sign in sign up
<<
Home , Battle of Kapyong, Jamestown Line, Operation Commando

III I II A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the 1950~1953 by Lieutenant Colonel Fred Fairhead (Retd)

Dedicated to those who served A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 by Lieutenant Colonel Fred Fairhead (Retd)

Published by The Royal Australian Regiment Association SA Inc. 13 Beatty Street, Linden Park, SA 5068 Email: [email protected] to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Battles of Kapyong and Maryang San

The assistance of The Hon. Warren Snowdon mp, Minister of Veterans’ Affairs and The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is acknowledged

Designed, printed and bound at Digital Print 135 Gilles Street, Adelaide SA 5000

Cover Photograph Private RJ (‘Tubby’) Hellings, 5 Platoon, B 3RAR who fought at both the in 1951 and the Battle of Maryang San in October 1951. He served with 3RAR from December 1950 to December 1951. (With permission of his son Jeff Hellings who served in 3RAR from 1976 to 1982). A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

FOREWORDContents

Page(s) The Korean War, overshadowed of course by the two World Wars of last century, remains timenevertheless troops representing a notable landmark the United in Nationsthe history were of sent human into conflict.battle. It was the first military assertion of the Cold War, providing a genuine risk of nuclear conflict. It was also the first 4-56 ForewordPreface

Regiment,For Australia, it was the the war last has time come Australian to symbolise military “the last forces call of included the bugle”. individuals, When about who 1,000 had World War II veterans joined up to serve in “K Force”, with the newly raised Royal Australian 7 Map of Korea were committed to combat; the one exception was in Vietnam, where regular Army troops werevolunteered8-9 reinforcedThe for War’sa by specific a large beginning war. number In andlater of 3RAR’s conscripts.wars it entry was Australia’s regular Army soldiers only who 10 The Battle of Yongyu (The Apple Orchard) 22nd October 1950 10-11For the RoyalThe Advance Australian to theRegiment, Yalu River the (notKorean quite) War had huge significance. It was the first major campaign by this newly formed unit, which was hastily thrown together and poorly equipped;12 itMap was of also 3RAR’s the first operations and last in participation 1950 by the three of the Regiment in conventional fixed defence warfare. which13-14 had beenChinese part Army of the Counter British Offensives Commonwealth in November Occupation and DecemberForce in Japan. 1950 The resulting In September 1950 the first 500 “K Force” troops joined the Regiment’s Third , Commonwealth14-16 3RAR , Patrolling alongside Operations members January of –the March Middlesex 1951 Regiment and the Argyll and blend of young RAR regulars and battle-hardened veterans became part of the 27th British Sutherland17-18 TheHighlanders. Battle of Kapyong 23rd and 24th April 1951 mighty19 mountains,28th British in bitter Commonwealth cold and enervating Brigade andheat, 1st with British a sky Commonwealth for a roof and a dugout for They embarked on a series of difficult and costly engagements, fought on the slopes of a20-21 bed. The Thedemands Battle of of courage, Maryang military San 3rd skill,to 7th determination October 1951 and morale by the individual soldier were quite extraordinary. Tom Daly dubbed the battalion “Old Faithful ... 22 The Static War and Hill 227 This booklet, which the author, Fred Fairhead, has modestly called “a potted history”, always23 there1RAR when joins needed.” 3RAR It and was Operation a tribute Blazethat was 2nd well July merited. 1952 24 Operations Buffalo (August 1952) and Fauna (December 1952) 60thdoes anniversaryan admirable of jobtwo of historic summarising battles foughtthe very by thesubstantial Regiment’s performance Third Battalion of the at Regiment Kapyong 25 3RAR Patrol Action on 24th and 25th January 1953 andthroughout Maryang the San Korean in April War. and He October has timed 1951. its publication appropriately, to coincide with the 26 2RAR replaces 1RAR

27 His narrativeEnemy tracks Order through of Battle the July exploits 1953 ofand all The three Hook battalions of the Regiment, reflecting andthem28-29 some against dreadful2RAR the andprogress battle the Battlecasualties. of the of war.The All HookIt in encompasses all, 24th the 10,840 and 25th the troops highsJuly 1953who and served the lows, in the the Regiment advance towards the Yalu, the Chinese offensives, the Static War, the Battle Honours, the patrol actions 30-31 The War’s end and its Legacy atreceived least one 12 battalion Battle Honours, of the Regiment 99 Imperial was andin the American divisional decorations front line throughout and awards, the and whole 97 periodMIDs, at of a the cost war. of some 1,500 casualties, including about 300 who died in battle. Remarkably, “The Korean War does not deserve to be forgotten. It was such a significant struggle, the first great showdown between communismIn the words and democracy of Korean ... War Yet correspondentfor all its huge dimensions, Harry Gordon: for all its awful toll of casualties, for all its grand theatre ... the truth is that it failed to make a lasting impact on the consciousness of the outside world. It seems to have been an easy war to forget, unless of course you were there.”

3 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

FOREWORD

In August 2011 the third Australian national memorial to the Korean veterans, “the andQueensland their families. Korean War Memorial” will be dedicated on the Gold Coast Queensland. It is a fittingThe andKorean final War, tribute overshadowed for those who of course gave their by the lives two and World for ourWars ageing of last veterans century, ofremains Korea timeneverthelessKorea troops will remain representing a notable in our landmark collective the United inmemory, Nationsthe history alongside were of sent human Vietnam, into conflict.battle. as a proudIt was and the distinguishedfirst military assertionThe author of the of Coldthis short War, historyproviding has a done genuine a grand risk job. of nuclearHis contribution conflict. Ithelps was to also ensure the firstthat battlefield in the history of our Regiment. Regiment,For Australia, it was the the war last has time come Australian to symboliseLest we military Forget “the last forces call of included the bugle”. individuals, When about who 1,000 had World War II veterans joined up to serve in “K Force”, with the newly raised Royal Australian wereKOREA, committed SARIWA toN ,combat; YONGJU, the CHO oneN GJU,exception PAKCHO wasN ,in UIJO Vietnam,NBU, CHUAM- where regularNI, MAEHWA Army troops SAN, werevolunteered reinforced for a by specificKAPYO a large Nwar. numberG, KOWA In later ofN conscripts.Gwars SAN it, wasSAMICHO Australia’sN, MARYA regularNG Army SAN. soldiers only who

Maurie Pears Lieutenant Colonel, MC (Retd) For the Royal Australian Regiment, the Korean War had huge significance. It was the first major campaign by this newly formed unit, which was hastily thrown together and poorly equipped; Gold Coast it 2011 was also the first and last participation by the three battalions of the Regiment in conventional fixed defence warfare. which had been part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan. The resulting In September 1950 the first 500 “K Force” troops joined the Regiment’s Third Battalion, Commonwealth Brigade, alongside members of the and the Argyll and Sutherlandblend of young Highlanders. RAR regulars and battle-hardened veterans became part of the 27th British mighty mountains, in bitter cold and enervating heat, with a sky for a roof and a dugout for a bed.They The embarked demands on of a courage,series of military difficult skill, and costlydetermination engagements, and morale fought by on the the individual slopes of soldier were quite extraordinary. Brigadier Tom Daly dubbed the battalion “Old Faithful ...

This booklet, which the author, Fred Fairhead, has modestly called “a potted history”, alwaysLieutenant there Maurie when Pearsneeded.” It was a tribute that was well merited. 3RAR Korea circa 1951 60thdoes anniversaryan admirable of jobtwo of historic summarising battles foughtthe very by thesubstantial Regiment’s performance Third Battalion of the at Regiment Kapyong andthroughout Maryang the San Korean in April War. and He October has timed 1951. its publication appropriately, to coincide with the

His narrative tracks through the exploits of all three battalions of the Regiment, reflecting andthem some against dreadful the progress battle casualties. of the war. All It in encompasses all, the 10,840 the troops highs who and served the lows, in the the Regiment advance towards the Yalu, the Chinese offensives, the Static War, the Battle Honours, the patrol actions atreceived least one 12 battalion Battle Honours, of the Regiment 99 Imperial was andin the American divisional decorations front line throughout and awards, the and whole 97 periodMIDs, at of a the cost war. of some 1,500 casualties, including about 300 who died in battle. Remarkably, “The Korean War does not deserve to be forgotten. It was such a significant struggle, the first great showdown between communismIn the words and democracy of Korean ... War Yet correspondentfor all its huge dimensions, Harry Gordon: for all its awful toll of casualties, for all its grand theatre ... the truth is that it failed to make a lasting impact on the consciousness of the outside world. It seems to have been an easy war to forget, unless of course you were there.”

