Battle of The Hook - Aftermath

Aftermath

Chinese casualties were estimated at 1,050 killed and over 800 wounded. Of these, 167 were actually counted. There were probably many others unseen, perhaps accounting for the casualty figure of approximately 2,000 published elsewhere.

The 'Dukes' suffered 3 officers and 17 other ranks killed, 2 officers and 84 other ranks wounded, with 20 men missing. There were other casualties from other supporting units listed below. In addition, there were a further 50 casualties from artillery and mortar attacks between 10 May and 28 May.

Casualties from other supporting units:

• 20th Field Regiment RA = 2 men killed, 4 wounded.
• 61st Light Regiment RA = 1 man killed, 7 wounded.
• 1st Battalion King's Regiment = 7 men wounded.
• 1st Battalion Black Watch = 1 man wounded (attached to 1DWR)
• KATCOMs = 1 man killed.
• Total UN casualties = 24 killed, 105 wounded, 20 missing = 149 total.

For their action, the Duke of Wellington's Regiment was awarded the Battle Honour The Hook 1953. Later, the 1st Battalion's Headquarter Company was renamed "Hook Company".

Shortly after on 2 June 1953, to mark the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II the division's artillery fired red, white and blue smoke shells onto the Chinese lines (a "feu de joie"), followed by a salute from Centurion tanks which fired HE shells onto a single target.