The battle of kapyong
Events during the battleApril 1951, the Chinese launched a spring offensive aiming to retake the city of Seoul. They quickly overran South Korean forces defending the valley of Kapyong. On the 23rd of April 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Ferguson along with the 2nd Battalion, Princes Patricia's Canadian Light infantry occupied prominent hills on either side of the 7km wide valley.
After the retreat of the South Koreans, 3 RAR was quickly overrun. Throughout the night the Chinese repeatedly pressed Australian forces by attacking in waves. At dawn a company under the command of Major Bernard 'Ben' O'Dawd found that the Chinese had infiltrated their position but was able to eject them with a counterattack . Major O'Dawd's radio operator contacted the American 1st Marine Division but the operator refused to believe who they said they spoke for. Major O'Dawd took the phone demanding to speak to the commanding officer who then told him that his company didn't exist as they had been wiped out the night before. In a very Australian way Major O'Dawd replied "I've got news for you, we are still here and we are staying here".
Fighting continued on during the day with Australians holding their positions until late 24th April their position became untenable and were forced to withdraw down the valley where they rejoined a Brigade. 25th April the Chinese realised the Allies position was unassailable and stopped attacking, the Australians were finally able to rest.
|