Friendly Fire on Hill 282
The Korean War has always been thought of as a American War; in fact many counties sent troops to fight in Korea against the communist aggression, including Britain. On 22 September 1950 the 1st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders where tasked to assault and hold Hill 282 . Shortly after taking the hill, the Argylls were attacked by a strong North Korean force. Outnumbered and running sort of ammunition, the Argylls called for American air support. The Argylls were relieved when a group of American ground attack aircraft arrived over Hill 282.
The Jock’s joy soon turned to horror when the American aircraft dropped Napalm not on the enemy but on the Argylls. The lucky ones were the 17 soldiers who died instantly in the attack. But 76 others suffered horrifying burns in the inferno. Their number badly depleted, the Argylls repulsed another attack by the North Koreans during which Major Kenneth Muir was killed and posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest award for bravery. This story has never been told before.
Veterans of the Hill 282 will return to Korea to tell their story. American veterans will also describe what they witnessed and their unending admiration to the Argylls for their bravery and fighting spirit. Former Argyll John Meighan was bayoneted twelve times and was left for dead until a young Australian infantryman found him and carried him down to safety. During the shooting of the programme, John will meet the man who saved him, Chick Charlesworth, for the very first time.
American veterans will also describe what they witnessed on that day  and their unending admiration to the Argylls for their bravery and fighting spirit. Korean veteran Herman Hall of the US 24th Inf. Div. will be interviewed. " That was one of the saddest days of my life and I know every man in my company on that day will never forget."
Richard Peat will tell the sad story of the death of his friend Cpl. Dickie Whittington. This interview will be covered by a very moving picture of the two young men together in Hong Kong before being shipped out to Korea. Davie Simpson will try to explain what it is like to be covered in napalm.  "The next thing I knew was that we were covered in flames. I rolled down the hill so far and then walked. The skin on my arms was hanging in sheets. I must have passed out because the next thing I remember is waking up on a stretcher in an American aid post."