Canada's Three Korean Wars: Navy, Army, Air Force, Merchant Navy

By Bob Orrick

Canadas Three Korean Wars is a capsule account of Canadas army, navy, air force, and merchant marine during the Korean War, June 1950 to July 53 and beyond, to cover the so-called peacekeeping postwar period to September 1955, when the last unit of the RCN departed the theatre and returned to Canada. Each of the three military forces and the merchant marine contributed greatly in stopping the spread of communism in the Far East and proving that capitalism in the form of democracy far exceeds the evil of communism. The success of South Korea today (2015) is proof of that statement.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503546219

Bob Orrick

Bob Orrick, CD, Royal Canadian Navy, 1950–75; Korea 1952–53, HMCS Athabaskan DDE219. Following honorable discharge in 1975, Bob was a reporter and photographer then editor of a Vancouver Island, British Columbia, community newspaper. In 1979, he was appointed ministerial assistant to a British Columbia government cabinet minister. In 1986, Bob resigned his position and became a founding owner and vice president of a Vancouver-based international marketing company. In 1989, he left the firm; later that year, Bob was appointed national public information officer, Korea Veterans Association of Canada Inc.—a position he held for three years. During his tenure as PIO, Bob worked diligently to educate Canadians about their country’s involvement in the Korean War; moreover, Bob worked tirelessly to convince Ottawa to recognize the volunteerism of the 27,000 Canadians who served in Korea 1950–1953 and to award a suitable medal. In November 1981, Governor-General Ray Hnyatysen awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal [Korea] to a select group of Korean War veterans. Other veterans received their medal via Canada Post. In addition, Bob spent twelve years as a private ESL tutor, and in June 2005, he retired to concentrate on his writing. Since then, Bob has spent many years researching and writing about the Korean War and has published two books on the subject as well as one book on former warships that have been turned into artificial reefs.

Book preview

cover.jpg

Copyright © 2015 by Bob Orrick.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015902950

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-5035-4620-2

                Softcover      978-1-5035-4622-6

                eBook         978-1-5035-4621-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 02/26/2015

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

702691

CONTENTS

Forward

Introduction

Updated Material

Canada’s Three Korean Wars

Background To The Korean War

The American-Sponsored Resolution That Created The United Nations Force In Korea

Which Force–Navy, Army Or Air Force?

The Royal Canadian Navy

Carrier Operations, West Coast–Corpen Club

Interdiction Duties–Junks, Sampans, Trains And Island Security

Mines–Floating And Otherwise, Always Dangerous

Inshore Bombardment –Heavy And Accurate Shore Battery Fire

More From Athabaskan’s January Report Of Proceedings

Canada’s Merchant Navy In Korea

Royal Canadian Air Force

The 426 Transport [Thunderbird] Squadron

Americans First On The Scene

Wonson: Operation Yo-Yo

Canadian Army

The 2nd Battalion Of The Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment

2nd Battalion Royal 22nd Regiment

1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment

3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment

Artillery

Tanks

State Of Canada’s Army At Beginning Of Korean War

The Aftermath

Miscellanies

Demilitarized Zone

Canadian Forces In Korean War 1950-53

Estimated Casualties Of The Korean War

Some Sobering Statistics

The Wall

Conclusion

Appendix I

Appendix II

Appendix III

Appendix IV

Appendix V

Addendum:

Acknowledgements

The Korean War In Perspective

Sources

Any country that ignores its past, cannot know its present.

History is the foundation upon which the present is based.

FORWARD

Bob Orrick’s "Canada’s Three Korean Wars" provides any reader an insight into not just the Korean Peninsula conflict, but the ethos and reality of war itself from the perspective of those who served.

Canadians have been called many times since Confederation to put their lives at risk in faraway lands to uphold the values that Canada considers most dear: freedom, respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The rugged unfamiliar topography of Korea, split apart after decades of Japanese occupation, made the task at hand treacherous and strenuous.