4 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

Preface In August 2011 the third Australian national memorial to the Korean veterans, “the Queensland Korean War Memorial” will be dedicated on the Gold Coast Queensland. It is a preparedand their families.to provide past, present and future members of the Regiment with a summary of fittingThis and potted final history tribute of for the those Royal who Australian gave their Regiment’s lives and involvement for our ageing in the veterans Korean Warof Korea was Korea will remain in our collective memory, alongside Vietnam, as a proud and distinguished theThe substantial author of role this it short had inhistory the War. has Indone so doing,a grand it job. aims His to contribution highlight the helps professionalism to ensure that of the battalions and thus the standard which was set for those that have since followed. It is by nobattlefield means intendedin the history to be of a ourdefinitive Regiment. article on the War and those who require more detail Publication is timed to coincide withLest thewe Forget 60th Anniversary of the historic battles of should consult RJ O’Neill’s Official History, particularly Volume II – Combat Operations. andKOREA, appreciate SARIWA theN support, YONGJU, of CHOthe DepartmentNGJU, PAKCHO of Veterans’N, UIJON AffairsBU, CHUAM- in makingNI, MAEHWA that possible. SAN , Kapyong and MaryangKAPYO SanN G,fought KOWA byN theG SA Regiment’sN, SAMICHO ThirdN, MARYA BattalionNG in SA 1951.N. I acknowledge

Maurie Pears LieutenantThe article Colonel, was written MC (Retd) mainly from information obtained from unit and formation War Diaries accessed on the Australian War Memorial’s website www.awm.gov.au/diaries/ seaasia/index.asp. The following sources are also gratefully acknowledged: Gold • TheCoast AWM 2011 for the graphics of the battles of ‘Kapyong’ and ‘Maryang San’: With the Australians in Korea • The AWM as the source for most of the photographs used in the article; • Norman Bartlett’s published by the AWM in 1954; • Col Peter Scott’s article on the Battle of Maryang San (Peter Scott was the 3RAR Official History of the Korean War Intelligence Officer during the battle); • overlay; RJ O’Neill’s including the maps used at pages 22, 23, 24, 25 and 27 which I took the liberty of modifying in some way, usually by adding an at the battle); • Maj Gen David Butler’s paper “The Hook” (David Butler was the 2RAR Signals Officer Lieutenant Maurie Pears 3RAR• The Korea late circaHR (Bob) 1951 Downey’s Paper on “2RAR in Korea 1953-54” (Bob Downey was a Platoon Commander in 2RAR at The Hook); and, 53. • The late PJ (Banjo) Paterson for his poem on the 1RAR men who fell in battle in 1952-

I am grateful for the help and support I received from Maurie Pears including in the latter Maryangstages, advice San he from agreed his ownto write publication the Foreword. ‘Battlefield Korea‘ which verified my research into honours and awards. I am also extremely honored that as one of the heroes of the Battle of current Queen’s (St Edwards) Crown and not the original King’s (Tudor) Crown. For those with an eye for detail, I have deliberately used Regimental Badges with the Other than the need to acknowledge the above, there are no copyright restrictions from the author on the article.

Fred Fairhead Erindale SA

2nd July 2011 (6RAR, 1967-69; 6RAR/NZ (ANZAC), 1969-70; 8/9 RAR, 1976-77)

5 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

CPorefacentents

Page(s)prepared to provide past, present and future members of the Regiment with a summary of This potted history of the Royal Australian Regiment’s involvement in the Korean War was the substantial role it had in the War. In so doing, it aims to highlight the professionalism of 7the battalionsMap and of thusKorea the standard which was set for those that have since followed. It is by no means intended to be a definitive article on the War and those who require more detail 8-9Publication The isWar’s timed beginning to coincide and 3RAR’s with the entry 60th Anniversary of the historic battles of should consult RJ O’Neill’s Official History, particularly Volume II – Combat Operations. 10 The Battle of Yongyu (The Apple Orchard) 22nd October 1950 and appreciate the support of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in making that possible. 10-11Kapyong andThe Maryang Advance San to thefought Yalu by River the Regiment’s (not quite) Third Battalion in 1951. I acknowledge 12 Map of 3RAR’s operations in 1950 The article was written mainly from information obtained from unit and formation War 13-14Diaries accessedChinese on Army the Counter Australian Offensives War Memorial’s in November website and December www.awm.gov.au/diaries/ 1950 seaasia/index.asp. The following sources are also gratefully acknowledged: 14-16 3RAR Patrolling Operations January – March 1951 • The AWM for the graphics of the battles of ‘Kapyong’ and ‘Maryang San’: With the Australians in Korea 17-18• The AWMThe asBattle the sourceof Kapyong for most 23rd of and the 24th photographs April 1951 used in the article; 19 • Norman28th Bartlett’s British Commonwealth Brigade and 1stpublished British byCommonwealth the AWM in 1954; Division • Col Peter Scott’s article on the Battle of Maryang San (Peter Scott was the 3RAR 20-21 The BattleOfficial of HistoryMaryang of San the 3rdKorean to 7th War October 1951 Intelligence Officer during the battle); 22 The Static War and Hill 227 • overlay; RJ O’Neill’s including the maps used at pages 22, 23, 23 24, 251RAR and 27 joins which 3RAR I took and theOperation liberty Blazeof modifying 2nd July in 1952 some way, usually by adding an 24 at theOperations battle); Buffalo (August 1952) and Fauna (December 1952) • Maj Gen David Butler’s paper “The Hook” (David Butler was the 2RAR Signals Officer 25 3RAR Patrol Action on 24th and 25th January 1953 • The late HR (Bob) Downey’s Paper on “2RAR in Korea 1953-54” (Bob Downey was a 26 2RAR replaces 1RAR Platoon Commander in 2RAR at The Hook); and, 53. 27 • The lateEnemy PJ (Banjo) Order Patersonof Battle Julyfor his 1953 poem and on The the Hook 1RAR men who fell in battle in 1952- 28-29 2RAR and the Battle of The Hook 24th and 25th July 1953 I am grateful for the help and support I received from Maurie Pears including in the latter 30-31 The War’s end and its Legacy Maryangstages, advice San he from agreed his ownto write publication the Foreword. ‘Battlefield Korea‘ which verified my research into honours and awards. I am also extremely honored that as one of the heroes of the Battle of current Queen’s (St Edwards) Crown and not the original King’s (Tudor) Crown. For those with an eye for detail, I have deliberately used Regimental Badges with the Other than the need to acknowledge the above, there are no copyright restrictions from the author on the article.

