26,791 Becomes ROK's Shield
We remember the 26,791 Canadian war veterans, who displayed courage and sacrifice in South Korea
HMCS CayugaUnited Nations Peace Memorial
Although Canada did not have much at stake in Northeast Asia, including the Korean Peninsula, it paid close attention to North Korea’s invasion of South Korea and expressed strong support for the measures taken by the US and the United Nations, as a UN member. The Canadian government’s intention to send troops immediately played a leading part in drawing the support and participation from other UN member.
A Canadian military chaplain ringing a cannonball bellUnited Nations Peace Memorial
The Canadian government’s intention to send troops immediately played a leading part in drawing the support and participation from other UN member.
Canada dispatched navy, air force and army to the Korean War--in that order. On the 4th of July, the Canadian navy selected three of the destroyers that were preparing for a tour of Europe. The three destroyers, Athabaskan, Cayuga and Sioux, entered the Korean waters on July 30, and took up their missions while attached to the US Far East Command. Starting with covering the US force transport ship on July 31, they were tasked with maritime patrol, maritime blockade, coastal bombardment and assisting landing operations.
Brigadier Rockingham watches the battalion's soldiers boarding the ship.United Nations Peace Memorial
After the Canadian government decided to engage in the war, the army formed the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade under the command of Brigadier General Rockingham. Canada reconsidered participating in the war when the UN forces advanced north and the war was expected to end early, but when the war situation turned unfavorable, the 2nd Battalion of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) and the main force of the Canadian were arrived at Busan.
Recruiting the Special ForceUnited Nations Peace Memorial
On August 17, 1950, as the Korean crisis deepened, the Canadian government authroized the recruitment of the Canadian Army Special Force. Many of the recruits like the young men in the picture were veterans of the Second World War and yet volunteered a second time to fight.
Across the Ocean to KoreaUnited Nations Peace Memorial
At the end, Canada sent a total of 26,791 soldiers to Korea, dispatching the third largest number of troops to Korea, behind the US and the United Kingdom. It was also recorded as one of the four countries that sent all the branches of military forces--the army, the navy and the air force.
In addition to climbing steep hillsides, the Patricias also had to cross rice paddies and streams during their March advance.United Nations Peace Memorial
April 23, 1951, was the day that saw the beginning of the Battle of Kapyong, the most famous battle fought by the Canadian forces in the Korean War. The battle started as the communist Chinese army blocked the UN forces in the west and east and rapidly advanced toward Kapyong to attack the Australians.
Advancing against the retreating Chinese as part of the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, the Patricias are seen passing a Korean village in March 1951.United Nations Peace Memorial
Advancing against the retreating Chinese as part of the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, the Patricias are seen passing a Korean village in March 1951.
Medical EvacuationUnited Nations Peace Memorial
The Canadian Battalion suffered 10 deaths and 23 injuries but successfully defended the highlands, securing a victory in the Battle of Kapyong. This became one of the most exemplary battles fought by UN forces, and the US government awarded the Presidential Unit Citation to the Canadian battalion for their contribution to the victory.
The American Ambassador to Canada formally presents the United States Presidential Unit Citation to the 2nd PPCLI in recognition of its victory at the Battle of Kapyong fought in April 1951.United Nations Peace Memorial
Recongnition, a Good Day!United Nations Peace Memorial
The Hope and Joy of All Soldiers - Going HomeUnited Nations Peace Memorial
The Hope and Joy of All Soldiers - Going Home
Personnel of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, preparing to return to Canada, Korea, February 1952.
Ted Zuber served in the Korean War as a sniper of the Royal Canadian Regiment. He carried a sketchbook to draw and record what he saw. His sketches from the battlefield evolved into “Korean War Memoirs,” and 13 pieces of them are now housed in the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa. His most famous work, “Holding at Kap’ong” depicts the besieged soldiers of the 2nd Battalion of the PPCLI receiving an airdrop of supplies from US forces. He later became an official war artist.
FreezeUnited Nations Peace Memorial
Freeze
Freeze(Ted Zuber, 1978)
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
Canadian War Museum, 19890328-012
Holding at KapyongUnited Nations Peace Memorial
Holding at Kapyong
Holding at Kapyong(Ted Zuber, 1978)
Canadian War Museum, 19900084-001
(Courtesy of the Zuber Family)
Some KVA Unit 7 PortraitsUnited Nations Peace Memorial
Great heroes
Korea will remember the 26,791 Canadian war veterans, who displayed courage and sacrifice in South Korea forever.
ⓒ Canadian Embassy in Korea, Veterans Affairs Canada, The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs(ROK), Gapyeong Gun, Canada War Museum
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