Sir Michael Caine makes rare public appearance alongside Korean War veterans

28 June 2023 , 19:21

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Sir Michael Caine makes rare public appearance alongside Korean War veterans

Actor Michael Caine has commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Korean War ceasefire alongside fellow Korean War Veterans.

The 90-year-old actor, whose real name is Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, fought as part of the 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers in 1952 at just 19 years old. Just a year later he contracted Malaria and was sent home from the British Army.

No longer a soldier, he became Michael Caine and turned his attention to acting instead.

Now he's stood alongside others who fought in the British Army to celebrate and remember those that fought and those that lost their lives in Korea ahead of the 70th anniversary of the ceasefire next month.

Korean War veteran Sir Michael Caine joined the Fusilier Regiment to mark the 70th anniversary of the ceasefire next month

The actor served in the British Army in Korea in 1952 and was sent home in 1953 after contracting malaria (Getty Images Europe)

A tweet shared by the official Fusilier Museum account on Twitter showed the Hollywood actor, who has been in films including Batman and The Italian Job, alongside fellow soldiers.

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The tweet read: "Today the Royal Fusiliers Korea War veterans gathered at @HolySepulchreUK to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korea War ceasefire (Jul). Former Fusilier Maurice Micklewhite, AKA Sir Michael joined us."

Sir Michael, who celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this year, was pictured sitting in a wheelchair whilst his fellow soldiers stood in uniform alongside him.

The actor previously reflected on his experience at war in his 2010 memoir "The Elephant to Hollywood" as he wrote: "I know what it feels like to be sent off to fight an unpopular war that no one at home really understands or cares about.

Sir Michael Caine alongside fellow Korean War veterans

Sir Michael Caine turned 90 earlier this year (Getty Images)

"And then to come back and meet a complete lack of understanding. Or worse, indifference."

Earlier this year, the acclaimed actor celebrated his 90th birthday alongside celebrity pals including Tom Cruise, David Walliams, Shakira and Denise Welch. Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber also attended the party with his wife Madeleine.

Actress Mia Farrow, who starred alongside Sir Michael in Woody Allen's film Hannah and Her Sisters, posted a birthday message to the British actor in lieu of being able to attend. Calling Sir Michael a "funny and wise friend" she posted a picture of them together at an awards ceremony in 1979.

Niamh Spence