Fred Fairhead Erindale SA

24th April 2011 (6RAR, 1967-69; 6RAR/NZ (ANZAC), 1969-70; 8/9 RAR, 1976-77)

6 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

7 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 The Korean War 1950-1953

This article covers the role of the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) in the operational asperiod other of company the Korean and War, patrol ie from level September actions which 1950 serve when to 3RAR illustrate arrived the innature Korea, of to the the war. cease- fire in July 1953. The major actions fought by the Regiment’s Battalions are described as well The Beginning

June 1950 and with little resistance pushed towards the southern capitol, . The United The Korean War commenced when a North Korean Army invaded on 25th repelNations, the established aggressor, andon 26th vested June the 1945, United quickly States accepted with overall responsibility authority for to the command defence the of necessarySouth Korea. forces. The UN Security Council resolved on 27th June 1950 to provide assistance to

On 1st July elements of the US 8th Army based in Japan were airlifted some 200 km to Pusan on the south east coast of South Korea. Australia was the first non US nation to commit toforces Korean with waters 77 Squadron at the RAAFsame ontime 2nd with July theflying destroyer P51 Mustangs Bataan from and Iwakuni the frigate near Shoalhaven Hiroshima beingin Japan placed in support at the disposalof US 5th of Air UN Force (US) B26 forces. bombing missions. The RAN was also committed

In July 1950, the could muster only about two battalions’ worth of infantry, spread across three nominal units, 1, 2 and 3 RAR. Recruiting trends had been bad, reflecting the poor conditions of service offered by both the Chifley and Menzies governments coupled with a post World War II population that was weary of war. The prospect of action however, inbrought Korea forth from about September 1,000 World1950 andWar thenII veterans two battalions who volunteered which served to join, together ‘K Force’ fromwhich April had more attractive employment conditions. This enabled first one battalion to serve effectively 3RAR was in Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) and 1952. after receiving about 500 K Force reinforcements, who had trained with 1RAR at Ingleburn and 2RAR at Puckapunyal, left Japan on 27th September 1950 with a total of 960 all ranks. The TheBattalion other disembarked Battalions in in the Pusan Brigade and wereon 30 the September Hong Kong joined based the 1st27th Battalion, British Commonwealth The Middlesex RegimentBrigade (27 and Brigade) 1st Battalion, in the Songju-WaegwanThe Argyll and Sutherland area some Highlanders. 150 km to the north west of Pusan. By this time the UN Forces under the command of General Douglas MacArthur had retaken of South Korea. The UN General Assembly then had to decide the next move. The aim of stoppingSeoul by USthe Marine North KoreanCorps landings aggression at Inchon had been and achieved shortly thereafter and the need had tosecured prevent the the whole war theescalating meantime by involvinghowever, theGeneral Chinese MacArthur or Russians had called was a for critical the surrender issue. On of 7th all OctoberNorth Korean 1950 forcesthe UN and approved having a received plan to establishno response, a unified ordered and UN democratic forces to sovereigncross the 38thState Parallelof Korea. into In .

The war in Korea in 1950-51 had battles of similar intensity and frequency to those fought 8 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

Decemberin the Battle 1950 for Europe and April in World 1951 War when II. Most whole operations UN divisions were wereat battalion mauled and and brigade battalions level and as time would show, there were battles during the Chinese Army offensives in November/ except of course, most of the Platoon Commanders who had only recently graduated from decimated. The men of 3RAR were in the main battle hardened veterans of World War II men were to receive would hold the Army in good stead for future operational commitments Officer training at the Royal Military College, Duntroon. The combat experience these young in SE Asia such as the Vietnam War. Indeed, all of the 17 Officers who commanded Battalions in Vietnam had served in Korea as Lieutenants or Captains, 14 with 3RAR, 2 with 1RAR and 1 with 2RAR. Similarly, of the 18 Battalion Regimental Sergeant Majors who served in Vietnam, 13 had served as Non Commissioned Officers or Other Ranks in Korea. Pyongyang.On 5th October, 27 Brigade including 3RAR was airlifted from Taegu to Seoul and then by road to Kaesong to join the 1st US Cavalry Division for its advance to the North Korean capital

Pyongyang was taken on 19th October and on 22nd October, 27 Brigade became the advance guard with the task of linking with the US 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team which had been airdropped across the line of the North Korean withdrawal. The 187th had NKbeen regiment in heavy had contact run intowith the the 503rd 239th AirborneNorth Korean Battalion (NK) whichRegiment was whichnow isolated had been from tasked the to delay the UN advance from Pyongyang. In an attempt to break out to the north, the 239th remainder of the 187th north of Yongyu.

3RAR joins the spearhead to advance over the 38th Parallel – by US Army trucks (above), Bren Gun Carriers (bottom right) and on the back of US Army Tanks (top right).

27 Brigade Colour Patch

9 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 Battle of the Apple Orchard (Yongyu) 22nd October 1950

At 0900 hrs, 3RAR travelling in US Army trucks arrived at Yongyu which had been taken by the 1st Middlesex. C Company (Capt AP Denness), the lead Company with D Company US 89th Tank Battalion (Sherman Tanks) under command, came under small arms and apple orchard on the feature light mortar fire from the YONGYU 503rd Airborne Battalion at Grid Square 2354. The US hrs, C Company attacked the was just to the north. At 0930 Platoons (Lts RF Morison and C Coy attacks on the enemy Enemy withdrawal routes CMenemy Townsend) position with with 9 7Platoon and 8

(Lt DM Butler) providing flank casualtiesprotection. from In most C Company instances and the the North Tanks. Korean The 3RARsoldiers Tactical left their Headquarters fire positions moved or pits with and C fled as C Company charged towards them with fixed. The enemy suffered heavy total control of the battle. Company and was itself involved in firefights though the CO (Lt Col CH Green) remained in

engageD Company the enemy (Maj withdrawingWF Brown) was across ordered open to paddy clear the left flank while 9 Platoon and the Tanks moved to 9 Platoon then advanced to the US 503rd Airborne Battalionfields to the which west. had This been they attacked did with earlierdevastating suffering effect. a number of casualties.

while 3RAR had seven men wounded. For their part in theThe battle enemy Lt losses Col Green were 250and killedLt Butler and were 239 prisoners awarded Lt David Butler (hatless) at Yongyu. US Silver Stars (the US third highest decoration for He later commanded 6RAR in bravery), Capt Denness an MC and Pte CF McMurray Vietnam in 1969/70. an MM.

The Advance to Pakchon and Chongju (See Map on page 12)

River).On 23rd October, 27 Brigade moved to cross the Chongchon River and to capture Pakchon and Chongju which were on the main route from Pyongyang to the Chinese Border (Yalu

10 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

to On establish 25th October, a bridgehead 3RAR crossed over the Chongchon Taenyong River at Anju Pakchon. and then 4 Platoon as the Brigade’s B Company Advance (Lt ALGuard, Morrison) moved scrambled over the broken span of a partially demolished bridge (“Broken Bridge”) but were forced to withdraw under enemy attack. Meanwhile D Company had cleared

Pakchon and captured 225 enemy. That night, which was Thirwell)clear with crossed a sub zerothe Taenyong wind blowing River outand ofestablished Manchuria, a Sgt TM Murray GM tending to bridgeheadA Company despite (Maj RA determined Gordon) andenemy B Companyattacks including (Maj M wounded at Pakchon.

with T-34 tanks. Over a 100 enemy were killed while the George Medal for his heroics3RAR in saving suffered 8 killed and 22 wounded. Sgt TM Murray, the Battalion’s Drum Major was awarded the enemy dead was, as reported in the wounded from the freezing river. Among Colonel with a number of marked maps and instructions”.3RAR War Diary, These “adocuments North Korean were to Seniorreveal that the Chinese Army was about to go on the offensive, despite General MacArthur’s earlier assurances to the US President Truman that neither the Russians nor the Chinese would A Vickers .303 in Medium Machine Gun in intervene. action at Pakchon. secured on 30th October. A number of enemy tanks and self propelled guns were destroyed by Heavythe Battalion’s contact with3.5 “ theRocket enemy Launchers continued and as over the Battalion 150 enemy advanced were killed to Chongju with 3RAR which losing was 9 killed and 30 wounded. Lt DJ Mannett, OC 10 Platoon D Company was awarded a and Pte JH Stafford, a Bren Gunner in D Company was awarded a Silver Star for their part in the battle. reserve. That evening the CO 3RAR, Lt Col Charles Green was wounded by a shell fragment On 30th October 27 Brigade was relieved as Advance Guard and placed in Divisional Ferguson, was promoted and became CO on 10th November. and evacuated to a Field Hospital but died on 1st November. The Battalion 2IC Major IB

Troops from D Company advancing through Pakchon.

11 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 3RAR 1950

The distance that 3RAR travelled from the time the Battalion landed in Pusan on 28th TheSeptember subsequent 1950 withdrawal, where it joined under the pressure 27th Commonwealth from the Chinese Brigade Army , moved was somewhat by air to Kimpo more protracted.and then as part of the 8th Army’s advance to Chongju a month later was quite staggering.

