Battle of the Imjin River
Lower Imjin River, north of Seoul, South Korea
What happened
The British 29th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier Tom Brodie, including the Gloucestershire Regiment and a Belgian battalion, fought Chinese People's Volunteer Army forces. In the Korean War, Chinese forces crossed the Imjin River on the night of 22 April 1951 in a large spring offensive. The British-led brigade, spread thinly along the river, held its positions for three days. The Gloucestershire battalion was surrounded on a hill later called Gloster Hill, and on 25 April its remaining soldiers surrendered.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The brigade's stand slowed the Chinese offensive, and UN forces were able to stop it at prepared lines north of Seoul. It is often called 'the battle that saved Seoul'.
What came next
The Gloucesters received a US Presidential Unit Citation on 8 May 1951. Brigadier Brodie called them 'The Glorious Glosters'.
Did you know?
A memorial, the Gloucester Valley Battle Monument, stands at Gloster Hill, and a service is held there every April.
Timeline
- 22 April 1951Chinese forces cross the Imjin River.
- 25 April 1951The surrounded Gloucestershire battalion surrenders.
- 8 May 1951The Gloucesters receive a US Presidential Unit Citation.
- 26 March 1994The Gloucestershire Regiment holds its final parade before merging.