The Korean War

New Zealand’s 1056-man Kayforce arrived at Pusan, South Korea, on New Year’s Eve 1950. It was part of the United Nations’ ‘police action’ to repel North Korea’s invasion of its southern neighbour.

The New Zealanders joined the 27th British Commonwealth Infantry Brigade and saw action for the first time in late January 1951. Thereafter they took part in the operations in which the UN forces fought their way back to and across the 38th Parallel, recapturing Seoul in the process.

In April 1951 the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, which had intervened to save North Korea from defeat, launched its Fifth Phase Offensive. The 27th British Commonwealth Brigade fought a successful defensive battle against a Chinese division at Kap’yong, filling a gap in the UN line caused by the collapse of a South Korean division. The Royal New Zealand Artillery’s 16 Field Regiment played a vital supporting role for 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and the Canadian 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry, from 23 to 25 April.

In all, about 4700 men served in Kayforce and 1300 in Royal New Zealand Navy frigates during the seven years of New Zealand’s involvement in Korea. Forty-five men lost their lives in this period, 33 of them during the war (of whom two were RNZN personnel).

‘First New Zealander killed in battle in Korean War’, URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/first-nzer-killed-battle-korean-war, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 5-Nov-2020

The New Zealand Korea Roll

Honouring Those Who Served in the New Zealand Armed Forces in Korea 1950–1957

Follow the link above to see this amazing piece of work from Howard Chamberlain.

This roll is an attempt to list, with brief notes, all those who served in the war. This roll is not intended in any way to provide an exhaustive résumé of each or any man’s service. At best a thumbnail sketch is all that is intended. It is a small tribute to New Zealanders who served in Korea either in an active service role until 1954 or as part of the garrison troops until 1957, and a record of medals (where possible) that have been awarded to individuals.