12 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 Chinese Counter Offensive November 1950 (See Map on page 12)

On 1st November the Chinese Army attacked in strength badly mauling the US 1st Cavalry Division (the alone lost 1000 men). The US method of withdrawal was basically to embark in road transport and attempt to ‘bash’ their way through road blocks set up by the Chinese and North Koreans on some very primitive roads which severely in ambushing the withdrawing forces. The US 1st Cavalry managed to withdraw largely restricted traffic. The rugged terrain was also an advantage to the much more mobile enemy By early November there were at least six Chinese divisions involved in the offensive as because its flank was protected by 27 Brigade which had concentrated at Pakchon. the Chinese sought to place a defensive wall between the UN forces and the Yalu River. On 5th November enemy forces established a road block on high ground overlooking the road from Pakchon to the south and 3RAR was given the task of conducting a full scale battalion attack to clear it. After 77 Squadron RAAF P 51 Mustangs had made an airstrike, the Battalion attacked across 350 metres of open paddy field. After bitter fighting, 3RAR secured the leadingobjective 5 andPlatoon subsequently after the Pl repelled Commander enemy (Lt counter EO Larson) attacks. was The killed. Battalion suffered 12 killed andHaving 64 wounded punched in hardthe day’s at what fighting. they Cplconsidered J Jones of alien B Company intruders was the awarded Chinese adrew Silver back Star and for for the next few weeks 27 Brigade patrolled forward of the line of the River Chongchon running north east of Pakchon. Weather conditions were appalling with many men succumbing to the cold especially as it wasn’t until later that year that the WWII uniforms were replaced kidney,with US rheumatism,winter dress. lumbago The men and of 3RAR other being complaints. in the main Nevertheless, WWII veterans the men were stuck particularly to their tasks.vulnerable; A typical many patrol riflemen at that were time overwould 35 have and been senior a company NCOs even group older. with Many a platoon suffered of tanks, from a section of medium (3 inch) mortars and a section of medium (.303 inch) machine guns patrolling to 10 kilometres or so forward of the Brigade’s lines.

A C Company soldier being treated by a medic 3RAR moving past US Army vehicles clogging from 60th Indian Field Ambulance after the the road. 5th November battle.

13 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 Chinese Counter Offensive December 1950

to Oninvolve 21st some November 10,000 27 UN Brigade troops waswhich, informed supported that by the massive 8th Army airpower, would aimed launch to a push new offensive on 24th November – General MacArthur’s so called ‘end-of war offensive’. It was reserve at Pakchon for the operation. the Chinese back into – at least that was the theory!The UN 27 offensive Brigade was had placed scarcely in I begunCorps when the Chinese launched a counter offensive designed to smash ROK and US Divisions in the centre, cut all the roads between the Chongchon River and Pyongyang and trap the 8th Army between the mountains and the Yellow

Sea. On 26th November, 27 Brigade was Divisionordered to which Kunu-Ri was some in danger 20 km of east being of Pakchon to assist the US 2nd Infantry 3 inch mortar in action. totallysupport broke destroyed. up the enemy Indeed road although blocks the actions of 27 Brigade and close air lost most of its equipment and artillery weapons and was temporarily removed from the orderto allow of battle.the remnants of the 2nd Division to escape, it had suffered over 4,000 causalities,

December 1950 and January 1951 through Pyongyang and Seoul to south of the in Following these setbacks, 27 Brigade, as part of a general withdrawal, moved in November/ halted their offensive with the bulk of the areaenemy’s of Changhowon-Ni forces remaining some north 50km and south east of Seoul. After the fall of Seoul the Chinese east of the Han River

27 Brigade Patrolling and Offensive Operations January - March 1951 a forward defensive position with the In January 1951 3RAR remained in Vickers MMG Section on the move. arduouscompanies periods spread in over the 2.5Battalion’s km in rugged time interrain. Korea, In it whatconducted was onea heavy of the patrol most programme in appalling weather conditions against active North Korean forces to the north east. How bad the conditions were can be shown by to the misery and were cause for snow blindness, the diggers’ remedy for which was to rub the fact that on average, 12 men a day required medical evacuation. Heavy snowfalls added charcoal under the eyes; shades of things to come in night sport! 14 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

In January, 27 Brigade was reinforced Princesswith 16 Field Patricia’s Regiment Canadian RNZA and Light in February by the 2nd Battalion, The

Infantry (2 PPCLI). the InHan February River. 3RAR 1951, became 27 Brigade involved move in anorth number to Yoju, of battalion an important scale crossing operations on

attack in support of the beleaguered north east of Yoju including a Battalion Division which had again been mauled B Company 3RAR led by a Piper from the Argyle and 23rdby Chinese Regiment forces of the on 2nd 14th US February. Infantry Sutherland Highlanders in the withdrawal from Four men were killed and 16 wounded Kunu-Ri. in this action.

In late February, 27 Brigade, together with other IXth formations (1st US Cavalry byDivision, 3RAR were24th inUS mountainous Infantry Division, terrain 1st without US Marine vehicles Division and usingand 6th 150 ROK South Division) Korean moved civilians to trap a large force of North Koreans (Xth NK Corps) moving south east of Wonju. Operations as porters to carry ammunition and rations. Between 23rd and 28th February 3RAR attacked initiativea fortified and enemy great held courage”. feature known as ‘Hill 614’ during which Cpl Len Opie, a Section Commander in 12 Platoon D Company was awarded a DCM for his “ unselfish devotion, attack’,On the however, 7th March enemy 3RAR resistance as part of was Operation severe Woodbine, and during was the tasked afternoon to capture the battle ‘Hill 410’ was foughtheld in instrength snow storms. by Chinese Nevertheless forces. It was the planned as a classic ‘two up two in reserve battalion manyBattalion of the achieved latter being its objective treated in albeit situ bywith the 12 RMO men Capt killed DD Beard and 23who wounded; had only just returned to duty after illness. a three battalion attack and while On 11th March, 27 Bde conducted without2PPCLI on resistance, the left and3RAR the on Argyll’s the right in metthe stubborncentre secured resistance, their especially objectives A

Bren Gun (LMG) team on Hill 614. Company. In securing an intermediate objective, the Company came under heavy small arms and mortar fire from its right flank which was inadequately protected by 6ROK Division. A Company lost 2 killed and 7 wounded (including the Company Commander Maj B O’Dowd and the Commander of 2 Platoon, Lt JM Church both of whom required evacuation).After this battle 27 Brigade went into IXth Corps reserve with 3RAR having two weeks of a well earned rest. During this time many officers and NCOs were replaced and 100 reinforcements joined the Battalion. 15 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 which it did with only light resistance. On 25th March 27 Brigade joined the 24th US Division for an advance to the 38th Parallel Consolidation of the UN Front – April 1951

In early April 1951, 27 Brigade was tasked to establish defensive positions just south of the 38th Parallel as part of ‘Operation Rugged’, designed to stabilize the UN forces position along the parallel, the so-called ‘Kansas Line’. While this was happening, US President Truman, in Chiefendorsing UN forces Clemenceau’s in Korea well-knownwith Lt Gen Mathewaphorism, Ridgway, “war is thetoo Commanderserious a business of the 8thto be Army left in the hands of generals” replaced General of the Army Douglas MacArthur as Commander-in-

Korea. It was also announced, somewhat prematurely given its units were currently engaged Pukhanin operational River. Theduties, Brigade that was27 Brigade on 3 hours would notice be replacedto move toby reinforce a UK based the brigade,6th ROK theDivision 28th whichBritish had Brigade. replaced On 17th it on April, the front 27 Brigade line. was placed in IXth Corps reserve at Kapyong on the

Chinese Spring Offensive 1951 to occupy defensive positions in the rear of 6th ROK Division as the enemy had commenced a On the 23rd April, 27 Brigade which had been enjoying farewell celebrations, was ordered astride the Kapyong Valley left and right respectively while 1st Middlesex were ordered to general offensive on the evening of the 22nd April. 2PPCLI and 3RAR were to occupy positions That evening as the ROK Division “crumbled” 1st Middlesex and 16 Field Regiment were withdrawnthe north west to Kapyong. to protect 16 Field Regiment, RNZA which was supporting 6th ROK Division.