The lens that Bob Orrick applies to the Korean War is revealed in the title to this important historical, well-documented work. By viewing the war through the differing experiences of the navy, army and air force, we come to a fuller understanding of the somber realities for each veteran in their pursuit of peace and freedom for the Korean people.

Although the sailors, soldiers and air force were united in common cause against communist aggression, the weariness of war just five years after WWII, led, in large part, to the description of this as The Forgotten War.

In honour of his own service in Korea, one of 33,791 Canadians who served admirably between 1950-1955, within a United Nations multi-nation combatant force, Bob Orrick documents the intensity and obstacles they faced. 516 Canadians paid the ultimate sacrifice, and an additional 1,042 suffered non-fatal casualties in this ‘limited war’.

The Battle of Kapyong is one such pivotal battle that Bob Orrick puts in the perspective of the overall conflict, symbolizing the grit and sacrifice of our allied forces against a fearsome Chinese onslaught.

Bob Orrick’s account includes many unique stories, both tragic and heartwarming, about POW life and interrogation, Canadians playing hockey, a famous American imposter, bunkers and trenches, returning home, and remembrance.

I recently attended a 50th year remembrance of the special relationship between South Koreans and Canadians. I was awed by the beauty of the Korean dancers, artists and poets who continue to give thanks and pay respect to Canada’s commitment and sacrifices for them. The stark contrast in quality of life between North Koreans and South Koreans today is an enduring testament to the significance of the Canadian and allied defence against Communist expansion, holding them back at the 38th parallel so far from Canadian soil.

The long sought recognition of Canadian Korean War veterans that proved elusive for so long, has now come full circle. We owe it to them to educate ourselves on their sacrifices, and Bob Orrick is helping us do just that. Thank-you, Bob, for your personal commitment and sacrifice, and thank-you for helping us all bear witness.

Hon. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, PC, QC

Member of Parliament

Delta-Richmond East

Minister of National Revenue

Formerly Associate Minister of National Defence

INTRODUCTION

When speaking to Canadian Korean War veterans, it occurred to me that they were not always speaking of the same war. For instance, a sailor who sailed in one of Canada’s eight destroyers reflected on the war, and his experiences in it, rather differently than did his friend and army veteran who slogged up and down Korea’s mountains while undergoing hardships not known by the sailor. Then, when addressing an air force veteran about experiences during the 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953 Korean War, the replies received were very different from either the soldier or sailor’s memories.

Why was this?

The simple answer is that each fought in a different sphere and experienced the Korean War from a vastly different perspective. Granted, such was the case in WWII –the environment of the navy and army and air force during the six years of WWII was not the same; however, during those six years, Canada and Canadians were kept up to date on how the War was progressing, or not, through daily newspapers, weekly magazines and hourly news broadcasts from myriad radio stations. In other words, Canadians, and others, were well informed about the War. This was not the case with the Korean War. For the most part, few Canadians knew of the 1950-53 war, and beyond to 1955, and the happenings of their navy, army and air force. It was a bit of the ‘out of sight and out of mind’ scenario.

When I addressed Canadian school children at Remembrance Day services, the mere mention of the Korean War normally brought a look of bewilderment to most of the young faces. To them, war is something they view in a movie or read in a book, and few, if any, understand just what the Korean War was and can place it in history’s long pathway of important events. This is not surprising when one considers that the Korean War happened eons ago in the lives of these young Canadians. To an elementary school student or a youngster going through the stress of high school, a period in world history that in 2012 is six decades past, usually does not even register on their radar [to use a vernacular that is common with these youngsters].

So, if the veterans themselves do not recall the Korean War in the same light and if, when addressing Canadian school children, these veterans present a different view of the War to their charges, is it any wonder that the youngsters are a bit confused. This holds true with other audiences who are addressed by a Korean War veteran; the navy’s view does not conform to the army’s view and neither agrees with the air force’s version. If, prior to the veteran’s presentation, school children [and some adults] only thought of wars as ancient history, then is it any wonder that for a large segment of Canadians, the Korean War is truly The Forgotten War.

