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Chinese Hordes and Human Waves: A Personal Perspective of the Korean War, 1950–1953 Kindle Edition

by Brian Parritt (Author), Mike Swindells (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 292 ratings
The North Koreans attack on their Southern neighbors shocked and surprised the World. The conflict rapidly escalated with China soon heavily involved on one side and the United States and United Nations on the other.The author, then a young Gunner officer, found himself in the midst of this very nasty war. He describes first hand what it was like to be at the infamous Battle of the Hook, where UN troops held off massed attacks by the Communists. Few outside the war zone realized just how horrific conditions were.As a qualified Chinese interpreter and, later, a senior military intelligence officer, Parritt is well placed to analyze why the Commonwealth got involved, the mistakes and successes and the extreme risk that the war represented.This is not only a fine memoir but a unique insight into a forgotten War.
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  1. Print length
    271 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Pen & Sword Military
  4. Publication date
    December 13, 2011
  5. File size
    3.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“…gives a vivid description through a subaltern`s eyes of life on the front line in the National Service army of the 1950s. Much of his account will resonate with those in today`s army: the long periods of inactivity interspersed with moments of adrenaline rush; the harsh climate and tough living conditions; the ubiquitous days-to-do `chuff charts`; the effect on morale of close friends killed; the lack of visceral hatred for the enemy… fascinating on a number of levels…. provides valuable insights into the War, and into warfare in general. It is highly readable, and written with great modesty.
The British Army Review

"This is an important book that can be appreciated by readers across all levels of understanding of political and military strategy, and may be used as a primer for many Americans whose exposure to what is often referred to as “America’s forgotten war” is limited to the television program M.A.S.H. It offers an engaging first-person account of the author’s entry into the military brotherhood, and his character-forming experiences in balancing the concepts of duty and honor against the realities of life and death during the bloody and confusing conflict in Korea. In addition, the author draws upon his expertise and experience as an intelligence professional to provide an insightful assessment of the key personalities, and their flawed political and military decisions, that led to and sustained this bloody conflict…should be required reading for all American political and military leaders. This is especially true for those who may ultimately be responsible for crafting policies and programs to successfully engage the leadership of both Koreas regarding the future of their respective countries, and to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past”"
Ronald J. Thomason, Vice President - Strategic Programs, Maritime Security Council

“… excellent and useful short work about the Korean War, a very unpleasant and brutal conflict, now almost forgotten… well written, carries the reader along, and much wisdom is presented with a light touch. It also includes a fine selection of photographs and a useful bibliography.”
Dr Anthony Clayton

"This is an important book, one that sheds further light on a war that is nowhere near as well known as it should be."
Destructive Music

About the Author

Brigadier Brian Parritt served as a Gunner Officer in Korea 1952-53. He took part in the Third Battle of The Hook and as the Forward Observation Officer in a company level night attack by the 1st King's Regiment where he was wounded. He then transferred to the Intelligence Corps and held senior intelligence appointments in Libya, Cyprus, the Far East and Northern Ireland. His final post was for five years as Director of the Intelligence Corps.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00AE7DE9S
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pen & Sword Military; Reprint edition (December 13, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 13, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.7 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 271 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 292 ratings

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
292 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • captalexander
    5.0 out of 5 stars Chinese Hordes, etc
    Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    As a retired U.S. Naval officer and son of a WW II/Korea veteran I found this book hard to put down. Reviewing from the perspective of a non American participant provided valuable insights that should serve as lessons to future generations of warriors and diplomats. References to historical actions other than Korea creates an appetite and guide for further reading.
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  • Placeholder
    4.0 out of 5 stars Informative and interesting
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The book gave a bit more insight into the Korean war. New information that I had never thought about before
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  • leonard B. hagen
    3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    OK read, just didn't"t hold my attention.
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  • Mr. Einstein
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worth Reading
    Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2016
    A very different kind of book concerning the Korean war. I've read a dozen books on the subject and found this book uniquely enlightening, mainly because it's told as a "overall" memoir/impression and from a very definite British point of view. If you've read a lot of Korean War books like I have, I think you'll find this one notable, especially his perspective of General MacArthur.
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  • John
    2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    A little too dry for me.
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  • F.D.W.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Chinese Hordes and Human Waves
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2012
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

    It looks at this war firstly from the perspective of a young gunnery officer and continues with the explanations, hindsight and analysis of one who became Brigadier Parrett, Director of the Intelligence Corps.

    I knew little about the war in Korea and this book was absolutely fascinating on several levels. The first hand experiences of the young Brian Parrett combined with the excellent descriptions of conditions in the field brought it alive for me. I learnt a lot from and analysis of the mistakes made by both sides and the ultimate futility of the conflict.

    I would strongly recommend this book to anyone wishing to learn more about war at several levels and the Korean war in particular.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    1.0 out of 5 stars Don't bother
    Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Practically unreadable. About as boring and dry as you can get, but British authors tend to be that way
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars No problems
    Reviewed in Germany on February 9, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A very well written and interesting book.
    Report
  • pcologist
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a very good read its an "As was and why it was" ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very good read its an "As was and why it was" book very well put together and a good read as well as a reference to a terrible and a very forgotten war. It is also extremely good value for money.[ not like some Kindle books written of the Korean conflict that are pitched at ridiculously high prices for the same informative information my advice is beware of these ] This book is an enjoyable informative read and is well written.
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  • BP
    4.0 out of 5 stars Reminders
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Clear, concise and reminders of how politicians can create wars too easily. Relatively few people make decisions for millions. Then tend of kthousands suffer and die.
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  • Bees and bike man
    3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting perspective from an artillery officer
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 17, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book is worth a read but even though the author saw action and tragically lost some comrades he did arrive in Korea in the latter part of the conflict.
    It does give a detailed and interesting insight how a battery of artillery is or was ? Deployed.
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  • Gerry
    5.0 out of 5 stars Chinese Hordes and Human Waves: A Personal Perspective of the Korean War 1950-1953
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Bought this for my Dad as he was there a knew the man who wrote the book
    Not saying it’s not true but dad was there too and things differ right ?
    Anyway Good book
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