OLD GUILDFORDIANS WHO SERVED IN THE KOREAN WAR

Transcription

1 OLD GUILDFORDIANS WHO SERVED IN THE KOREAN WAR DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO SERVED M F Fairhead 2 nd July 2010

2 OLD GUILDFORDIANS WHO SERVED IN THE KOREAN WAR PREFACE This Dossier was prepared by Lieutenant Colonel (retired) MF (Fred) Fairhead (School House ) in 2009/2010. It was compiled by initially examining a list published in a 1946 edition of The Swan of some 550 Old Boys who had served in the Second World War with the Korean War Nominal Roll held by the Department for Veteran s Affair (DVA). This exercise was then substantially broadened by examining those Old Boys whose date of birth in the School Student Register lay between 1920 and 1935, some 1250, with the DVA Nominal Roll. The twentyone listed on page 11 were identified by this process however, it is probable there were others who also served but are yet to be identified. A summary of the service details of those who served is shown at pages 12 to 15. The notes on the background and Australian involvement in the War (pages 3-10) are a modified version of an article Fred wrote as the introduction to a photographic essay on the War published by The Royal Australian Regiment Association (SA Branch) in The book Korea The Undeclared War was complied by Stephen Lewis a National Serviceman who served in Vietnam and who previously compiled My Vietnam Photographs of Australian Veterans of the Vietnam Conflict in The original Dossier was presented to the School Archives on 2 nd July 2010 ie, the 60 th Anniversary of Australia s initial involvement in the war by HMA Ships Shoalhaven and Bataan and 77 Fighter Squadron RAAF. Subsequent editions were provided after further information came to light on D L Carew-Reid and J R Williams. Rosemary Waller School Archivist 2 nd July 2010 (MkIII)

3 3 The Korean War 25 th June th July 1953

4 4 Background In 1910, Japan annexed Korea which then became an integral part of the Japanese Empire. In 1945, at the close of World War II, forces from the United States and the Soviet Union occupied the Korean Peninsula with the 38 th Parallel as the demarcation between the occupied zones. United States forces occupied the south whilst the northern part became isolated under a communist regime, fostered by the Soviet Union and led by Kim Il Sung. Relations between North and South deteriorated and on the 25 th June 1950, a North Korean Army invaded South Korea and pushed with little resistance towards the capitol, Seoul. The United Nations, established on 26th June 1945, quickly accepted responsibility for the defence of South Korea and the UN Security Council resolved on 27th June 1950 to provide assistance to repel the aggressor; the United States was given overall authority to command the necessary forces. United Nations Response On 1st July 1950, elements of the US 8 th Army based in Japan were airlifted to Pusan on the south east coast of South Korea, some 200 km across the Sea of Japan. Australia was the first non US nation to commit forces when on 2nd July, 77 Squadron RAAF operating P-51 Mustangs from Iwakuni near Hiroshima in Japan provided air cover to US 5 th Air Force B-26 bombing missions. At the same time, the RAN was also committed to with the destroyer HMAS Bataan and the frigate HMAS Shoalhaven being placed at the disposal of the UN Commander, General Douglas MacArthur. The ships joined the British Far East Fleet which happened to be in Japanese waters at the time. Nature of the Conflict Because of terrain, weather conditions and an enemy that was predominantly Army, the conflict in Korea was primarily a land war. Its intensity, especially in 1950 and 1951, was on a scale similar to that of World War II battles for Europe. Further, the static land operations in 1952 and 1953 have been compared to the trench warfare on the Western Front in World War I especially in the fortifications that were established along the frontline, the intense patrolling and the ferocious exchange of artillery and mortar fire. Nevertheless, both the RAN and RAAF made significant contributions to the conduct of the war, especially the latter in protecting ground forces from enemy air attack and providing them with close air support. Both services had a major role in the interdiction and destruction of enemy logistics infrastructure. Royal Australian Navy From 1 st July 1950 until the cessation of hostilities on 27 th July 1953, RAN ships played a major role in support of UN land operations, predominantly by destroyers and frigates conducting blockade, escort and bombardment operations on both sides of the Korean Peninsula. The first ships committed were the frigate HMAS Shoalhaven based at Kure, Japan, and the Destroyer HMAS Bataan, based at Hong Kong (see SD Green).

