Jutlandia Memorial Event

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Text by Mariano A. Davies

On 25 June 1950, North Korean troops attacked an unprepared South Korea which started the Korean War as we know it. The United Nations appealed for help immediately and Korean sources confirm that the United States Government was the first country to respond to this appeal followed by the Danish Government.

The East Asiatic Company recalled one of its passenger ships “M/S Jutlandia”, which was converted to a hospital ship within 12 weeks at Nakskov Shipyard. It sailed to the war zone from Langelinie on 23 January 1951 under three flags (Dannebrog, the UN flag and the Red Cross flag).

 

Dr. med. Claus Jessen gives the opening address

To commemorate this Danish effort (60 years after Jutlandia left Langelinie), a number of surviving veterans and other dignitaries met at the Jutlandia memorial stone to lay wreaths in honour of those who lost their lives during the Korean War. The wreath-laying was followed by a reception at Asia House.

Jutlandia UN Veterans, including Marie Skjær

Among those attending were Jutlandia veterans Dr. med. Claus Jessen (Chairman of Jutlandia Veteranerne), Svend v. B. Jagd (Vice Chairman) and Marie Skjær (a veteran nurse) and neighbour to BCCD’s President, Mariano A. Davies, who also attended. Other official guests included the Ambassador of South Korea, a number of UN veterans and other military dignitaries including Commander Martin Smith RN from the British Embassy as well as high ranking Navy representatives from South Korea and the United States.

The Key Note speech was given by Henning Kruse Petersen on behalf of the East Asiatic Company.