RAPC Virtual Museum
KOREA
The Korean War was a war between North Korea (with the support of China and the Soviet Union) and South Korea (with the principal support of the United States).
The war began on 25 June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea following a series of clashes along the border. The United Nations, with the United States as the principal force, came to the aid of South Korea. China came to the aid of North Korea, and the Soviet Union also gave some assistance to the North.
As a product of the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States, Korea was split into two regions with separate governments. Both claimed to be the legitimate government of all of Korea, and neither accepted the border as permanent. The conflict escalated into open warfare when North Korean forces—supported by the Soviet Union and China—moved into the south on 25 June 1950. The United Nations Security Council authorized the formation and dispatch of UN forces to Korea to repel what was recognized as a North Korean invasion. Twenty-one countries of the United Nations eventually contributed to the UN force, with the United States providing around 90% of the military personnel.
From 22 to 25 of April 1951 around 750 men of the Gloucestershire Regiment fought a force of over 10,000 Chinese regular troops at the battle of Imjin River. Towards the end of the battle 'The Glosters' were completely surrounded and running out of ammunition. Some men were reduced to fighting with bayonets and fists. Against overwhelming odds they held the line against the Chinese for four days.
When they were finally given the order to break out only 40 men managed to reach safety. The Chinese captured or killed the rest. The Gloucestershire Regiment's actions in delaying the Chinese allowed the rest of the United Nations forces time to regroup and block the advance of the enemy towards the South Korean capital Seoul.
Roll call of survivors of the Gloucestershire Regiment after the Battle of Imjin River, 1951
© NAM. 1989-01-19-3
The fighting ended on 27 July 1953, when an armistice was signed. The agreement created the Korean Demilitarized Zone to separate North and South Korea, and allowed the return of prisoners. However, no peace treaty has been signed, and according to some sources the two Koreas are technically still at war, engaged in a frozen conflict. In April 2018, the leaders of North and South Korea met at the demilitarized zone and agreed to sign a treaty by the end of the year to formally end the Korean War. (Wikipedia)