5 5 HMAS Bataan in Korean Waters in 1951.She was a Tribal Class Destroyer of 2,500 tons, had a speed of 36 knots and was armed with 6 x 4.7 inch guns. She was commissioned in May 1945 and decommissioned in These ships were joined a few weeks later by HMAS Warramunga (see G V Gladstone) HMAS Warramunga during WWII in New Guinea waters circa A sister ship to Bataan, she was commissioned in November 1942 and decommissioned in December In late 1951, three more RAN warships arrived in Korean waters. They were the aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney (see PR Cotton) and the Battle Class Destroyers HMAS Anzac (see KW Clark) and HMAS Tobruk. HMAS Sydney had two squadrons of Sea Fury Fighter Bomber aircraft, 805 and 808 Squadrons (see GJ Gratwick) and one squadron of Firefly Fighter aircraft (817squadron) embarked. Despite the adverse weather conditions the ship s aircraft flew about 2500 sorties; the Sea Furies attacked troop concentrations with rocket projectiles and as spotters for naval gunfire, eg the battleship USS New Jersey; whilst the Fireflies flew bombing missions against enemy artillery positions and railway tunnels. The Air Wing had 90 aircraft damaged by enemy ground fire, lost 3 pilots with 7 others shot down but who were rescued.

6 6 HMAS Sydney ( ) a Majestic Class Light Fleet Aircraft Carrier of 20,000 tons, a speed of about 25 knots and with up to 38 aircraft embarked. She was originally built for the Royal Navy as HMS Terrible, was sold to Australian in 1947 and commissioned as HMAS Sydney in December She was decommissioned in May 1958 and recommissioned as a Fast Troop Transport in March 1962 and finally decommissioned in November Sea Fury Fighter Bomber Firefly Carrier-borne Fighter HMAS Anzac in the Sea of Japan circa She was a Battle Class Destroyer of 3,450 tons, had a speed of 30knots and was armed with four 4.5 inch guns. She was commissioned in March 1951 and decommissioned in October 1974.

7 7 Royal Australian Air Force Whereas air power played a major role in the war it is debatable whether it was decisive. Essentially this was because of terrain, weather, the nature of the enemy as predominantly Army and importantly, the embargo on flying missions against enemy logistic bases across the Yalu River in Manchuria. Nevertheless, gaining air superiority over the Korean Peninsula gave protection for ground forces against enemy air attack. In addition, close air support to ground forces had a significant influence on the outcomes of some campaigns; in particular, harassment of the advancing enemy forces by ground attack aircraft (P51 Mustangs) in the crucial period of July to September 1950, enabled the embattled UN forces to retain a foothold in the south east of the peninsula around the port of Pusan. The RAAF s contribution to the war was based on 77 (Fighter) Squadron which had deployed to New Guinea in 1943 and to Japan after World War II (see JW Hubble, BC Newman and CJ Sugden). In Korea the Squadron initially flew propeller driven P-51D Mustangs but with the advent of Soviet built MiG -15 jet aircraft, it was re-equipped with twin engine Meteor jet fighters which became operational in June After a series of scraps with the swept swing MiG-15s it was clear that the Meteor was inferior in most respects and in late 1951, 77 Squadron reverted to a ground attack role and continued in that role for the remainder of the war. The RAAF also provided C-47 Dakota transport aircraft in 30 Transport Unit (later renamed 36 Transport Squadron) which did most of the aerial resupply and medical evacuation to Japan for the British Commonwealth forces. 28 aircrew were lost in action and a further 6 taken as prisoners of war. A 77 Squadron P-51D Mustang Fighter Bomber. Gloster Meteor Fighter Bomber