Much of the information contained within these pages has been selected from previously published accounts and is an attempt to draw together the myriad stories, adventures, sorrows, hardships, frustrations, pain, and death that was experienced by the soldiers, sailors and airmen of Canada’s military who fought so bravely in a small piece of the world that back in the summer of 1950, few had heard of or knew anything about.

The selected accounts are not intended to present the complete history of the Canadians in Korea but are intended to be reflective and reveal or show readers some of the more prominent events that became part of the whole and highlight the importance of the Korean War in world affairs. The selected accounts are representative of what Canada’s army, navy, air force and merchant volunteers performed so magnificently during the 37-month Korean War that progressed to its ceasefire in July 1953 followed by a peacekeeping situation – though with warlike actions – until September 1955.

The volunteerism and sacrifices these Canadians endured to defeat the scourge of communism in the Far East, presents a strong statement that is manifested in South Korea. Today, the Republic of Korea is a bastion of freedom and prosperity with its ever-shining accomplishments that stand far above what their northern brethren suffer daily in their closed society that is a prime example of what evil communism has been and continues to be. [Appendix III & IV shed more light on this matter.]

In concert with Canada, 15 other combatant countries fought against the Red Scourge during the Korean War. Additionally, five non-combatant countries provided much needed and greatly appreciated medical and hospital care for the United Nations Force assembled in response to the sneak attack by Communist North Korea on its southern neighbour.¹

While this account might appear to be, in some respects, directed at school children, it is intended for all Canadians regardless of age, occupation, location or gender. This is a story that all Canadians ought to be aware of as they are of WWI’s Vimy Ridge and WWII’s Juno Beach history.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. 2

UPDATED MATERIAL

This edition of Canada’s Three Korean Wars contains material not readily available in the earlier version published by SeaWaves Press, North Vancouver, BC, specifically the inclusion of the Canadian Merchant Navy in Korea during the Korean War. This is a little-known fact that ought to be better known by Canadians and others.

CANADA’S THREE KOREAN WARS

The Korean War

25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953.

The Victor and the Vanquished. In wars, normally that has been the case; however, in the Korean War there was no Victor and no Vanquished in the normal sense – other than it might be said, with good reason, that in Korea, the Victor was Democracy and the Vanquished was Communism.

Inasmuch as the Korean War ‘ceased’ with a cessation of hostilities and without a truce, or a winner or loser, the full scale spread of communism in the Far East was thwarted.

*********************************************************************

The sorry irony of the Korean peninsula is that the ‘war’ that was fought 60 years ago – the North attacking the South – has never ended; only an armistice was signed. Technically, the war continues.³

*********************************************************************

BACKGROUND TO THE KOREAN WAR

25 June 1950- 27 July 1953.

Unlike the ‘Shot that was heard round the world’ when Francis Ferdinand, heir to the Hapsburg throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo in Bosnia on 28 June 1914 that triggered World War One, and not like Adolf Hitler’s invasion of the Sudetenland [Czechoslovakia] that foreshadowed the start of World War Two, the Korean War had none of the worldwide press of these two events that led to war; however, there were inklings of trouble ahead.

Five years after the end of World War Two and as the world was emerging from six years of a world conflict preceded by a decade of Great Depression, Canada and Canadians were looking forward to a time of prosperity – a sort of dream after a nightmare; the Korean War shattered the dream and the world saw firsthand how a prior ally became a present enemy. Communism had replaced fascism and the Far East stood at the precipice of doom. How had this come about? The question was asked in the capitals of the West and with it, how could [did] this occur.

