This story about the end of the Korean War is taken from the diary of a man who was there.

The last armistice involving Australian troops was on the 11th November 1918 and in that case the enemy was defeated, retreating and surrendering.

This war was different. Troops representing countries covering half the world's population had been fighting for three years for purely political reasons.

Apart from the Korean people, no one really cared about Korea.

Some of the Australian troops may not have been as well trained as their British counterparts, but often their skills and tenacity made up for it.

Entry from 24 July 1953

"It appears that the enemy intended to occupy Hill III indefinitely. After the initial assault, the Chinese had moved onto III, porters carrying grenades, 9mm ammunition and food in position. The MMG Section counted over 1000 handstick grenades, considerable amounts of bulk 2mm ammunition and rice carried in small sacks.

"It is thought approximately one company of Chinese attacked the section position. Only 30 of which were left first by first light and who were gradually mopped up by 1430 hours on 25 July.

"The suddenness of the attack strongly suggests that the enemy company involved may have been lying up near the toe of Betty Grable or in the 5-6 foot high rushes in the paddy fields near this feature. The trench system on Betty Grable would give the enemy access to those concealed locations.

"Enemy shelling on Hill III during the previous 48 hours had destroyed most of the trench lines west of Hill III.

"Prior to and during this attack the enemy heavily shelled and motared the road to rear of Hill III in an effort to disorganise re-enforcement's and transport.

"The enemy used satchel charges against the bunkers and other defence works."

Casualties: US Marines approx 2 killed and 10 wounded. Australians 3 wounded-one remained on duty.

"Just after eating some breakfast, we were told of a general parade of all soldiers of D company (which was occupying the left flank of the Hook including the tunnel).

"To our ultimate surprise we were instructed by the CSM to leave our weapons guarded near the Company's Command Post - 100 odd soldiers wearing their bullet proof jackets and British helmets being addressed by the CSM explaining the terms of the truce and the ultimate details of the cease fire.

"Nobody jumped for joy or showed any great sign of satisfaction. It was not a surprise.

"The armistice has been negotiated for months. We were told at 10pm that very night the truce would start.

"That day passed slowly. No one wanted to be the last casualty of the war. We visited each other bunker to bunker talking about the truce."

Diary entry 28 July 1953

"Kevin and I arrived at our O.P about 4am. We could hear some music coming from the Chinese trenches. From that, we could assume that we may have a friendly reception if we went visiting our old enemies.

"Like a rabbit out of a hole a Chinese appeared from an opening in the ground. We were about 4 feet away from a smiling enemy. He wore glasses and a green cap.

"To our complete amazement he said in perfect English:

"Good morning gentlemen, did you have breakfast yet?"

We were stunned and mumbled, "Not yet". "Well, if you don't mind gentlemen, can you please come back a little time later, whilst I have my breakfast?"

"I moved a few yards and met 3 Chinese soldiers. I extended my hand in their direction with the intention of shaking their hands. They looked at me curiously at first, not knowing what to do.

"When I grabbed one of the guys' hands and shook it, they got the message.

"They insisted in pumping my hand continuously. I offered my new mates one of my cigarettes.

"They all accepted but each one opened a brand new pack and offered me one. I found out later they had been issued with a new pack to demonstrate they were in need of nothing.

"A number of Chinese soldiers had increased and many Australians had joined in. We saw little groups exchanging souvenirs, some showing photographs of their wives or girlfriends. It was a beautiful sunny day and one had the impression of being at a country fair. The Chinese had planted flags everywhere and their music added to the atmosphere. This vision of peace was marred by the sight and smell of rotten Chinese bodies lying all over the place. I talked to one soldier who actually stood on top of a decayed body without noticing."

Diary entry 28 July 1953

"The Second Battalion took a train to Pusan in March 1954 to embark on the "New Australia" for our journey home.

"Before sailing away the whole battalion marched to the United Nations Cemetery where all the Australian dead are buried side by side with the dead from all other nations, except the American dead who were returned to the United States.

"Once on board we were informed that Customs Inspectors were to come on board and search our bags and if we did carry all illegal souvenirs such as grenades, revolvers and other weapons we would pass our holidays behind bars. I threw my carbine overboard.

"We landed in Brisbane on Easter Saturday and the Battalion marched with its band through Queens Street which was fairly deserted due to the long weekend.

"We were carried by bus to the Enoggera Camp for pay and leave passes. We had been away 13 months and the war was already forgotten.

It has been the forgotten war ever since."