8 8 Royal Australian Regiment In July 1950, the Australian Army could muster only about two battalions worth of infantry, spread across three nominal units ie, 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd Battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR). Recruiting trends were bad, reflecting the poor conditions of service offered by both the Chifley and Menzies governments coupled with a post WWII population that was weary of war. The prospect of action however, brought forth about 1,000 World War II veterans who volunteered to join, K Force which had more attractive employment conditions. This enabled first one battalion, 3RAR, to serve effectively in Korea from September 1950 and then two battalions which served together from April 1952 when 1RAR deployed to Korea via Japan (see J L Seaton). The Army also took the opportunity to post many recently graduated officers from the Royal Military College, Duntroon to infantry battalions in Korea. The combat experience these young men were to receive would hold the Army in good stead for future operational commitments, for example the Vietnam War. Indeed, all of the 17 Officers who commanded Battalions in Vietnam had served in Korea as Lieutenants or Captains, 14 with 3RAR, 2 with 1RAR and 1 with 2RAR (and some in more than one). In a sense therefore, the Korean War provided the mould for the new post-world War II Australian Regular Army, especially its combat spine the Royal Australian Regiment which had only been raised in 1948; the capability provided by battle experienced battalions of the Regiment allowed Australian participation in the Malayan Emergency shortly after the Korean War with 2RAR and in due course, with other battalions in Borneo and Vietnam. A Bren Gun Carrier of 3RAR in the advance through North Korea in October A Vickers.303in Medium Machine Gun of the 3RAR Machine Gun Section in action at Pakchon in October 1950.

9 9 The Korean War was fought in the most difficult of terrain, appalling weather conditions and inevitably, against a tenacious and numerically superior enemy. It is testament to the men of the Royal Australian Regiment in particular that not only did they boldly confront the challenge, but on most occasions won the day; these men, especially from 3RAR in (see DL Carew-Reid, JM Church, DF Drake-Brockman and NE Wiltshire), were as resolute, brave and daring as any warrior has been in the history of warfare. Many of the soldiers were battle-hardened veterans of WWII whose close quarter combat skills were outstanding. Legend has it that the riflemen s musketry skills with the bolt action.303 Lee Enfield rifle were so good that observers thought they were using automatic weapons. A 3RAR Bren Gun (LMG) team on Hill 614 in February The man on the left is equipped with the.303in Bren Light Machine Gun and the soldier on the right with a.303 Lee Enfield Rifle. The Australian battalions fought in many major actions including some which became Regimental Battle Honours, eg: (refer to the map on page 3) Yongyu (The Apple Orchard), Pakchon and Chongju all in October 1950 in North Korea involving 3RAR. Kapyong, April RAR as part of the British 27 Brigade s heroic defence against a Chinese Army Division during the Chinese Spring Offensive. Maryang San (Hill 317), 3-8 October1951 3RAR and other British battalions in 28 th Commonwealth Brigade s attack on heavily defended Chinese positions across the Imjin River. The Hook July RAR. On the eve of the cease fire ( 10pm 27 th July), the Chinese attacked in great strength in the area known as The Hook against 2RAR and the 7 th US Marine Corps Regiment. Enemy casualties were severe, estimated at over 15,000 dead and wounded, mainly from the 1 st Commonwealth Division s artillery which fired in excess of 20,000 rounds. Members of a 2RAR ambush patrol carrying WWII 9mm Owen Sub Machine Guns.

