Korean War
The Korean War began 25 June 1950, when North Korean armed forces invaded South Korea. The war’s combat phase lasted until an armistice was signed 27 July 1953. As part of a United Nations (UN) force, 26,791 Canadian military personnel served in the Korean War, during both the combat phase and as peacekeepers afterward. After the two world wars, Korea remains Canada’s third-bloodiest overseas conflict, taking the lives of 516 Canadians and wounding more than 1,200.
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May 01, 1948 ce - May 01, 1948 ce
Korean War
North and South Korea Split
The Korean peninsula was liberated from Japanese occupation by both Soviet and American armed forces, late in the Second World War. The Soviets, Americans, and their Korean supporters could not agree on the country’s form of government. While the UN oversaw democratic elections in South Korea, the Soviet Union forbade them in the North.
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August 15, 1948 ce - August 15, 1948 ce
Korean War
North and South Korea Were Established
The Western-backed Republic of Korea (South), and communist-backed Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North) were established.
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June 25, 1950 ce - June 25, 1950 ce
Korean War
North Korea Invaded South Korea
At dawn, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea crossed the 38th parallel behind artillery fire, invading the Republic of Korea.
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June 28, 1950 ce - June 28, 1950 ce
Korean War
Pearson Replies to the Invasion of South Korea
Secretary of State for External Affairs Lester Pearson called for a Canadian response to the invasion of the Republic of Korea through the United Nations and under US military leadership.
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August 07, 1950 ce - August 07, 1950 ce
Korean War
Canada Expanded Its Presence in the Korean War
Prime Minister Louis St-Laurent announced the creation of a Canadian Army Special Force, later named the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group to serve under the United Nations in Korea.
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October 01, 1950 ce - October 01, 1950 ce
Korean War
China Entered the Korean War
By the end of October 1950, thousands of Chinese soldiers crossed the Yalu River into North Korea, driving UN forces back south.
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November 01, 1950 ce - November 01, 1950 ce
Korean War
Canadian Troops Departed for Korea
The first contingent of Canadian troops, the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, departed Canada for Korea.
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December 01, 1950 ce - December 01, 1950 ce
Korean War
Canadians Evacuated Americans in Korea
The Canadian HMCS Cayuga and HMCS Athabaskan assisted in the evacuation of 7,700 US troops trapped in the port of Chinnamp'o, on the west coast of the Korean peninsula.
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December 18, 1950 ce - December 18, 1950 ce
Korean War
First Canadian Troops Arrive in Korea
The first Canadian battalion (the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry) arrived in Busan, South Korea. Earlier that month, UN troops withdrew from Pyongyang as Communist troops reoccupied the North Korean capital.
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April 22, 1951 ce - April 22, 1951 ce
Korean War
The Battle of Kapyong
Canadian troops fought at the Battle of Kapyong, which began when Communist forces launched a major offensive on 22 April. For two days, a battalion of roughly 700 Canadian troops (2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry) defended a crucial hill against a force of about 5,000 Chinese soldiers.
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November 22, 1951 ce - November 22, 1951 ce
Korean War
Battle of Hill 355
The Royal Canadian Regiment, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, and the Royal 22eRégiment defended the front lines at Hill 355, pushing back heavy assaults for three days.
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May 25, 1952 ce - May 25, 1952 ce
Korean War
Koje-Do Incident
North Korean and Chinese prisoners rebelled and seized an American prisoner of war camp at Koje-Do (now Geojedo). At the request of the US military, Canadian troops helped recapture the prison. The deployment of Canadian troops without the Canadian government’s consent resulted in a public diplomatic protest to the US government.
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October 22, 1952 ce - October 22, 1952 ce
Korean War
Battle of Kowang-San
In a battle that lasted 33 hours, the Royal Canadian Regiment held its position against an advancing Chinese force. As a result of the action at Kowang-San, soldiers of the Battalion won three Military Crosses and four Military Medals for gallantry.
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May 02, 1953 ce - May 02, 1953 ce
Korean War
Battle of Hill 187
The Canadian Army’s last major battle of the Korean War was fought, in which the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment endured constant enemy shellfire and wave upon wave of assaults on their positions.