27TH BRITISH COMMONWEALTH BRIGADE IN KOREA
1950-1951
The Fire Brigade
When North Korea mounted its audacious surprise invasion of South Korea in June 1950, the world was stunned. Within 3 days, the Soviet backed North Koreans had captured the South Korean capital of Seoul and threatened to soon take over the entire country.
27th British Commonwealth Brigade In Korea
1950-1951
The Fire Brigade
Highlights
- First history of 27 British Commonwealth Brigade in Korea to look at all participants – British, Australian, New Zealand, Indian and Canadian – as an integrated whole
- Detailed description of ‘friendly fire’ incident on Hill 282 and award of VC to Major Kenny Muir
- Sums up the effect of the war on the Brigade, the Commonwealth, the men and South Korea
- Explores makeup of each contingent and how they were brought together to form the ‘Commonwealth’ Brigade
- Describes in detail the pivotal battle at Kapyong between Commonwealth and Chinese forces
David Allison is a military historian, lawyer and former soldier. Born in Perth, Australia, David has degrees in Chinese studies and Law and has practiced as a lawyer in Australia, China and Hong Kong for more than 20 years. He has also served as an officer in the Australian Army (Reserve).
David is an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society whose primary research interest is the military history of Commonwealth forces in Asia from the Second World War to the present.
The Works of David Allison
Fight Your Way Out
In March 1944, Japan launched its audacious overland invasion of India from Burma. Taken by surprise, the British rear areas lay exposed and undefended except for the previously untested 50 Indian Parachute Brigade training in the jungle around Manipur.
After a series of brutal encounter battles, the Paratroopers consolidated on the isolated Naga village of Sangshak high in the Manipur hills. Holding out against an aggressive and determined enemy, the Brigade fought off wave after wave of attacks in bloody hand-to hand fighting. With shortages of ammunition and supplies and casualties mounting, the defenders held on for a critical week before fighting their way out through the mountainous terrain, back to British lines.
Fight Your Way Out describes this little known but critical first major battle between Indian and Japanese armies on Indian soil. The siege is described in detail using first-hand accounts as is their daring escape through the jungle and the experiences of Indian and British survivors captured by the Japanese.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
Fight Your Way Out has been praised by readers and historians alike for its meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and heartfelt tribute to the soldiers who fought at Sangshak in 1944. Each review reflects deep appreciation for David Allison’s ability to bring forgotten history to life — with authenticity, clarity, and respect.
Books are available on
Two Books. One Mission — To Remember Those Who Served.
David Allison brings history to life through compelling accounts of courage, leadership, and allied cooperation in times of war. With meticulous research and sharp insight, his books explore the experiences of Commonwealth soldiers across Asia—from the chaos of the Korean War to the timeless lessons of courage under fire.
NEWS AND EVENTS
Stay updated with David Allison’s latest publications, speaking engagements, and media features.
The only way out is with a gamble. In Episode 3, the Korean War narrative shifts from desperate survival to audacious counter-attack. The Allied line is breaking, the port of
Join David Allison at the Third Annual Indian Military Heritage Festival, taking place 14–15 November 2025 at the United Service Institution of India (USI), New Delhi. This international forum brings
Eighty years ago, in March 1944, Imperial Japan launched an audacious invasion of India from Burma — a campaign that would become one of the most dramatic yet overlooked episodes