Stripped to the waist under a fringe of icicles , two hardy members of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders select some warmer clothing during a lull in action against the Chinese Communist forces in Korea . They are Private John Thorneycroft from Chesterfield , Derbyshire ( left ) and Private John Oates , from Halifax Yorkshire . In foreground are the Chinese style frames on which they carry their kit . 12 February 1951