With the end of World War II came the end of over 35 years of Japanese occupation of Korea. But peace was short-lived. The country was divided: the Soviets occupied the north and the United States occupied the south. While there was hope that diplomacy might reunite Korea, the north instead sought unification through force, sparking an insurgency that the South was initially able to suppress.
On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces crossed the 38th Parallel, launching a full-scale invasion of the South. Within a week, Seoul, the South Korean capital, had fallen, leaving only the port city of Pusan beyond North Korean reach. The United Nations Security Council called upon member states to support South Korea, and Canada answered the call.
Formation of the 2nd Battalion, PPCLI
Lieutenant-General Charles Foulkes recommended that Canada send a Special Force to Korea to serve as part of the 1st Commonwealth Division. This force would be drawn from newly raised second battalions of Canada’s three Permanent Force regiments. On August 15, 1950, the second battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI) was officially formed, training at Calgary and CFB Wainwright.
Under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.R. Stone, 927 troops embarked for Pusan aboard the USS Private Joe P. Martinez on November 25, 1950. By that time, UN forces had already repelled the initial North Korean invasion, advanced north past the 38th Parallel, and captured Pyongyang. The Canadians expected to serve as an occupational force—but the realities of war would quickly prove otherwise.
Early Engagements and Operation Killer
Upon arrival, the Canadians faced a massive counterattack by six Chinese armies pushing south of Seoul. After eight weeks of mountainous training, the Patricias joined the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade in a new UN offensive. During combat on Hill 444, “C” Company suffered the first Canadian casualties of the Korean War: four killed and another wounded.
The Canadians soon participated in Operation Killer, a UN initiative to push Chinese and North Korean forces back and recapture Seoul. In moving toward Hill 419, defended by Chinese forces, the Patricias encountered heavy fire, delaying the attack. Persistent patrols, combined with Australian forces’ capture of nearby Hill 619, allowed the Canadians to secure Hill 419.
The Spring Offensive and Hill 677
In April 1951, the Chinese launched their Spring Offensive, sending 700,000 troops across two fronts, including the Kayong Valley. South Korean forces at the northern end of the valley were quickly routed. The 1st Royal Australian Regiment was assigned to hold Hill 404, while 2 PPCLI defended Hill 677 to block the enemy advance.
On the night of April 23–24, the Australians were forced into a fighting retreat, leaving the Chinese to turn their attention to the Canadians. At 10:00 p.m. on April 24, the Chinese attacked the forward position of B Company. While the initial assault was held, a follow-up attack overran the right forward platoon, forcing them back to the main line. Mortars and artillery halted further advances.
On the left flank, however, the enemy breached D Company’s perimeter. By morning, Captain J.G.W. Mills was forced to call down artillery on his own positions to prevent being overrun. Despite the intense pressure, the Canadians dug in and repelled subsequent attacks.
Although Hill 677 remained in Chinese hands temporarily, the Canadians’ defensive efforts blocked key roads, forcing supplies—including food, ammunition, and water—to be airlifted by C-119 “Flying Boxcar” aircraft. With support from American tanks, 2 PPCLI cleared the northern slopes, compelling the Chinese to withdraw. On April 26, the battalion was relieved by the 5th U.S. Cavalry. For their actions, 2 PPCLI became the only Canadian battalion in history awarded a U.S. Presidential Unit Citation.
Canadian Forces in Korea
By May 1951, the 2nd Battalions of the Royal Canadian Regiment and the Royal 22e Régiment had arrived, bringing Canadian strength in Korea to 8,500 personnel. In addition to infantry, Canadian forces included units from Lord Strathcona’s Horse, the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, and the Royal Canadian Medical Corps.
The Royal Canadian Navy contributed as well, deploying three destroyers initially and eventually eight in total, which performed shore bombardment and faced enemy coastal batteries. The Royal Canadian Air Force also participated, with the 426th Transport Squadron providing logistical support and Canadian pilots flying with U.S. squadrons.
Conclusion
The Korean War presented Canadians with their first major overseas combat operation since World War II. From the rugged mountains around Seoul to the fortified hills of the Kayong Valley, Canadian soldiers—particularly 2 PPCLI—demonstrated courage, discipline, and tenacity. Their actions not only helped repel enemy forces but earned international recognition, cementing Canada’s reputation as a committed and capable member of the United Nations.
johnmilner.ca 