Casualty evacuation after Operation Woodbine.

16 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 The Battle of Kapyong 23 – 24 April 1951 of “panic stricken and uncontrollable” ROKBy troops late on 23rdand vehiclesApril a constant were passing stream through 3RAR Headquarters; the enemy outhad intermingled involving Headquarters with the fleeing soldiers ROK andtroops the andAssault confused Pioneer, fighting Anti Tank broke and Mortar Platoons. By early morning of in the Headquarters area, especially aroundthe 24th the April Assault fighting Pioneer had increased Platoon. At this stage artillery support was not available as all batteries were on the move and communications with failed.B Company, 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion (4.2 inch mortars) had Middlesex to occupy the high ground to the27 west Brigade of Battalion ordered Headquarters a Company of but1st the enemy arrived there before it did and the Headquarters, protected by a

US Heavy Tank Battalion, was forced to withdraw.Platoon of Tanks from A Company 72nd

O’Dowd) was under attack but was A Coy D Coy C Coy holding,By this while time B A Company Company (Capt (Maj DP BS Laughlin) separated from the rest of the battalion by a road was ordered to

A large number of enemy who were join C Company (Capt RW Saunders). companies were killed by the US Tanks andcaught B on Company, the flat particularly between A and by B4 Platoon (Lt LM Montgomerie). Artillery now being used to good effect. fire from the New Zealanders was also 3RAR to withdraw to the 1st Middlesex positionsBy late (seemorning map). 27 CO Brigade 3RAR ordered all companies to withdraw through Looking east from the B Coy position showing the main 3 RAR defensive position.

17 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

located on the high ground to the eastD Company (see photo). (Capt Smoke WN Gravener) screens were laid to cover the withdrawal while the Company of US Tanks

last man of D Company reached the Middlesexprovided cover lines. on Thethe flat withdrawal until the

took 7 hours to complete. 3RAR, together with 2PPCLI and Division’sA Company advance72nd Tank towards Battalion Seoul had Private ‘Slim’ Madden GC. significantly held up the Chinese 60th Cpl Bill Rowlinson DCM. totalling more than 500 killed. This As a Sgt he won a Bar to and had inflicted heavy casualties his DCM at the Battle of wounded and three missing, taken prisoner; one of these was Maryang San. however, was at the cost to the Battalion of 32 men killed, 59 posthumously awarded the . Pte HW Madden who for his courageous actions as a POW was For its role in the battle, 3 RAR was awarded a US Presidential Citation while individual

OC 4 Platoon B Company an MC; Cpl awards were granted to: the CO, Lt Col IB Ferguson, MC who received a DSO; Lt LM Montgomerie,

DBWJ Davies,Rowlinson, a Section a Section Commander Commander in 4 Platoon,in 12 Platoon, Pte RFA D Company,Smith from a DCM;the same Cpl section, and Cpl RN Parry, a LMG Group

Cpl HA Richey (posthumous) and Pte Comd, MMs. MIDs were awarded to L

JF Winson both of D Company.

GOC 8th Army Lt Gen Van Fleet (left) inspecting 3RAR after presenting the Presidential Unit Citation for Kapyong.

Some of the heroes of Kapyong – 4 Platoon B Company.

18 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 Stabilising the UN Front and Truce Talks June – September 1951

Immediately after Kapyong, 3RAR joined Battalionthe newly formed King’s 28th Own British Scottish Commonwealth Borderers (1KOSB),Brigade (28 The Brigade) 1st Battalion together King’s with Shropshire The 1st

Light Infantry (1 KSLI), The 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI), 16 Field Regiment RNZA and 60th On 1st May 1951, the Brigade moved to Indian Field Ambulance.

Yangsu-ri near where the Puksan River joins Lt Col IB Ferguson (right) and Lt A Argent the souththe Han of theRiver 38th 25 Parallelkm east and of Seoul. throughout In late June,May, 3RAR Intelligence Officer after Kapyong . July28 Brigade and August moved remained north to static.the Imjin This River was justthe wet season and the Brigade concentrated on training and improving the security of its position; this was achieved by dominating by day and night, through patrolling, the area forward of the Brigade.

Talks to commence. These occurred throughout July, August and September at Kaesong which wasIn the late traditional June proposals capital were of Korea. put to the UN Security Council by the Soviet Union for Truce

The First British Commonwealth Division of the new 1st British Commonwealth Division On 28th July 1951, 28 Brigade became part comprising 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade included(25 Brigade), a Regiment 28 Brigade of and 29th Tanks British (8th Infantry Brigade (29 Brigade). The Division Sherman Tanks (Lord Strathcona’s Horse from ),King’s Royal and an Irish Artillery Hussars), Field aRegiment Squadron from of

Lt Col FG Hassett had also relieved Lt Col each Great Britain, Canada and . and men were replaced with reinforcements beingIB Ferguson fed in as rotation CO of 3RAR from and a Reinforcement many officers Holding Unit in Japan. In July 1951,Lt Col FG Hassett (second from August with 3RAR conducting training left) being briefed in a forward weapon pit by courses28 Brigade for Support patrolling Coy’s specialist continued platoons. though Maj AFP Lukyn (OC D Coy) pointing and Lt J Crofts (IO) with glasses.

19 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

operationAt the end designedof August to 1951, provoke 28 Brigade an enemy was response. relieved byThis 25 resulted Brigade inand a number withdrew of 15clashes km south with theof the enemy Imjin and River. particularly In early September in artillery 3RAR and mortar crossed exchanges. the Imjin in a Battalion reconnaissance line as a bargaining chip for truce talks, commenced in earnest. In late September planning for , aimed at extending the UN front

The Battle for 6 Oct Maryang San: 3-7 October 1951 7 Oct 5 Oct which had been reinforced by the 1stIn Battalion early October Royal 1951, Northumberland 28 Brigade conducted an attack on a line of strategic 4 Oct hillsFusiliers held by (1RNF) at least from two regiments 29 Brigade of

The attack was named after the biggest ofChinese these Infantryhills and acrossbecame the known Imjin asRiver. the 3 Oct battle for Maryang San. The operation began on 3rd October with an assault on one of the other dominant features, Hill 355 (known as Kowang San or ‘Little Gibraltar’)

Company 3RAR and Centurion Tanks. by 1KOSB and 1 KSLI supported by C

OctoberIt took a beforedetermined the feature flanking was attack secured by byC Company 1 KOSB. (Maj J Gerke) early on 4th

At 0330 hrs on the 5th October, in heavy mist, 3RAR attacked Hill 317 (Maryang San) with A Company making a feint up a ridge running south east while B Company (Capt HW Nicholls and D Company (Maj J Hardiman) attacked from the east. At 1000 hrs, the mist began to lift, exposing the Australians advance. However, the Chinese troops briefly hesitated appreciatingbefore firing, thatwhich A Company allowed D (Capt Company JJ Shelton) to capture was now the thefirst main line focusof defences for the andenemy in several on Hill hours of fierce fighting then secured ‘Baldy’. As B and D Companies were now exhausted and it did with great speed and success. 317, CO 3RAR ordered C Company to pass through D Company and attack the feature which

At 0700 hrs on 6th October, 8 Platoon, C Company attacked and secured the feature to the north west of Hill 317. Then under orders from 28 Brigade to support the attack on Hill 217 by the Fusiliers, on 7th October B Company attacked through C Company to secure ‘The Hinge’. The enemy then subjected the 3RAR defenders all along the ridge from Hill 317 to The Hinge with massive and accurate artillery and mortar fire which continued all day

