Australians in the Korean War 1950-1953

Discussion in 'Other Conflicts' started by spidge, Nov 10, 2007.

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  1. spidge

    spidge Active Member

    1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment

    Courtesy of:

    1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment: Australian War Memorial
    1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment

    In 1945 Australia sent three units to Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF). Originally known as the 65th, 66th and 67th Infantry Battalions, they were raised from Australian divisions stationed in New Guinea at the end of the Second World War. On 23 November 1948, the battalions were renamed the First, Second and Third Battalions, The Australian Regiment, respectively. The prefix “Royal” was granted by King George VI on 31 March 1949.
    1RAR was in Australia when the Korean War began in 1950, having returned from Japan at the end of 1948. The battalion was bought to strength with volunteers from 2RAR and new enlistments resulting from the “K Force” recruitment campaign. It trained in Australia at Puckapunyal, Victoria, before departing for Korea on the troopship Devonshire on 3 March 1952. It arrived in South Korea on 6 April, joining the 28th Brigade on 1 June.
    1RAR was not involved in any of the major battles of the Korean War, but did participate in many lesser known, but just as dangerous, patrolling operations. In July of 1952 it was detached to the 29th Brigade, relieving other battalions on Hills 159, 210 and 355. It took part in general patrolling along the Jamestown line, which involved securing defences, repairing minefield fences, and undertaking reconnaissance of enemy positions to gather information on them.
    Other major operations that 1RAR took part in usually aimed at capturing a prisoner or destroying enemy defences. Operation Blaze (2 July) was 1RAR’s first major action. It involved a raid on Hill 227 to capture a prisoner. Although it failed in its objective, the operation did give the brigade important experience against a strong enemy.
    On the night of 13–14 September a fighting patrol from 1RAR encountered the enemy, and it captured its first prisoner. In early December 1RAR took over defences on Hill 355. The position had been poorly maintained and it took 1RAR ten days and 50 casualties to secure the area and regain control of the approaches. The battalion also supported the Royal Fusiliers in Operation Beat Up (25–26 November) by launching a diversionary attack on Hill 227.
    The last action 1RAR engaged in during the war was Operation Fauna (11–12 December). The purpose of the operation was to capture a prisoner and destroy enemy defences. It did not achieve its main objective, but did succeed in destroying the enemy position code-named Flora. Nearly a third of the force became casualties, with 22 wounded and three missing. Operation Fauna shows the risks associated with prisoner-capturing operations, as they were rarely successful and often resulted in heavy casualties.
    On 21 March 1953, 1RAR was relieved by 2RAR at Camp Casey, near Tongduchon, and returned to Australia later that month. The battalion returned to Korea in April of 1954, and was involved in training and border patrols. In March 1956, 1RAR ceased its operations in Korea and returned to Australia.
    Glossary

    1 Commonwealth Division ; 28th British Commonwealth Infantry Brigade ; Puckapunyal ; 38th Parallel Area ; Korean Force Battle Honours

    Casualties

    • 42 killed
    • No information on 1RAR wounded available
    For more information please see the Roll of Honour and Korean War Nominal Roll (external website) databases.
    Commanding Officers

    References

    • Ben Evans, Out in the cold: Australia's involvement in the Korean War, (Canberra: Australian War Memorial and Dept of Veterans' Affairs, 2000)
    • Jeffrey Grey, The Commonwealth armies and the Korean War: and alliance study, (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1988)
    • David Horner, Duty first: the Royal Australian Regiment in war and peace, (Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 1990)
    • Robert O'Neill, Australian in the Korean War 1950-53, Vol. 2 Combat operations, (Adelaide: Australian War Memorial and the Australian Government Publishing Service, 1985)
     
    spidge, Dec 12, 2007
    #21
  2. spidge

    spidge Active Member

    2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment

    Courtesy of:


