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ANZAC Day in ... Korea
22 May 2007
New Zealand and Commonwealth Korean war veterans, international representatives and New Zealanders abroad gathered at the war memorial of Korea to commemorate ANZAC day in Seoul.
The annual dawn ANZAC ceremony marked the conclusion of a ten day build up period which recognised both New Zealand’s contributions to the Korean War and the broader role of New Zealand’s modern military history in maintaining peace around the globe. Each year in April around 30 veterans sponsored by the Korean Veteran’s Association travel to Korea to acknowledge the NZ contribution to the Korean War.
The ANZAC Day crowd of about 150-200 gathered in the marble corridor that holds the engraved names of all those United Nations command personnel who perished in the Korean War. The names of the thirty-three New Zealanders who were killed in action during the conflict were highlighted as New Zealand Ambassador Jane Coombs spoke of the need to avoid glorifying war while honouring those who gave their lives. The solemn group contained representatives from the 16 supporting nations of the United Nations Command, a large number of senior Korean military personnel, and a group of 30 New Zealander Korean war veterans. Squadron Leader Craig McIntyre, RNZAF, commented on how impressive it was to see the current and previous military personnel joining to recognise ANZAC Day so far from home. The service was followed by the traditional gunfire breakfast, including genuine Royal Navy rum.
In the build up to the ceremony, the touring veterans and currently serving Kiwi Servicemen acknowledged New Zealand’s contribution to Korea. From 1950 to 1955, 3,794 New Zealand soldiers served in Kay Force, including members of the 16th Field Regiment, 10 NZ Transport Company, and the NZ Sigs Detachment. In addition, 1,300 members of the Royal New Zealand Navy served on HMNZS Tutira, Pukaki, Rotoiti, Hawea, Taupo and Kaniere. The returning veterans visited key locations for the New Zealand force including the United Nations cemetery in Pusan, the Iinjim River, Hill 355, the Hook, the Inch Eon landing memorial, and the McArthur Memorial.
One of the most memorable visits for the contingent was to the Australian and New Zealand memorial and service at Kap’yong on 20 April. After the Chinese spring offensive in April 1951, the 27th Commonwealth Brigade found itself in a hasty defensive position in Kap’yong. The Commonwealth Force, including the New Zealand Kay Force, faced the Chinese 118th Division Force, a vastly superior force in numbers. For three days the Commonwealth Force faced an unrelenting battle, often requiring hand-to-hand combat. The determination of the Commonwealth Forces ultimately halted the Chinese advance on Seoul. The Korean presidential unit citation was awarded to 16 Fd Regt for its service in the Battle of Kap’yong, an action which is widely credited with saving Seoul.
Lieutenant Jeremy Packham, RNZN, escorted the veterans throughout their tour in addition to his role as an assistant corridor control officer, Military Armistice Commission. “The veterans were shown extensive gratitude from Koreans young and old. It really was a humbling experience to escort them throughout Korea,” Lieutenant Packham said.
This page was last reviewed on 25 May 2007 and is current.
