1978-2001
Korean Rose is the fictional historical story of Lieutenant Kemal Hasol and the 1st Turkish Brigade in the Korean War.
It is a love story, a story of the heroism and sacrifice of the Turks in a war as bloody as any in history.
RoseMcDonald, a theatre nurse, joins the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps and volunteers to serve in Korea in October 1950.
At the same time, Lieutenant Kemal Hasol arrives in Korea with the 1st Turkish Brigade to fight under the flag of the United Nations.
Two people from far away countries and vastly different cultures, but there is an immediate attraction.
Their love deepens. Will it survive the separation of war and distance?
A Peace Treaty has never been signed following the armistice in July 1953.
Korean Rose will make you laugh and cry and wonder at man’s inhumanity to man.
The Korean War was a bloody war with over one million South Korean civilians killed. Over two million UN, South Korean and Communist troops were killed, wounded or reported missing.
All wars end. The dead, wounded and mentally scarred are forgotten. The Generals write their memories.
Korean Rose is for those story is never heard.
Book is also available now on Amazon.com and Target.com .
As a special offer, people here in Australia can purchase a signed copy for $20 plus $5.50 postage by sending
a cheque or Post Office Money Order to:
Harry Blackley
2/20 Hewat Dr
Highton VIC 3216