"The Korean problem was there before the Cold War started and it is still there after the end. The full panoply of conflict that we associate with the Cold War appeared in Korea in the last months of 1945, spawned by the division of the country at the 38th Parallel just as Japan surrendered. Five years later, the two sides fought one of the bloodiest, bitterest wars of this century [20th]4 in which four million people died – some two million Korean and Chinese combatants, another two million civilians, north and south, and tens of thousands of Western troops who fought under the auspices of the United Nations."⁵

Numerous attempts by the UN to join together the north and the south into a homogeneous peninsula after decades of foreign domination by China and then Japan failed.

From 1945 to 1948 the United Nations made repeated attempts to unite the North and South Korea under one central government, but all efforts were balked by Soviet Russia. The Republic of Korea, headed by President Syngman Rhee, was created in 1948 after an election organised by a United Nations Commission. The Republic was accepted by the United Nations, except for Russia and her satellites, as the lawful government of Korea. North Korea had refused to take part in these elections, and shortly afterwards Soviet Russia announced that they had held their own elections in the North and had formed the Korean People’s Democratic Republic which Russia then claimed as the rightful government of Korea.

By 1950, in the North, communism was firmly in control, while in the South the people demanded a democratic form of government and professed a hatred of communism.

Soviet troops were withdrawn from the North by December 1948 and by July 1949 the last 500 American troops had left the South, except for a small staff of advisers who remained at the request of the Government to help train new Republican armed forces, although the American occupation ended officially on 23 August 1948. This left the Republic of Korea with responsibility for guarding its own frontier along the 38th Parallel.

A tense political atmosphere was established in the approved Hitler/Stalin fashion, leading to a series of border incidents and increased animosity along the frontier. By June 1950, North Korean forces had built up to about 90,000 troops, 180 tanks and 175 operational-type aircraft – which compared somewhat unfavourably with the ROK forces of about the same numerical strength but with no armour or heavy artillery and only 13 Piper Cubs and 10 Harvards. In the absence of American forces which had departed 11 months before, Moscow deemed the moment propitious on 25 June 1950 to blow the whistle and the invasion of South Korea was set in motion.⁶

Another point not well known is that Joseph Stalin [USSR] was in a political race with Harry Truman [USA]. The Soviet Union agreed to enter the war against Japan in order to have direct input regarding the surrender of the Japanese in the Pacific War. At the Yalta meeting between the USSR, UK, and USA in April 1945 the question of the USSR entering the Pacific War on the side of the Allies was discussed. Stalin agreed to come in but more on his terms than on the terms that then-USA President Roosevelt suggested. Following Roosevelt’s death on 12 April 1945, former vice-president Harry Truman met with Stalin but did not tell Stalin about the ‘new weapon of unusual destructive force’ [the atomic bomb, although Stalin probably knew about it as he had been informed of the intended 16 July test in New Mexico] and the USA’s ultimatum given to Japan to surrender or face dire consequences. The first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on 06 August with a second one on Nagasaki three days later. Japan surrendered without conditions.

All of this is important as to the reason why the prelude to the Korean War festered before erupting on 25 June 1950.

The Soviet Union had agreed to enter the War in the Pacific but on its timetable. The atomic bomb and Japan’s subsequent unconditional surrender altered Stalin’s timetable. Stalin had intended to enter the War in the Pacific at a later date but with the American’s atomic bomb a reality, Stalin upped his entry into Korea and decided on 09 August 1945. With the Japanese collapse on10 August, the USSR was on board not a moment too soon. Victory in Japan was 15 August, so Stalin just squeaked in under the wire; yet, the USSR was in and history has recorded the aftermath of that event.

Into this cauldron must be added additional spices.

First, what is Korea? In area, the land equals about the combined US states of Tennessee and Kentucky, covering about 85,000 square miles.⁷

Three prominent points need to be considered and digested to have a fuller understanding of how and why the Korean War erupted just five years after the end of World War Two.