20 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 causing many casualties. That night the ‘The Hinge’ Hill 317 attacks especially against B Company Battalion had to repel enemy counter- attacks. During the battle, the Company which repulsed three battalion sized being resupplied by the Assault Pioneer Platoonused four and first Korean lines of Service ammunition, Corps porters as the battle raged. Overall, the

battalion fired some 900,000 rounds of oversmall 50,000 arms ammunition rounds in direct and 7000 support mortar of 3RAR.rounds while 16th Field Regiment fired The Brigade attack had advanced the Hill 317 viewed from ‘Little Gibraltar’. UN line by some 5 km. Enemy losses were about 1,000 killed with 100 prisoners. 3 RAR had destroyed most of a Chinese

Infantry Regiment but had lost 20 men killed and 100 wounded out of Brigade losses of 58 The Official Historian for the Korean War, Robert O’Neill, wrote of this battle: killed and 262 wounded. “In this action 3RAR had won one of the most impressive victories achieved by any Australian battalion. In five days of heavy fighting 3RAR dislodged a numerically superior enemy from a position of great strength. The Australians were successful in achieving surprise on 3 and 5 October, the company and platoon commanders responded skilfully to Hassett’s direction, and the individual soldiers showed high courage, tenacity and morale despite some very difficult situations, such as that of D Company when the mist rose on 5 October and those of B and C Companies when the weight of enemy fire threatened their isolation of Hill 317 on 7 October. The victory of Maryang San is probably the greatest single feat of the Australian Army during the Korean War.”

Honours Two DSOs Nine MCs Individual awards were: , to: Lt Col FG Hassett (CO) and Maj J Gerke (OC C Coy); Lt JHA Young, to: (who Capt tookJJ Shelton command (OC Aof Coy), D Coy Capt when HW the Nicholls Coy Comd (OC was B Coy), wounded) Capt ASR , Lt DoddrellLG Clark (2IC B Coy), Lt JC Hughes (4 Pl B Coy), Lt MB PearsTwo (7 DCMs Pl C Coy), to: L LtCpl AT J Burnett Pembroke (a Bren (8 Pl Gunner C Coy),

D(11 Coy).He Pl D Coy) had and previously Lt JD Stewart won a(2IC DCM Signals at Kapyong; Pl). 9 MMs to: Cpl JK Black (Sect Comd 11 Pl), Cplin C EF Coy) Bosworth and a Bar (Sect to SgtComd WJ 5Rowlinson Pl B Coy), (forSgt VJEcommanding Brown (who 12 tookPl when command Lt Young of 10became Pl when OC Lt G Leary was wounded), Sgt PJ O’Connell (B Coy),Cpl J Park (Sect Comd 5 Pl B Coy), Sgt AD

(B Coy medic). Purvis (2 Pl A Coy), WOII AG Stanley (CSM C Coy), Sgt RW Strong (B Coy) and Cpl TG Tunstall

21 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 After the Battle Much to the despair of the Australian battalion, the strategic positions that it had

afought few weeks so hard later to when claim, at least Hills two 317 Regiments (Maryang ofSan) Chinese and 217 attacked were recaptured the 1st Battalion by the Chinese Kings Own Scottish Borderers which by that time

The remaining fit men from 5 Platoon after was awarded the for his part in Maryang San, including: Sgt RN Parry who thatwas battle.defending Hill 317. Private W Speakman won an MM at Kapyong (wearing light coloured singlet), Cpl J Parks who won an MM at Maryang San (left of Parry with shaving suspended in August 1951 had recommenced Meanwhile the cease fire talks after being cream), Lt RJ McWilliam (left of Parks wearing dark singlet who was killed on 7 November by in October 1951 at Panmunjom. mortar fire) and Pte RJ Hellings (behind Parry Division consolidated its defensive position and Parks). on Inthe November Jamestown 1951 Line the a few 1st kilometres Commonwealth north

Brigade after a spell in reserve returned to the front line with 3RAR relieving 1st Battalion of the 38th Parallel. In January1952, the 28th San) where it remained for the next three months. 22nd Royal Canadian Regiment on the western slopes of ‘Little Gibraltar’ (Hill 355 or Kowang The Static War The static nature of this protracted defence byhad units not been rotating experienced through since the forward World War lines, I; positions were sited and re-sited many times wired and mined. The 1st Commonwealth Division’swith trenches front and extended bunkers over dug 10 and kilometres re-dug, with all three in the line, each with two battalions forward and one in reserve. The modus operandi of the Division was Left to right: Capt HW Nicholls; Maj J Gerke; to maintain its front and to dominate ‘no Lt Col FG Hassett, Maj AFP Lukyn; Lt IRW man’s land’ by way of continual offensive Brumfield; Lt JC Hughes; and Lt FP Scott. action. This was achieved through: intensive (Brumfield commanded 1RAR in Vietnam, Hughes 4RAR and Scott 3RAR). patrols by night; by conducting local raids of patrolling, especially fighting and ambush night from snipers, medium machine guns, mortars, artillery, tanks and close air support. up to company strength, to hinder enemy build-up; and, offensive harassing fire by day and Hill 227 This enemy held feature was virtually ‘under the nose’ of units that occupied the defences forward of Hill 355 (‘Little Gibraltar’) and although only lightly defended was used as a very effective Observation Post from its underground bunkers and tunnels.

22 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

Hill 227 3RAR right forward coy As 3RAR was to find out on 25th January 1952, the enemy was also able to counter Companyattack Hill commanded 227 very by quickly Lt Robin and Hone in greatwith astrength. platoon of At C 7Company pm that in night, reserve 12 successfully Platoon D attacked and secured the Hill and the feature to the west. The enemy quickly responded with heavy artillery, mortar and medium company attack from the north, west and southand light west machine which gun forced fire, the followed 3RAR platoonsby a two two stretcher bearers who had gone forward withto withdraw. a C Company The cost patrol was to7 killed recover (including bodies) and 9 wounded. View from Hill 210 (depth coy – see B Coy 1RAR on map below), looking over ‘The Bowling Alley’ to Hill 227. 1RAR Goes to War

Australia’s commitment to the war increased to two battalions when 1RAR (Lt Col I battalionHutchinson) of the joined Regiment, 3RAR 4RAR,in 28 hadBrigade been in raised April in 1952. Australia By this as a time depot also, (training) command battalion. of 28 Brigade had been passed to the first of three Australian officers, Brig Tom Daly and a fourth Brigade on the on ‘Little Gibraltar’. The next day the battalion came under 1RAR entered the fray on 19th June 1952 when it relieved a battalion of the 29th British Company’s position. The Troop Commander artillery fire with one shell hitting a Centurion tank of the 5th Dragoon Guards located in D killed and for his courage in responding, the D Companyand a NZ medical Artillery orderly, Forward Cpl ObserverEG Dowell were was

awarded anOperation MID. Blaze 2nd July 1952 conducted a daylight company raid on Hill In its first major operation, 1RAR several underground bunkers and to capture 227 to destroy the enemy garrison occupying was the assault company, reinforced by Assaulta prisoner. Pioneers A Company with Flame (Maj DSThrowers Thomson), and demolition explosives. Key personnel were also equipped with US Army ‘Body Armour’ (Flak Jackets). The attack was successful with the right Operation Blaze.

