Canadian Valor: Honoring Canadian Soldiers in the Korean War, 75 Years Later

A company of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry moves in single file across rice paddies as it advances on enemy positions across the valley. Photo: Photo: Library and Archives PA-171228.

A Legacy of Service: Canada's Global Military Contributions

Canada has been at a unique cross-section of Western history.  Canada holds this position by being both a member of the Commonwealth of Nations—an organization primarily composed of former British colonies—and sharing the world's longest undefended border with the United States. They were a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949, and their role in the United Nations peacekeeping operations has been well established throughout history. It is no surprise, therefore, that the Canadian forces had a role to play in the fighting of the Korean War. 

Answering the Call: Canada’s Early Involvement in the Korean War

The Canadian units tasked with going to Korea were first activated in the summer of 1950.  However, given the need to equip, train, and then bring them to Korea, the process was slow.  The original request was for the Canadians to form the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group (CIBG). As training commenced for the brigade, the war in late 1950 seemed almost over, so a unit was sent over before. This unit was the second battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI).

Additionally, the Canadians would later send the Royal Canadian Regiment, as well as the 2R22eR, the Royal 22nd Regiment of Quebec, commonly known as the Van Doos as part of the 25th CIBG. All of these regiments had fought with distinction in WWII.  However, the manner in which they were composed was somewhat disjointed, and so the units were deployed in stages. They eventually were sent from their home bases in Canada to Fort Lewis, Washington, before eventually being loaded onto transports and shipped to Busan. Once at Busen, the Canadian forces eventually made their way up to the front and started patrols in February of 1951. 

The story of Canadian soldiers in the Korean War is one of resilience, sacrifice, and quiet strength, qualities that defined their service from the very first deployment.

The Battle of Kapyong: A Defining Moment for Canadian Soldiers in the Korean War

For any of the United Nations markers, their location is often determined by their “defining” battle.  For the Canadians, it is near the town of Kapyong, north of Seoul. It was here in April 1951 that the PPCLI, 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR), and the attached United States units of the 1st Marine Division fought off a Chinese assault.  What made this defense even more important was the artillery support from the Australians a few miles away to the East.

Canadian Korean War Memorial Garden, Gapyeong, South Korea. Photo: Veterans Affairs Canada.

Sergeant Tommy Prince (R), M.M., 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, with his brother, Private Morris Prince, at an investiture at Buckingham Palace. Photo: Library and Archives Canada PA-3191550.

Tommy Prince: Indigenous Hero of Two Wars

One of the most decorated Canadian indigenous soldiers also continued his career here as a member of the 1st Battalion, Royal Winnipeg Rifles, part of the Canadian Army. Tommy Prince, known in Ojibwe as “Dagomen” (meaning “the chief who never dies”), was from Manitoba, Canada, and a member of the Ojibwe Nation.

He had served with distinction not only in the Canadian Army of WWII, but also with the joint manned First Special Service Force during WWII. This unit, which was made up of US and Canadian troops, trained in commando tactics, served with distinction, and was feared by the enemy for their stealth and tenacity, in Italy. For his actions on February 8, 1944, near Littoria, Italy, Prince was awarded the Military Medal by the United Kingdom. He was also awarded the Silver Star by the United States for his reconnaissance mission in France on September 1, 1944, one of only three Canadians to hold both awards.

Remembering Canadian Valor: 75 Years of Reflection and Recognition

On the evening of April 22-23, 1951, the Canadians and Australian artillery held off a spirited Chinese attack, which in turn prevented them from pushing further south.  On April 26, 1951, the PPCLI was pulled from the front line.  Their exploits and spirited defense were recognized by US forces, and both the RAR and 2PPCLI were awarded the US Presidential Unit Citation. The 2nd Battalion of the PPCLI is the only Canadian battalion to receive this award. In all, elements of the 25th CIBG served until the armistice was signed in 1953.

Ernest Glover. Photo: Canada Remembers.

Beyond the Battlefield: Canadian Navy and Air Force in Korea

While the Canadian forces served in the Kapyong area and prevented a breakthrough during the battle of  Kapyong in April 1951, there were also contributions from the Canadian Navy and Canadian Air Force. The HMCS Cayuga took part in an enemy bombardment of the port of Yosu (modern day Yeosu) in August 1950.  

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) flew support missions from the US to Hawaii or Japan for much of the war, but some fighter pilots from the RCAF did take part in Combat. Flight Lieutenant Ernest Glover flew 58 combat missions and was credited with three MiGs shot down. 

Hockey on the Imjin: Unique Moments of Canadian Culture in Korea

Unique Canadian practices even occurred in Korea. During the winter of 1952, members of the unit played several games of ice hockey on the frozen Imjin River.

The Cost of Commitment: Canadian Casualties and Contributions

In all, the Canadians contributed close to 22,000 servicemen to the Korean theatre during the war, with losses totaling 312 killed, 1,202 wounded, and 32 taken prisoner. As Dr. David Borys noted in his book Punching Above Our Weight: The Canadian Military at War since 1867, the Canadians were able to contribute to the war effort in a manner of strength and agility, and continue to do so.