Battle of Kapyong
Kapyong (Gapyeong) River valley, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
What happened
The 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, including Australian and Canadian battalions, New Zealand artillery and US tanks, fought Chinese People's Volunteer Army divisions. During a large Chinese spring offensive in the Korean War, South Korean units retreated through the Kapyong valley. The Australians held one hill and the Canadians another, and the Canadians were surrounded and held out through a long night. After two days the Chinese forces withdrew.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The stand helped stop a breakthrough on the central front and protected the road toward Seoul. It is the most famous battle of the Australian and Canadian armies in Korea.
What came next
The Canadian battalion was relieved on 26 April.
Did you know?
Troops from four countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States, fought side by side in the battle.
Timeline
- 22 April 1951The Chinese spring offensive begins.
- 23-24 April 1951Australians hold Hill 504.
- 24-25 April 1951Canadians hold Hill 677 through the night.