10 10 Maintaining the Peace Although the shooting war finished on 27 th July 1953, the battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment were to remain in Korea on Operational Service until April 1956 to ensure the peace was maintained. 2RAR remained until April 1954 when it was relieved by 1RAR. After four years in Korea, 3RAR finally returned to Australia in November 1954 whilst 1RAR was the last battalion to leave in April 1956 (see BS Hicks and JR Williams). The war had cost the Regiment nearly 300 killed, 1200 wounded and 23 taken as prisoners of war. The British Commonwealth Amongst the 20 plus nations which committed forces to the UN cause there were a number of British Commonwealth nations whose forces were commanded initially by the post World War II, Headquarters British Commonwealth Occupying Force (BCOF) located in Kure, Japan. In 1950 this Headquarters was replaced by Headquarters British Commonwealth Forces Korea (HQ BCFK) located in Kure but with a forward element located in Seoul as part of the Headquarters of the 8 th US Army. In July 1951 the Commonwealth land forces in Korea were joined to become the 1 st Commonwealth Division, a unique and a very efficient combat formation. The Division comprised three Infantry Brigades: 25 th Canadian, 28 th British Commonwealth and 29 th British (each with three Infantry Battalions); a reinforced regiment of main battle tanks, three field regiments of artillery (Canadian, New Zealand and British) and field engineers (see MV Quealy), communications (see RB Hart), supply and transport and medical units. In the latter there was an Indian Army Medical Field Ambulance which supported 28 th Brigade to which the Australian Battalions were allotted. Summary The Korean War is often referred to as the forgotten war ; nevertheless it had a profound influence on the role the Australian Army would have in the years following its conclusion. The war and its outcomes also ensured Australia s strategic outlook remained focused on South East Asia and that relations with other participating Commonwealth nations were reinforced. Importantly, it also provided a catalyst for establishing a stronger alliance with the United States, eg the ANZUS Treaty. In a sense therefore the Korean War was a defining moment in Australia s post-world War II history. Fred Fairhead Erindale, South Australia 2 nd July 2010 (MkIII)

11 11 LIST Royal Australian Navy Robinson B E Clark K W Seaton J L,MID Cotton P R Twort R A Gladstone G V, DSC Van Ooran J D Gratwick G J Wiltshire N E Green S D Williams J R (Blakeley-Williams) (5) Young R G Australian Army Carew-Reid D L (13) Royal Australian Air Force Church J M Hubble J W, DSO Drake-Brockman DF Newman B C Hart R B Sugden C J, DFC Hicks B S Quealy M V (3)

12 12 OLD GUILDFORDIANS WHO SERVED IN THE KOREAN WAR SERVICE DETAILS NAME HOUSE KOREAN WAR SERVICE REMARKS UNIT(S) SERVICE NUMBER RANK AND CORPS/BRANCH APPOINTMENT CAREW-REID David Lloyd Born: Perth WA on 22 nd November 1921 STIRLING/ SCHOOL RAR (April-June51) Lieutenant RA Infantry Platoon Commander in C Company Also served in WWII as a Lieutenant. He was injured and evacuated to Hospital in May 1951 and then repatriated to Australia. CHURCH John Murray Born: Perth, WA on 11 th May 1928 CLARK Kevin Wilson Born: Subiaco, WA on 15 th January 1932 PREP/HENN S /STIRLING HENN S RAR (Dec 1950 Mar 51) HMAS ANZAC (Sep 1952-Jun 53) Lieutenant RA Infantry R45127 Electrical Mechanic 2 nd Class Platoon Commander in A Company Electrician Regular Army Officer who graduated from RMC Duntroon in December He was Wounded in Action and evacuated to Hospital and then repatriated to Australia. He also served in Vietnam as a Lieutenant Colonel. COTTON Philip Rodney Born: Chester, UK on 21 st March 1920 SCHOOL HMAS SYDNEY (Aug 1951-Feb 52) A22507 Chief Airman Naval Airman Naval Airman DRAKE-BROCKMAN David Francis Born: Guildford, WA on 8 th February 1925 STIRLING RAR (May Dec 1951) Private RA Service Corps Driver/Butcher? GLADSTONE Geoffrey Vernon Born: Wagin, WA on 27 th January 1921 STIRLING HMAS WARRAMUNGA (Aug 1950-Aug 51) O425 Lieutenant Commander Seaman Executive Officer Awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) awarded in WWII. Retired from the Navy in 1981 with the rank of Rear Admiral.

