History Browser

Beginning in mid-October, as a reaction to Operation Commando, the Chinese mounted a series of attacks which continued, with increasing intensity, into November. On the night of November 2-3, the enemy attacked the centre of the Canadian front held by "A" and "C" Companies of the Royal Canadian Regiment.

The 2nd Royal Canadian Regiment's operation, which was to attack Kakhul-Bong and Chail-li, began early in the morning of May 30, 1951. "A", "B" and "C" companies reached their objectives with relative ease, but "D" Company met strong resistance and suffered casualties from enemy machine-gun fire.

On 24 and 25 April 1951, the 2nd Battalion of the 'Princess Pats' fought day and night to repel repeated attacks on Kap'yong by the Chinese 118th Division. This action stopped the Chinese advance on Seoul, the Korean capital. Impressed by such gallantry and tenacity, the U.S. president awarded the battalion the American Distinguished Unit Citation, which it has worn ever since. (United States Army Center of Military History, Washington)

From April 22 to May 1, 1951, the Canadians in the action at Kapyong had maintained their position - vital to the brigade defence - while at the same time inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. For their gallant stand during this battle, the 2nd Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and the 3rd Royal Australian Regiment received the United States Presidential Citation.

Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter was tested by the conflict in Korea. Canada agreed to help the South Koreans and sent destroyers and transport aircraft. An Army Special Service Force was recruited outside the regular army, to serve in Korea. After the initial tour of the Special Service Force, all of the regular force battalions would rotate to Korean for active combat.

Since early September 1952 the Royal Canadian Regiment had guarded Hill 355 in South Korea. For the first three days of October, RCR suffered heavy bombardment primarily on Area II, between Hill 355 and Hill 227 and again during October 17 and 22. When "B" Company took over the area on October 22, it found the defences badly damaged, telephone wires cut and weapon pits caved in. On October 23, the enemy attacked.

During the Korean War battle known as Hill 355, the Royal 22nd Regiment defend a UN position and save American lives.