KOREAN WAR ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIONS BOOSTED

Activities to commemorate Korean War veterans, around the 57th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong and 55  years since the end of the Korean War in 2008, will be boosted by a $50,000 Australian Government grant announced today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson.

Mr Billson said the funding would assist the Royal Australian Regiment Association in South Australia to host ‘The Last Great Hurrah’ during April-May 2008 in Adelaide — a range of activities and events to remember the actions and sacrifices of Australians in Korea,.

"The planned events include a commemorative service on 24 April, a new book of Korean War photographs, memorabilia displays, oral histories and a special reunion," Mr Billson said.

"Other activities being planned in cooperation with other organisations will provide a better understanding within the wider community of the contribution and experiences of our Korean War veterans.

"Sadly, Korean War veterans are becoming fewer so it is possible this may be their last major national reunion.

"More than 17,000 Australians served in Korea, including 340 who lost their lives, more than 1200 who were wounded and 29 taken prisoner of war.  During the Battle of Kapyong 32 Australians died, 59 were wounded and three became prisoners of war."

At the Battle of Kapyong a Chinese infantry division of some ten thousand men, with orders to advance on Seoul was opposed by less than two thousand Commonwealth servicemen.  They included the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR); the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry; and the 1st Battalion Middlesex Regiment, supported by the 16th Field Regiment of the Royal New Zealand Artillery and the United States 72nd Tank Battalion.

On the first night of battle, 3RAR bore the brunt of the Chinese attack, but held on with tenacious defence until they could safely withdraw the next day.  The support of the New Zealand artillery and their accurate fire, at times only 50 metres from the Australian rearguard, was critical to the safe withdrawal. 

The Canadian positions were attacked all the next day, but aided by artillery they repelled the Chinese, and the offensive ground to a halt.  3RAR, the Canadian Battalion and ‘A’ Company of the US 72nd Tank Battalion received United States Presidential Unit Citations.

"Providing this grant to support commemorative activities can help younger generations of Australians learn about the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women during the Korean War," Mr Billson.

Media inquiries: Cameron Hill  0408 239 521