    http://www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_11340korea.asp


    2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment

    In 1945 Australia sent three units to Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF). Originally known as the 65th, 66th and 67th Infantry Battalions, they were raised from Australian divisions stationed in New Guinea at the end of the Second World War. On 23 November 1948, the battalions were renamed the First, Second and Third Battalion, The Australian Regiment, respectively. The prefix “Royal” was granted by King George VI on 31 March 1949.
    2RAR returned to Australia in 1948 and was stationed at Puckapunyal, Victoria, when the Korean War began in 1950. Some 2RAR members volunteered for service with 3RAR and 1RAR, as these two battalions saw service earlier than 2RAR. 2RAR was bought up to strength with volunteers that enlisted under the K Force recruiting campaign.
    The battalion trained for Korea at Puckapunyal. It embarked for Korea on 5 March 1953 on board MV New Australia, arriving in Korea on 17 March. It joined the Commonwealth Division on 21 March, replacing 1RAR at Camp Casey near Tongduchon, South Korea.
    2RAR was primarily deployed in patrolling the no man’s land to the north of the UN lines. This involved making small advances, defending its position, capturing prisoners, collecting intelligence, and maintaining minefields and trenches. The work was monotonous and dangerous, with many casualties caused by mines.
    The conditions of this phase of the war, often referred to as the “static phase”, created an additional burden. In winter it was not uncommon for top temperatures to be below zero, and troops had to take precautions against frost-bite and trench foot. At the other extreme, summer was humid, with heavy rain that often flooded the trenches. Added to this were possible attacks from the enemy coupled with shell and mortar fire.
    2RAR patrolled sections of the Jamestown line, in the area of the Imjin and Samichon Rivers. On 9–10 July 1953, 2RAR with 3RAR were given the task of holding the line to the west of the Samichon River. 2RAR was stationed on the left forward position of a hill that was commonly referred to as the “Hook”.
    On the night of 24 July 1953, the Chinese forces attacked 2RAR and a US Marine Regiment. The attack was launched in consecutive waves over the nights of both 24 and 25 July, with heavy artillery and mortar attacks during the day. 2RAR held firm against the assaults, and on the morning of the 26 July, the Chinese abandoned the attack. About 3,000 Chinese dead lay in front of the Hook. 2RAR had lost five killed and 24 wounded. The armistice came into effect at 10 pm the following evening.
    After the armistice, 2RAR was involved in training and border patrols. It was replaced by 1RAR in April 1954 and returned to Australia.
    Glossary

    28th British Commonwealth Infantry Brigade ; 38th Parallel Area ; Korean Force ; Buso River Battle Honours

    Casualties

    • 22 killed
    • No information on 2RAR wounded available
    For more information please see the Roll of Honour and Korean War Nominal Roll (external website) databases.
    Decorations

    • 4 OBE
    • 4 MBE
    • 1 MC
    • 6 MM
    • 1 BEM
    • 11 MID
    For more information please see Honours and Awards database
    References

    • Bob Downey, The 2nd battalion: the Royal Australian Regiment in Korea, 1953-1954, (Canberra: 2RAR Association, 2000)
    • Ben Evans, Out in the Cold: Australia's Involvement in the Korean War, (Canberra: Australian War Memorial and Dept of Veterans' Affairs, 2000)
    • Jeffrey Grey, The Commonwealth armies and the Korean War: an alliance study, (New York: ST. Martin's Press, 1988)
    • David Horner, (ed.), Duty first: the Royal Australian Regiment in war and peace, (Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 1990)
    • Robert O'Neill, Australia in the Korean War 1950-53, Vol. 2 Combat operations, (Adelaide: Australian War Memorial and the Australian Government Publishing Service, 1985)
     
    spidge, Dec 12, 2007
    #22
  3. spidge

    spidge Active Member

    3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment

    Courtesy of:

    3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment: Australian War Memorial
    3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment

