Kapyong Day

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when the military forces of North Korea crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea. Sixteen (16) members of the United Nations, including Canada, would contribute combat forces under United States command to defend South Korea.

Two Commonwealth battalions — the 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Regiment (2PPCLI) and the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) — bore the brunt of the attack, and their defense of the Kapyong River valley against an entire Chinese division helped halt the Chinese Spring Offensive.

Canadians saw action in the Battle of Kapyong on April 24-25, 1951. Despite fierce enemy attacks, they maintained their position. Ten Canadians were killed and 23 were wounded in the battle.