Honouring Korean veterans on the anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong
Today marks the anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong, a key moment in the Korean War for Australian forces, when they helped stop advancing Chinese forces.
In April 1951, the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) was positioned in the Kapyong Valley as part of a United Nations (UN) force defending against an advance by communist forces towards Seoul, the South Korean capital.
The Chinese forces assaulted the UN defensive positions and, during the night of 23/24 April, wave after wave of troops attacked the Australian positions. By morning elements of the Australian battalion had to withdraw, with some cut off up to four kilometres behind the most forward Chinese troops.
The Australians continued to resist throughout the day but late in the afternoon 3RAR was forced to make a fighting withdrawal under very difficult conditions and rejoin the remainder of the Commonwealth Brigade late in the day.
On 25 April, the focus of the Chinese attack shifted to the positions held by the Canadian forces, who were able to deflect them with the assistance of a New Zealand artillery regiment, whose fire had recently supported the Australians.
By the afternoon of 25 April, the Chinese at Kapyong were exhausted and made no further attacks. The Commonwealth forces’ efforts had halted the Chinese advance.
The Battle of Kapyong was costly, with the loss of 32 Australians, 59 wounded and three taken prisoner.
Each year on 24 April, we pause to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all those who served in the Battle of Kapyong, and those who served in the Korean War. Lest we forget.
Image: An army jeep crossing one of the river fords to reach the position of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), in Korea, April 1951. AWM