23 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

flank platoon, 2 Platoon (Lt AE Pearse) capturing bunkers known as ‘Dog Box’ from which it gave supporting fire to 1 Platoon (Lt GJ Lucas) on the left which moved over the crest of enemyHill 227 counter and quickly attacks. came No underprisoners heavy were mortar taken and but small most arms of the fire. bunkers After aboutwere destroyed.two hours Theof battle cost however,the Company was againwithdrew high withcovered 3 killed, by 3 1Platoon died of (Ltwounds DN Williams) and 31 wounded. which prevented For their

1 Platoon Section Commander , Cpl HE Patch a Silver Star and a Section Commander from 1 Platoon,part in the Cpl battle LE Taylor Major a Thomson,. Lt Lucas and Lt Williams were awarded a Military Cross, a

A War of Patrolling and committed to a dangerous routine of offensive patrolling by day and by night in dreadful For the remainder of 1952 both Australian battalions remained pretty much in the line sometimes support company platoons would deploy every night, weather permitting, and terrain and quite often, appalling weather. An ambush patrol from each rifle Company and usually comprised an officer or senior NCO and a section of men; fighting patrols were similarly arranged but were of a platoon or half platoon size. Occasionally, company size raids were also conducted, typical of which was Operation Buffalo. It occurred on the night of 13/14 August 1952, when B Company 3RAR (now commanded by Lt Col RL Hughes) successfully raided an enemy position though at a cost of 1 killed 24 wounded and 2 missing. The Company Commander, Capt RP Richardson was awarded a Military Cross, Cpl M Wilson, a Section Commander was awarded a Military Medal and Lt LB Zwolanski (OC 6 Platoon) a US Bronze Star for their part in the raid. Operation Fauna

directed that 1RAR (now commanded by Lt The Col M Commander Austin) raid 28 an Bde enemy (Brig position Tom Daly) to capture a prisoner and to disrupt enemy defensive preparations. Accordingly, on the

Assaultnight of Pioneer 10th December Platoon 1RAR, 1952 moved in freezing from theweather eastern B Company slopes of(Maj ‘Little AS Mann) Gibraltar’ and andthe after a silent approach of some 5 kilometres, assaulted the enemy defensive position known as ‘FLORA’. The attack coincided with an enemy battalion attack which had been predicted on

D Company 3RAR reinforced 1RAR during the1st ROKoperation Division and units a Platoon on 1RAR’s from Cright Company flank. Operation Fauna : 10th December 1952 1RAR company locations, the route taken by Company 1RAR passed on the way out and 3RAR occupied a firm base through which B B Company ( ) and the Chinese attacks back. The enemy was much stronger than on 1st ROK Division units ( ). was expected, with well planned defensive

artillery and mortar fire. For his expertise in

24 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 then extricating his company with first dealing with the situation and awarded a Distinguished Service Orderlight casualties, whilst Sgt Maj EJ MannMcNulty was a Platoon Sgt was awarded a Military Medal. This pattern of operations tralian battalions rotating to carried on into 1953 with Aus- River where reinforcements were receivedreserve positions and intensive near the training Imjin programmes conducted maintain ness. This was essential because oncecompanies back onto at the operational Jamestown readi- Line the companies went straight into patrolling of the enemy’s forward A Coy 3RAR Patrol 24/25 January 1953 Patrol Route 3RAR relieved 1RAR on Little Half Platoon Bases Gibraltarpositions. and In latethe storyDecember of one 1952, such Enemy Attacks heroismfighting of patrol the men: from A Company 3RAR (Maj JW Norrie) provides an illustration of the dangers met by such patrols and the The patrol was mounted on the night of 24/25 January 1953 with a plan of establishing two half platoon firm bases, one (the southern) commanded by the Patrol Commander (Lt FC Smith) and the other by Cpl FL Mackay. These were established by 9.45 pm and 10.05 pm and then a ‘snatch group’ of an NCO (Sgt EJ Morrison) and four moved from the northern firm base to the enemy position to capture a prisoner. The NCO entered the trench system and was challenged by two enemy whom he killed; a firefight then developed and the group withdrew calling in artillery. At that time a fierce fire fight opened at the southern firm base and in accordance with the patrol plan the ‘snatch group’ moved to the northern firm base as at that stage it was not in contact. By 11 pm it was clear that the southern firm base had been overrun by a company strength enemy force and the northern group commenced to withdraw back to A Company’s location. On the way the patrol was attacked by several platoon size enemy groups – see map. These attacks were driven off with heavy casualties due mainly to the leadership and sound battle craft displayed by Sgt Morrison and Cpl Mackay The patrol arrived back at 1.15 am 25th January. It is estimated that over 100 enemy had been killed but at a grave cost. Initial casualties were given as 1 killed, 12 wounded and 15 missing. Of the missing, 3 men returned the following afternoon after lying up all night amongst the enemy. However, of the 12 others missing, 6 were taken prisoner and 6 were killed, including the Patrol Commander. Sgt Morrison was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal, Cpl Mackay a Military Medal and Lt Smith a posthumous Mention in Despatches.

25 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

2RAR Arrives

and2RAR that (Ltevening Col GF sent Larkin) an advance arrived partyat Pusan forward on to 17th 1RAR March which 1953 was in Divisional reserve and waiting

March detachments from each 1, to be relieved by 2RAR. On 21st

2 and 3RAR paraded together for norththe first of Seoul.time on Brig the Daly 1RAR addressed parade theground parade at Camp and in Casey referring 25 Km to 3RAR, epitomised the battalion as “Old Faithful; always there when

On its way by train from Pusan needed”. Thus began the legend! bodyto Camp of 1RAR Casey heading on 22nd south March and the received a rousing welcome from the men going home. The 2RAR main body passed the main

1stbattalion Battalion, received The Royal300 officers Fusiliers and on men the fromJamestown 1RAR andLine. after Two 6 days weeks later of 3RARintensive relieved training, the including battalion and brigade level exercises, on the night of 4th/5th May, 2RAR relieved Aggressive patrolling was needed to gain control of ‘No Man’s Land’ from the enemy. From 1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry on ‘Little Gibraltar’. 5th May to 16th June 1953 each Platoon, conducted some thirty six patrols on the nearer spurs of Company positions, on the spurs of the enemy positions and in the valley separating the two battalions (called the Bowling Alley). The majority of these were fighting/ambush wirepatrols, gaps although each platoon individuals had to conducted provide a lie-upstanding patrols patrol to of gain usually vital anintelligence, NCO and fouror sniping, to give and there were usually reconnaissance patrols moving with the fighting patrols. At mine- enemy pressure. warning of any enemy activity or provide covering fire for any patrol withdrawing under

1Platoon A Company 2RAR ambush patrol briefing (right) and members posing for the camera (carrying Owen Guns).

26 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

protectiveOther patrols wire. The included patrol stand-byprogram was patrols exhausting, to come but to theit achieved assistance the very of any useful other result patrol of forcingin trouble, the enemyand escort back patrols to his own for Engineersdefensive positions.checking and maintaining the minefields and

The results of active patrolling might have been significant, but there was a cost in killed and wounded. In this 6 week period 2RAR lostEnemy 10 killed, Order 57 wounded of Battle and 3 July missing. 1953 The Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) that the 1st Commonwealth Division was primarily concerned with were the 45,500 strong 46th

Army. The latter was Mao’s own Army and CCF Army and the 33,200 strong 47th CCF

its combat efficiency was highly rated. Both Armies had three Infantry Divisions each hadwith between nine infantry them, battalions the equivalent organized of four in three regiments. Importantly, the Armies The Hook July 1953 – Samichon River right middle. Regiments, ie 72x105 mm howitzers, six Medium Artillery Regiments, Given the relative ease of ammunition resupplyie 108x122mm via internal howitzers lines of communication, and ten light Field this amount of artillery represented a substantial threatArtillery to the Regiments, Commonwealth 180x75/76mm troops. guns.

The Hook The Hook was a salient that commanded the approaches to inthe depth,junction allowed of the Samichon access to and an invasionImjin Rivers route which, to Seoul. if penetrated

Attacks on 29th British Brigade in May 1953 The most recent Chinese attacks on The Hook had occurred in May 1953; on the 9th against Successive Chinese Attacks on the night of 28th May 1953. May,1st Battalion when at least The one Black Regiment Watch and again on the night of 28th attacked the 1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (1DWR) and 1st Battalion The Kings Regiment (1Kings). After a virtual storm of defensive artillery fire (nearly 40,000 therounds battalion were was fired) a spent and aforce counter and had attack to be by replaced. 1Kings the position was held. However, the casualties suffered by 1DWR were so severe (24 killed, 105 wounded and 20 missing) that

27 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 The Divisional Commander longer strong enough to hold The Hook,recognised especially that 29 as Brigade the Chinese was no artillery had almost totally destroyed the defensive positions.