13 13 NAME HOUSE KOREAN WAR SERVICE REMARKS GRATWICK Geoffrey John Born: Perth WA on 14 th May 1929 STIRLING 1942 UNIT(S) 850 Squadron (HMAS Sydney) (Oct 1953-Jun 54) SERVICE NUMBER RANK AND CORPS/BRANCH O454 Sub Lieutenant Air APPOINTMENT Pilot HMAS Sydney s second tour to Korean Waters was after the cease-fire had come into effect in July GREEN Stanley Donald Born: Perth WA on 29 th January 1928 HENN S HMAS Bataan (Jan Sep 1952) R29633 Telegraphist Telegraphist HART Robert Barry Ian Born: Perth, WA on 13 th August 1933 PREP SCHOOL Australian Ancillary Unit (Jun-Aug 1955) nd Lieutenant RA Signals Britcom Base Signals Regiment Regular Army Officer who graduated from OCS Portsea in Dec HICKS Brian Stephen Born: Collie WA on 26 th October 1932 HENN S RAR (Jan 1955-Mar 56) Corporal RA Infantry Section Commander Machine Gun Section Also served in Vietnam with 7RAR as a Captain. HUBBLE John Wilkins Born: Mt Lawley, WA on 20 th November 1923 HENN S Fighter Squadron RAAF (Nov 1952-Jun 53) O5833 Wing Commander Pilot Commanding Officer Regular Air Force Officer. Awarded a Distinguished Service Order (DSO). Also served in WWII and in Vietnam as a Group Captain. NEWMAN Brian Carmichael Born: Subiaco, WA on 2 nd April 1933 STIRLING Fighter Squadron RAAF (Nov 1953-Apr 54) A32856 Leading Aircraftman Electrical Fitter Electrical Fitter

14 14 NAME HOUSE KOREAN WAR SERVICE REMARKS UNIT(S) SERVICE NUMBER RANK AND CORPS/BRANCH APPOINTMENT QUEALY Matthew Vernon Born: Perth WA on 18 th March 1929 ST GEORGE S 1941 British Commonwealth Engineer Regiment (Jan-Mar 1956) Captain RA Engineers Regimental Adjutant Regular Army Officer who graduated from RMC Duntroon in December He also served in Vietnam as a Major/Lieutenant Colonel. ROBINSON Barrie Estcourt Born: Kuala Lumpur, Malaya on 26 th August 1930 PREP SCHOOL RAR (Jun Oct 1954) 1RAR (Oct Jun 55) Lieutenant RA Infantry Platoon Commander B Company Platoon Commander C Company Regular Army Officer who graduated from RMC Duntroon in December SEATON John Lester Born: Kuala Lumpur Malaya on 30 th August 1926 SUGDEN Christopher John Born: York, WA on 3 rd April 1922 SCHOOL 1941 SCHOOL RAR (Apr-Nov 1952) 77 Fighter Squadron RAAF (Oct 1952-May 53) Lieutenant RA Infantry O5813 Squadron Leader Pilot Platoon Commander B Company Officer Commanding Had served previously in the British Army and was appointed as a Lieutenant in the Australian Army in 1951.He was Killed In Action on the night of 12 th November 1952 by an enemy grenade when leading a Fighting Patrol. He was awarded a Posthumous Mention- In-Dispatches (MID). Regular Air Force Officer who was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Also served in WWII and Vietnam

15 15 NAME HOUSE KOREAN WAR SERVICE REMARKS UNIT(S) SERVICE NUMBER RANK AND CORPS/BRANCH APPOINTMENT TWORT Roy Albert Born: Subiaco, WA on 7 th September 1931 STIRLING RAR (Jun 1953-Jun54) Private Australian Army Catering Corps Company Cook VAN OORAN John Desmond Born: Perth, WA on 20 th November 1930 Prep School RAR (Jul-Oct 54) 1RAR (Oct 54-May 55) Private RA Engineers Assault Pioneer Platoon Regular Soldier who also served in Vietnam as a Sergeant. WILLIAMS John Robin Born: Angaston, SA on 14 th May 1933 ST GEORGE S RAR (Jan 1954-Mar 55) Private RA Infantry Not Known At School he was known as J R Blakeley-Williams WILTSHIRE Noel Eustace Born: Perth, WA on 24 th December 1930 HENN S RAR (Mar 1952-Mar 53) 1RAR (Mar1953) Corporal RA Infantry Not Known Not Known YOUNG Rowan George Born: Wagin, WA on 9 th November 1928 STIRLING Australian Ancillary Unit (Oct-Nov 1954) Private RA Engineers Not Known