Australia's remarkable role in helping turn history's 'forgotten war'
Australia's remarkable role in helping turn history's 'forgotten war'
Late that month, the Chinese language military launched a lightning offensive within the Kapyong Valley with the purpose to recapture the strategically very important metropolis of Seoul and win the Korean Struggle.
After shortly over-running South Korean forces who have been defending the valley, they encountered Commonwealth troops - together with troopers from the third Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (RAR).
Australian troopers helped repel a serious offensive by Chinese language troopers through the Battle of Kapyong.
The battle started for the Diggers on April 23, 1951, and was fought in chilly circumstances over troublesome terrain.
The Australian squaddies have been repeatedly attacked by way of the night time and into the subsequent day they usually have been pressured to withdraw after having slowed the momentum of the Chinese language advance.
In the course of the subsequent two days, the Chinese language assaults shifted to the positions held by Canadian troops, however with the assistance of New Zealand artillery and US tank models, they have been capable of halt the enemy advance.
At Kapyong, the Australians, and different UN forces had gained a decisive victory. Seoul was saved from falling as soon as once more into communist arms, and wouldn't be threatened once more for the rest of the conflict.
However the battle got here at nice value for the defenders: The Australians had 32 males killed, 59 wounded and three taken prisoner; the Canadians suffered 10 fatalities and 23 wounded; the New Zealanders misplaced two males and three People have been additionally killed.
The Australian and Canadian battalions have been every awarded a United States Presidential Unit Quotation for his or her half within the battle.
Overshadowed by longer, extra pricey battles waged in Vietnam and the Center East because the 1950s - Korea is usually considered the 'forgotten warfare'.
In all, 339 Australian troopers, sailors and airmen fought and died within the battle, with one other 1216 wounded.
However South Korea continues to honour the sacrifice of the 18,000 Australians and different UN army personnel who served.
"The braveness of Australian troopers preventing in a overseas land to safeguard freedom is worthy of remembrance. Their sacrifice is one thing current and future generations of Koreans and Australians shouldn't overlook, for it is a vital a part of our shared historical past."
Curator Bradley Manera, of Sydney's Anzac Memorial, says the exhibition goals to spotlight the particular hyperlink between Australia and South Korea.
"Over the many years, the Korean Conflict has slipped from public consciousness. This exhibition can be a well timed reflection on its significance and the way it cast an unbreakable hyperlink between Australia and Korea," he stated.
"Forward of Anzac Day, lest we overlook the Australian troopers' innumerable honours and legacy."
The exhibition runs till July 2, 2021.
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