Timeline of Australian Involvement in Korea
1950 |
- 25 June 1950 – North Korean Army crosses 38th parallel north, invading South Korea.
- 25 June 1950 – United Nations drafts UNSC Resolution 82 calling for cessation of hostilities, and withdrawal of North Korean forces. Australia endorses resolution and offers military assistance.
- 29 June 1950 – RAN frigate HMAS Shoalhaven, and destroyer HMAS Bataan, are dispatched to Korea.
- 2 July 1950 – RAAF P-51D Mustangs begin their first ground attack sorties in Korea.
- 28 September 1950 – 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment arrive in Pusan, South Korea to provide Australia's main land force contribution, and is attached to the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade.
- October, 1950 – During the Landing at Wonsan HMAS Warramunga provided gunfire support during the landing of U.S. X Corps.
- October, 1950 – UN forces drive the North Korean Army back beyond the 38th parallel, and continue to pursue them.
- 19 October 1950 – UN forces, including 3RAR, capture Pyongyang.
- 19 October 1950 – Chinese forces enter North Korea, joining the war on North Korea's side.
- 25 October 1950 – First contact between UN and Chinese forces.
- 5 November 1950 – Battle of Pakchon involving 3RAR is fought, resulting in a UN forces victory.
- 26 November – 13 December 1950 – Battle of Chosin Reservoir is fought, resulting in first Chinese victory.
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1951 |
- April 1951 – No. 77 Squadron RAAF is withdrawn to Japan to be refitted with Gloster Meteor jet fighters.
- 22–25 April 1951 – Battle of Kapyong involving 3RAR is fought, resulting in a decisive UN victory.
- July 1951 – No. 77 Squadron RAAF returns to air combat duties in Korea with Gloster Meteor jet fighters.
- July 1951 – Commonwealth forces in Korea form the 1st Commonwealth Division.
- October 1951 – Aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney arrives in Korean waters where she will launch over 2,700 sorties over Korea, losing 9 aircraft with 3 pilots killed.
- October 1951 – Battle of Maryang San (Operation Commando) involving 3RAR is fought, resulting in UN victory.
- December 1951 – Gloster Meteors from No. 77 Squadron RAAF are involved in heavy dogfighting during the Battle of Sunchon, claiming between 1–10 enemy, and losing 3 Meteors.
- December 1951 – No. 77 Squadron RAAF is withdrawn from air combat duties, unable to compete with better performing Soviet MiG-15 jets.
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1952 |
- March 1952 – 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) arrives in Korea, boosting Australia's troop commitment.
- July 1952 – British Commonwealth Forces Korea supersedes the British Commonwealth Occupation Force.
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1953 |
- March 1953 – 1RAR's 12 month tour ends, replaced by 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR).
- 24–26 July 1953 – 2RAR and 3RAR hold off a concerted Chinese attack against the Hook during the Battle of the Samichon River.
- 27 July 1953 – cease-fire is declared, ending hostilities in the Korean War.
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