The Forgotten War

K2378: In camp with Kiwi Hill in the background, Korea.

The Korean War began on 25 June 1950, when the Communist North Korea invaded the South, and New Zealand was one of the first countries to answer the United Nations call with combat assistance.

Following WWII and the Japanese surrender, Korea was divided at the 38th Parallel, and by 1947 effectively become two countries, Communist North Korea and the pro-Western South. The 38th Parallel is the name given to latitude 38° N that in East Asia roughly demarcated North Korea and South Korea. When the United Nations (UN) called for elections to be held throughout the peninsula by 31 March 1948, North Korea first refused to co-operate and then in June 1950, invaded South Korea.

K2214: On the move, Korea.

North Korea’s invasion of South Korea on 25 June 1950 led to a decision by the UN Security Council to drive the North Korean People’s Army back over the 38th Parallel by force if they did not withdraw voluntarily. North Korea did not withdraw. New Zealand responded quickly to the United Nation’s appeal to support South Korea, first sending two Navy frigates and then an artillery unit as the basis for a 1100 strong contribution known as ‘Kayforce’ (K Force) to serve as part of a multinational force. As well as the artillery regiment (16 Field Regiment), a transport company, a light aid detachment, and a signals troop were sent. Kayforce departed New Zealand on 10 December and reached Pusan, in southern Korea, on 31 December 1950. The contingent was attached to the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade which included two British and one Australian battalion.

K2252: Digging-in, Korea.

In April 1951, the gunners played a vital role in the Battle of Kapyong when the Chinese mounted a major attack aimed at Seoul. The Kiwis, stripped to the waist, sweated over their smoking, paint-blistered guns, firing over 10,000 rounds virtually continuously, supporting both the Australian and Canadian infantry as they successfully fought off repeated assaults. For their brave efforts, the regiment received a South Korean Presidential Unit Citation.

In October 1951, Kayforce was expanded to 1500 men and as the war progressed a stalemate emerged and the Kiwi forces settled into static warfare similar to the bloody trench warfare on the Western Front in World War I, especially when the freezing, harsh winter set in.

By the end of the war, the gunners had fired 796,906 rounds, the drivers had clocked up 9.6 million kilometres, and Kayforce had enhanced the already fine reputation of New Zealand soldiers.

K2523: Men of 16 Field Regiment RNZA, Korea.

An armistice on 27 July 1953 finally brought an end to the fighting, and Kayforce was gradually reduced with the last men departing in 1957. However, no peace settlement was achieved, and technically armistice arrangements are still in effect to this day. Overshadowed by the end of WWII and as the conflict was confined to the Korean peninsula, New Zealand (and the world to some extent), “forgot” about it. Kayforce became a forgotten force, and the Korean War became a forgotten war. 

The cost for New Zealand: 45 men died (33 on active service), one was taken prisoner, and 79 were wounded.

Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou
We will remember them

K2541: Quad Trucks and 25 Pounders, Korea.

K2371: NZ Gunners with 25 Pounders, Korea.