Canowindra RSL Sub Branch is paying tribute to the soldiers’ of the Korean War 1950 – 1953, aka “The Forgotten War”.
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It is clear that the Australian Army's service in Korea enhanced its reputation with allies, thereby strengthening Australia's modest leverage in security co-operation with the United States and Britain in the 1950s and 60s, before the Vietnam conflict put the Korean War into its shadow.
Over 17,000 Australians served during the Korean War, of which 340 were killed and over 1,500 were wounded. A further 29 had become prisoners of war.
Air force units
30 Communications Unit RAAF, 77 Squadron RAAF, 91 Composite Wing RAAF, 391 Base Squadron RAAF, 491 (Maintenance) Squadron RAAF.
Infantry units
1 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, 3 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.
Armistice
The armistice was signed at 10 am on 27 July 1953.
Sporadic fighting continued throughout the day, but as evening fell the guns fell silent.
The armistice came into effect at 10 pm, ending three years, one month, and two days of war in Korea.
The end came so suddenly that some soldiers took some convincing that the fighting was really over.
The former belligerent nations each withdrew two kilometres in accordance with the armistice agreement, forming the Demilitarized Zone which still exists today.
Australian Forces remained in Korea as part of the multi-national peacekeeping force until 1957.
Lest We Forget
Publicity Officer for the Canowindra RSL Sub Branch
Jenny Weaver