First, Korea is a harsh Asian peninsula inhabited by a hardy, harassed people who rarely if ever have been completely free. War and tragedy form the main theme of Korea’s history. Suppression and ill-use have been the heritage of its long-suffering people. Few habitable areas of the earth are more unsuited to large-scale, modern military operations. The rugged landscape, a lack of adequate roads, rail lines, and military harbours, the narrow peninsula, and, not least, climatic extremes restrict and hamper manoeuvre, severely limit logistic support, and intensify the normal hardships of war.

Jutting from the central Asian mainland, the Korean peninsula has an outline resembling Florida’s. In the north, a river-mountain complex separates Korea from Manchuria and the maritime province of the USSR. Eastward, across the Sea of Japan, the Japanese islands flank the peninsula. To the west, the Yellow Sea stands between Korea and China. The Korean peninsula stretches south for more than 500 miles, while east and west, it spans only 220 miles at its widest. Thousands of islets, some scarcely more than large rocks, rim its 5,400 miles coastline.⁸

With geography out of the way, the next point concerns politics and how the Koreans were treated by their Japanese oppressors from 1910 onwards to August 1945.

Second, despite the intense Japanese occupation of Korea, August 1910, onwards to the end of WWII, the Koreans were not sitting idly by being subservient to their Japanese masters – the flame of patriotism and independence remained alive in Korea. Revolutionary groups and movement sustained the Korean hope for freedom, defying the Japanese whenever possible. These, of course, were hunted down by the Japanese and many patriots fled from Korea to escape torture or death.

A strong communist party also sprung up in Korea. Organised in 1925, it pushed the underground movement against Japan. The Korean communists were in contact with the Russian communists through the Far Eastern Division of the Comintern. [Communist International, Third International, Moscow, 1919]

In this setting of turbulent and long-suppressed patriotic emotions, it was inevitable that the political void caused by the fall of the Japanese Empire at the end of World War II should touch off a struggle for power.⁹

If those two were not enough, the third point to be considered is the possibility that the geography and politics of the Korean Peninsula were responsible for the eventual division of the Peninsula following World War Two and the ‘hidden reason’ for the 1950-53 Korean War.

Third, there must be considered the sharp differences between north and south that had traditionally been part of the Korean scene.

South Koreans considered their northern neighbours crude and culturally backward. North Koreans viewed southerners as lazy schemers. During the Japanese occupation Koreans in the north had been much less tractable than those in the south. Differences in farming accounted for some of the social differences in the two zones. A dry-field type of farming in the north opposed a rice-culture area in the south to produce marked variations in points of view. In the south were more small farms and a high tenancy rate, while in the north larger farms and more owner-farmers prevailed. Those differences the 38th Parallel promised to exacerbate. ¹⁰

The campaigns set in motion by the invasion of South Korea later were characterised as a ‘limited war.’ The fighting was deliberately confined in geographic terms, political decisions placed restrictions upon military strategy, and none of the belligerents, with the exception of the two Korean governments, used its full military potential; but there was nothing limited about the ferocity of the battles.

Erupting from the rivalries of great nations, the Korean War was greatly influenced by domestic conditions rooted deep in the history of Korea, and by the topography of the peninsula where it took place.

Inasmuch as the foregoing describes the land, the following extract from They Answered the Call by Fred Bagley at page 271 illustrates in clear prose just how rugged the Peninsula was for the Canadians who fought, and died, on that Far East country several decades ago.

Because most of the peninsula is covered with an intricate mass of hills and ridges, many of the battles in Korea took place on hilltops. The typical Korean ridge rises from rice paddies and a stream at its base and slants upward at a slope of forty-five or more degrees. It takes an hour of steady climbing to reach the top and, at the top of the path-wide crest, the sweating infantrymen see only another ridge ahead, and others beyond that, stretching row after row into the purple haze at the bottom. In the wintertime the hills are wind blown, very cold and harsh but when summers come to Korea and the, morning mist drifts along the ridgelines there is a fresh beauty to the land. The hills become verdant and between them the rice paddies, in delicate