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Friday, March 29, 2024

Remembering the Battle of Kapyong 70 years on

Yesterday marked the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong.

The Battle of Kapyong is remembered as an important battle of the Korean War, where Australian, Commonwealth and other United Nations Command forces combined to halt a communist advance on the South Korean capital, Seoul.

In late April, the Chinese launched their offensive in order to retake the South Korean capital of Seoul. Quickly overrunning the South Korean forces who were defending one of the major approach routes, the Chinese continued along to the Kapyong River where they were confronted by Commonwealth troops who had hastily occupied defensive positions to attempt to halt the advance.

On 23 April, the Battle of Kapyong began with Australian and Canadian forces occupying hills on either side of the Kapyong Valley. Retreating South Korean forces streamed past early in the evening, with Chinese forces close behind. It became apparent that the Kapyong Valley was too large an area to defend with available forces.

The fighting continued throughout the night and the next day. Late on 24 April, the Australian troops were forced into a fighting withdrawal to a rear defensive position.

After finding the Canadian positions too formidable, the Chinese made no further attacks.

On Anzac Day 1951, the Australians rested after a long fight.

There were more than 30 Australians killed, and over 50 wounded. Australian and Canadian battalions both received United States Presidential Distinguished Unit Citations for their part in the battle.

Read more about the battle on Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs Anzac Portal – The Battle of Kapyong, 23–25 April 1951 – Anzac Portal (dva.gov.au).

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