At 93-years-old, Benalla’s Kevin Harper is a well-known face around the Rose City.

While life is calm and relaxed today, more than seven decades ago, he was one of many Australian soldiers sent to fight in the Korean War.

The horrors of which, few could imagine.

On Wednesday, June 25, he was joined by friends and family at his Benalla home to mark the 75th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in that conflict.

His daughter Lynne Putt said that unfortunately he was unable to travel to the service held in Canberra.

“My older brother and sister, they went up to the memorial in Canberra,” she said.

“There was a bus for the veterans to go on, but Dad being nearly 94, it was a bit too much for him.

“So my sister-in-law and my nephew, his wife and little baby and my husband and daughter, we went around to Dad’s, and we had a bit of takeaway dinner with him.

“We had a cake and then Dad talked for a bit about the war.

“My nephew asked him if he used to smoke back then. He said before the war he smoked a little bit.

“When he got to Korea, he was a chain-smoker.”

Lynne said Kevin was involved in digging the trenches and bunkers.

“He always talks about how cold it was,” she said.

“He said it was absolutely freezing, and he still hates the cold weather now.”

After speaking about the war, the family sat down to watch the service in Canberra honouring those who fought in Korea, which was broadcast on the ABC.

“Seeing all that old footage, and all the veterans, brings memories back for him,” Lynne said.

Lynne said Kevin was proud of his service to Australia and still got involved on Anzac Day.

“He’s in the march every year, and will be at the service the RSL is planning to mark the anniversary of the Korean War, which will be on July 27 at the cenotaph,” Lynne said.

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Wednesday, 31st December 2025

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