2RAR Becomes The Hook Battalion

28 Brigade, now commanded by Brig John Wilton, replaced 29 Brigade on 9th July with and2RAR 3RAR occupying occupying the left the forward depth position (where (where 1DWR 1 Kings had been) had been). The 1st Battalion Durham right forward battalion on the JamestownLight Infantry Line (1DLI) and was the the1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers (1RF) was the reserve battalion. 16 Field

Battery were in direct support as Regiment RNZA and 120 Light US Marine Regiment, with its 3rd Battalion the right forward unit. was B Squadron 1st Royal Tanks. In addition, the left flanking brigade was taken over by 7th Preparing the Defences

Initially 2RAR had to regain domination of the approaches to its company positions which it did by aggressive but very dangerous patrolling. Indeed by the time the main battle with the Chinese started on 24th July the Battalion had Standing Patrols forward of the main line of trenches which were able to direct massive artillery firepower very early andon the communications enemy approaches. (over By300 day Km and of signalby night cable for wasabout laid two by weeks hand). 2RAR, All this with was assistance achieved whilstfrom 3RAR, the patrol rebuilt battles the whole raged of and the enemy defensive shelling position; was atrenches, daily feature bunkers, of life. wire, For minefieldshis role in

Pioneer Platoon Commander was awarded the Military Cross. supervising these tasks, often under dangerous conditions, Lt POG Forbes, the 2RAR Assault The Chinese Assaults on 24 and 25 July 1953

By midday on 24th July a very heavy build-up of radio nets opposite 1st Commonwealth Division had been detected by Signals Intelligence sources. Most of the nets were mortar and artillery sub stations including a known 122mm Artillery Battalion. This indicated an attack of some size was about to occur. When the attacks began at about 8 pm, the CCF moved the main axis of attack to south west of The Hook feature to the areas of Hill 121 (C Company 2RAR), Hill 111 (H Company

28 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953

Marine’s main position. The enemy’s aim was3rd to Battalion, drive along 7th the Marine axis of Regt) the boundary and the between 1st Commonwealth Division and and break though to the south dashed arrow). The attack,

east (see map - preceded by heavy artillery and mortar fire, occurred on the nights of 24/25 and 25/26 attacksJuly though were: the night of the 24th was the more intense and better organized. The main Location of the D Coy 2RAR Standing Patrol 1. A two company diversionary attack on The on ‘Green Finger’. The feature to right middle Hook (D Company) to split defensive artillery was occupied by the Chinese. support; however, the attack suffered severely called down by a D Company Standing Patrol on the Green Finger spur; from defensive artillery, mortar and tank fire 2 on the Divisional Boundary which was occupied by a Section commanded by L Cpl KH Crockford.. A Battalion Both Group positions which held attacked their groundHill 121 calling (C Company) down massive and through artillery, the ‘Contactmortar and Bunker’ tank fire on the assaulting troops. Cpl Crockford was awarded a Military Medal and the CSM C 3. A battalion to take out the Marine right forward companies on and west of Hill 111. H Company, WO2 LE Moore an MBE; Sgt BC Cooper which held its position after the enemy had occupied Hill 111. Sgt Cooper was awardedCompany’s a Military position Medal; included a 2RAR Medium Machine Gun (MMG) Section commanded by 4. A Regimental attack on the US Marines’ position which, despite losing hundreds of dead and wounded, held its position against the enemy attack. quickly, accurately and intensely, were the main factors in denying the enemy the chance The resolute defence by 2RAR, plus the ability of the Divisional Artillery to respond so to break through the lines before the cease fire came into effect at 10pm estimatedon the 27th 3000 July. enemy The casualties dead piled suffered in rows byin frontthe enemy of the forwardwere appalling, trenches, especially whilst the from number the some 25,000 rounds of artillery fired during the battle. After the battle 2RAR observed an bearers could retrieve the dead and wounded. of enemy wounded was placed at some 10,000. It took several days before Chinese stretcher

LMG (Bren Gun) Bunker on Tunnel entrance to Inside the LMG Bunker ‘Green Finger’. LMG bunker. 5 metres underground.

29 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 War’s End Though the shooting war had ended, the Royal Australian Regiment however, was to remain to ensure the peace was maintained.

relieved by 1RAR which remained until April 2RAR remained until April 1954 when it was returned home in November 1954. 1956 whilst 3RAR, after four years, finally

especiallyWhile the in 1950 Korean and War1951 may was on not a scale have Troops from 2RAR depart The Hook after been a declared war, its battlefield intensity, the ceasefire on 27th July 1953 and below, message from Brig JGN Wilton, Comd 28 Bde similar to that which occurred in the World to the Bde’s units. War II battles for Europe. Furthermore, the fierce artillery exchanges that occurred during the defence and patrolling war in 1952 -53 was of the levels not seen since World War I. In thirty-seven months fighting the estimated casualties were 74,000 UN troops killed, more than 250,000 wounded and over 80,000 captured or missing. The majority of these were South Korean and US troops however, over dead300 Australians or wounded. were killed and over 1200 wounded, mostly officers and men of the Royal Australian Regiment. It is estimated that the Chinese and North Korean armies lost 1,350,000 The War’s Legacy

strategicallyDespite the and Korean operationally. War being often referred to as the ‘forgotten war’, it nevertheless influenced the role the Australian Army would have in the years following the war both Strategic Outlook

Australia’sThe War strategic had a significant outlook remainedinfluence focused in on ensuring South East Asia. At the time, the forefront of British attention was to the Middle East which, because of its oil reserves and possible Soviet involvement, had prompted the British Government to put pressure on Australia to support a substantial standing military force in the region. Given its United Nations imprimatur and US Military leadership, the Korean War allowed 30 A Potted History of the Royal Australian Regiment in the Korean War 1950-1953 Australia to take a legitimate role in the affairs of South East Asia whilst at the same time providing a catalyst for creating a stronger alliance with the US through the strategically

Operationalimportant ANZUS Implications Treaty.

hadIn only many been ways, raised the in 1948; Korean indeed War the provided capability the provided mould for by thebattle new, experienced post-World battalions War II ofAustralian the Regiment Regular allowed Army, Australian especially participationits combat spine in the – the Malayan Royal AustralianEmergency Regiment shortly after - which the

Borneo and Vietnam. Korean War with 2RAR (and HQ 28 Brigade) and a few years later, with other battalions in A Truly Brave Army

menThe of Koreanthe Royal War Australian was fought Regiment in the most that difficultnot only of did terrain, they boldly appalling confront weather the conditionschallenge, and inevitably, against a tenacious and numerically superior enemy. It is testament to the resolute, brave and daring as any warrior has been in the history of warfare. Many of the men but on most occasions won the day; these men, especially from 3RAR in 1950-51, were as were battle-hardenedso good that observers veterans thought of WWII they whose must close be using quarter automatic combat weapons. skills were outstanding. Legend has it that the riflemen’s’ musketry skills with the bolt action .303 Lee Enfield rifle

Importantly, the Regiment’s junior NCO’s were highly trained, were men of great courage Theand men initiative of these and Battalions their leadership were truly contributed brave. substantially to the successes of the rifle companies. That this was so, was dramatically demonstrated in 2RAR’s action at The Hook.

Duty First

31 about leaving Korea, echoing the feelings many Korean Veterans would carry with them forever.Private P. J. “Banjo” Paterson, 1 RAR (1952-53 and 1954-55) wrote the following poem

To the Boys we leave behind us SO LONG, DIGGER Yes, we’re going back to Aussie, Mate. We’re off to Aussie, Feller, And we’re going to march again. And we hate to leave you here. And we’ll try to make it a better place, Gawd, we didn’t think we’d part like this So you won’t have died in vain. When we started out last year. And while the band is playing Remember the march through Sydney? Our marches, old and new, We were really glad that day. We’ll swing along there proudly, We were “going to Korea” Knowing you are marching too, And it had to end this way. Yes, you’ll always march beside us, And the days we spent on the Devonshire And when our time is through Our first long voyage by ship – We’ll muster on that “Last Parade” We laughed and joked, not dreaming To march again with you. That this was your ‘one-way trip’. It’s still hard to believe that it’s happened That you’ll march with us no more That you’ve ‘grounded Arms’ forever, And have fought your last cruel war.

Australian War Graves at Pusan.