    In 1945 Australia sent three units to Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF). Originally known as the 65th, 66th and 67th Infantry Battalions, they were raised from Australian divisions stationed in New Guinea at the end of the Second World War. On 23 November 1948, the battalions were renamed the First, Second and Third Battalion, The Australian Regiment, respectively. The prefix “Royal” was granted by King George VI on 31 March 1949.
    3RAR was in Japan when it was committed to the US-led United Nations Command forces on 26 July. Volunteers brought the battalion up to its full strength of 960 troops on 11 September, and training was carried out in Japan.
    On 28 September 1950, 3RAR landed at Pusan, South Korea. The battalion was part of the 27th British Commonwealth Infantry Brigade. Troops from 3RAR were rotated and replaced on an individual basis, and 3RAR remained in Korea for the duration of the conflict.
    3RAR was first deployed on 5 October in a counter-attack and advance by the UN Command. 3RAR fought numerous small engagements throughout October, almost on a daily basis. Its first major action was at Yongju (21–22 October) and it advanced through Pakchon (23–26 October) before meeting with heavy opposition at Chongju (29 October). 3RAR’s northern advance ended here.
    The Chinese launched their First Phase Offensive on 1 November, causing a withdrawal of all UN forces. 3RAR withdrew through the Pakchon area. It blocked an enemy attack on 4–5 November at the Chongchon River. From November to January 1951, 3RAR retreated south. For a brief period it was established north of Uijongbu (12–31 December), before withdrawing through Seoul and regrouping at Chipyong-ni (2-4 January 1951). As part of the withdrawal, 3RAR conducted patrols and destroyed bridges, slowing the Chinese advance.
    In January 1951 3RAR moved north with the 27th Brigade in a counter-offensive. It engaged the enemy at Chuam-ni (14–17 February), and also secured Hills 614 (24–27 February); 410 (7 March); 703 (12 March); “Sardine” (14 April); and “Salmon” (15 April). This brought 3RAR to the Kapyong Valley, north east of Seoul.
    On 22 April 3RAR was stationed north of the village of Kapyong on Hill 504. The Australian position was attacked on the morning of 24 April, and the Chinese continued to attack in waves. 3RAR held firm, and on the afternoon of 25 April the exhausted Chinese abandoned their attack. The unit was awarded a Presidential Citation for its role in the battle.
    On 26 April 3RAR was transferred to the 28th British Commonwealth Brigade. Throughout June and July, the Brigade joined with the 25th Canadian and the 29th British Brigades to form the 1st Commonwealth Division.
    From April to early August 3RAR conducted patrols that pushed the Chinese northwards. Throughout June it was working to take control of the north bank of the Imjin River. The work was slow and dangerous, with most casualties resulting from mines.
    3RAR patrolled the Imjin salient in August and September in preparation for Operation Commando, which began on 3 October. 3RAR’s primary task during this operation was to occupy Hill 317, which it did on 7 October. This action was later known as the Battle of Maryang-San. 3RAR also supported the Fusiliers in the taking of Hill 217, also known as the “Hinge”.
    From October 1951 until the ceasefire at 11 pm on 27 July 1953, 3RAR’s main activity was patrolling the no man’s land between the two opposing trench lines that ran along the 38th Parallel. 3RAR conducted trench raids, patrols and reconnaissance. Some minor skirmishes resulted in small gains or losses of territory, but overall the front line altered very little in this time.
    Living conditions were difficult. In winter it was not uncommon for top temperatures to be below zero, and troops had to take precautions against frost-bite and trench foot. At the other extreme, summer was humid, with heavy rain that often flooded the trenches. Added to this were possible attacks from the enemy coupled with shell and mortar fire.
    Following the armistice, 3RAR was involved in training and border patrols. The battalion returned to Australia in November 1954.
    Glossary

    28th British Commonwealth Infantry Brigade ; 38th Parallel Area ; Korean Force ; Saunders, Reginald Walter (Reg) Battle Honours

    Casualties

    • 231 killed
    • No information on 3RAR wounded available
    For more information please see the Roll of Honour and Korean War Nominal Roll (external website) databases.
    Commanding Officers

    Decorations

    • 1 GC
    • 4 DSO
    • 5 OBE
    • 5 MBE
    • 18 MC, 1 bar
    • 5 DCM, 1 bar
    • 1 GM
    • 31 MM, 1 bar
    • 2 BEM
    • 1 MID twice
    • 93 MID
    For more information please see Honours and Awards database
    References

    • Ben Evans, Out in the cold: Australia's involvement in the Korean War, (Canberra: Australian War Memorial and Dept. of Veterans' Affairs, 2000)
    • Jeffrey Grey, The Commonwealth armies and the Korean War: an alliance study, (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1988)
    • David Horner (ed.), Duty first: the Royal Australian Regimetn in war and peace, (Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 1990)
    • Robert O'Neill, Australia in the Korean War 1950-53, Vol. 2 Combat operations, (Adelaide: Australian War Memorial and the Australian Government Publishing Service, 1985)
     
    spidge, Dec 12, 2007
    #23
  4. Nostalgair

    Nostalgair New Member

    Thanks Spidge,

    That's a great coverage of the serving units.

    Cheers

    Owen
     
    Nostalgair, Dec 12, 2007
    #24
  5. Nostalgair

    Nostalgair New Member

    Hi All,

    For further reading, or viewing, on the Korean War from an Australian perspective you can try, "Remembering Korea" by George Odgers. He also wrote "Across the Parallel" at the time of the war which covered 77 Squadron's involvement.

    There is also an excellent video, "Beyond the 38th Parallel" by Screensound Australia. Highly recommended and there's even a snippet of Dad at briefing! Like "Remembering Korea", the video covers Australian involvement across all of the services.

    Beyond The 38th Parallel: <em>Australians in the Korean War</em>


    Cheers

    Owen
     
    Nostalgair, Dec 13, 2007
    #25
  6. digger

    digger Guest

    A funny story was told me to me by a friend. Seems his younger brother enlisted underage by using my friend's name and details and went off to Korea. Young brother's family knew nothing about it until my friend, doing his National Service in the RAAF, was queried by the Taxation Office as to how he was in two places at once and paying two lots of taxes.

    Rod
     
    digger, Dec 25, 2007
    #26
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