The New Zealand Korea Roll

Honouring Those Who Served in the

New Zealand Armed Forces in Korea 1950–1957

by

Howard Chamberlain

Edited by PDF Cooke

2nd Revised Edition 2024

Introduction

On a peninsula of disputed claims for sovereignty, the Korean War started with an invasion of the south from the north on 25 June 1950. The north was assisted by the Communist world and the south by the West. The United Nations co-ordinated the defence assistance for the south, headed by US forces. New Zealand became of one of 15 nations to offer military aid. The New Zealand Government formed an Emergency Force (soon renamed K-Force or Kayforce) based around a regiment of field artillery and support services. Hurriedly trained, the Kayforce Main Body departed by sea on 10 December 1950. It was expanded in August 1951 and was augmented by deployment of ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy. An armistice in July 1953 saw active combat cease, and NZ maintained a reduced presence in Korea until July 1957.

The two-volume history New Zealand and the Korean War by Ian McGibbon (Oxford University Press in association with the Historical Branch, Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington,1992-96) is the primary reference regarding New Zealand’s efforts during that conflict. New Zealand and the Korean War is a must read for anyone interested in the role New Zealand played during the Korean War. In contrast this New Zealand Korean Roll is an attempt to list with brief notes the men who served in New Zealand units in Koprea.

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.

The tables below should be read in conjunction with the documents above and the Appendices below as these all form part of an understanding of the whole Roll.

You can search the tables via the top search bar (just enter the information you are after) or via individual column headings seen at the base of each table. To clear the search just delete the information you have entered.

NZ Korea War Roll A-L

NZ Korea War Roll M-Z

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