The Korean War, a crucial theater in the Cold War struggle, saw Canada playing a significant role in United Nations forces. Canada’s commitment to the Korean conflict involved not just symbolic support but concrete contributions through the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade, which included three elite Canadian regiments—the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR), the Royal 22e Régiment (Van Doos), and the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). This brigade became integral to the 1st Commonwealth Division, a multinational unit that demonstrated the power of allied unity on the battlefield. The Canadian brigade brought disciplined infantry tactics, steadfast leadership, and robust support from artillery, engineers, and logistical units, which together made the 25th Brigade a formidable force in the rugged Korean terrain. Canadian military historians have documented this brigade’s contributions as both heroic and strategically critical to UN efforts to contain communist forces on the Korean Peninsula.
Formation and Structure of the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade
The 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade was established in 1950 in response to the urgent need for reinforcements in Korea. This brigade was comprised of three infantry battalions: the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR), the Royal 22e Régiment (known as the “Van Doos” due to its French numeral designation), and the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). Each regiment brought a unique cultural and combat history, forming a cohesive fighting unit that was well-suited to the Korean Peninsula’s difficult mountainous terrain.
Led initially by Brigadier General J.M. Rockingham, the 25th Brigade was quickly deployed to Korea, where it would integrate into the British-led 1st Commonwealth Division, commanded by Major General James Cassels. Rockingham’s leadership, described by historian Desmond Morton as “decisive and unyielding,” was critical in adapting the brigade to the rapid changes and high-stakes environment of the Korean front (Morton, A Military History of Canada, 1999). Rockingham instilled a high level of discipline and unity among the troops, which would prove essential in the complex multinational operations conducted by the Commonwealth Division.
Supporting the infantry were artillery units, engineers, and logistical companies that ensured the brigade was both offensively effective and resilient in defensive positions. Canadian artillery units, particularly the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA), played a crucial role by providing covering fire and support during engagements. Historian Sean Maloney notes, “The RCHA’s ability to provide precision bombardment was a linchpin in the Commonwealth Division’s operational success, offering both offensive capability and a crucial defensive buffer” (Maloney, Fighting for Korea, 2003). The engineers and logistical teams kept supply lines operational despite the region’s treacherous conditions, showcasing the all-encompassing support that the 25th Brigade could rely on.
Initial Engagements: Hill 355 and the Canadian Entrance into Combat
One of the 25th Brigade’s earliest significant actions in Korea was the defense of Hill 355, also known as “Little Gibraltar,” in November 1951. Hill 355 was a strategic high ground that overlooked major supply and communication lines for both the UN and communist forces. When Chinese and North Korean troops targeted this hill, the 25th Brigade, led by the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR), was called to defend it. The Chinese assault came in waves, often at night, attempting to overwhelm the defenders through sheer numbers and relentless attacks.
The RCR, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel J.R. Stone, employed classic defensive tactics that were both effective and efficient. The Canadians dug deep trenches and set up interlocking fields of machine-gun fire that allowed them to maximize their limited firepower against a vastly larger force. Historian David Bercuson writes, “The defense of Hill 355 was a classic example of disciplined infantry combat—where careful preparation, strategic positioning, and tenacity held the line against overwhelming odds” (Bercuson, Blood on the Hills: The Canadian Army in the Korean War, 1999).
Despite intense shelling and wave after wave of assaults, the RCR held their position. Artillery support from the RCHA and mortar teams played a crucial role in dispersing the enemy attacks, and the resilience of the Canadians earned them respect and admiration from their Commonwealth counterparts. Bercuson notes, “The success at Hill 355 not only secured a vital piece of terrain but established the Canadians as a force capable of withstanding some of the harshest conditions and heaviest assaults” (Bercuson, Blood on the Hills, 1999).
The Battle of Kapyong: Heroism of the PPCLI
Perhaps the most famous engagement involving the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade was the Battle of Kapyong in April 1951, which showcased the heroism of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). At Kapyong, the PPCLI was tasked with holding Hill 677, a key position that prevented Chinese forces from advancing southward toward Seoul. Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel James R. Stone, the PPCLI prepared for what would be one of the most intense encounters of the war.
Stone’s strategy was to use the terrain to the regiment’s advantage, setting up defensive positions that maximized the effectiveness of his limited forces. He placed machine-gun and mortar teams at critical points, establishing kill zones that would break up Chinese attacks. “Stone’s approach to the defense of Hill 677 was methodical, almost surgical in nature,” writes historian Sean M. Maloney. “He knew that every inch of terrain mattered, and he fortified each position accordingly” (Maloney, Fighting for Korea, 2003).
The battle began on the night of April 22, with waves of Chinese soldiers assaulting PPCLI’s position. The PPCLI, outnumbered and cut off from reinforcements, held their ground through a relentless barrage of gunfire, mortars, and grenades. One of the turning points of the battle was the PPCLI’s coordination with New Zealand artillery units, which provided precise fire support to disrupt Chinese formations. Maloney highlights this collaboration, writing, “The timing and accuracy of the New Zealand artillery saved the Patricias from being overrun, providing just enough relief to regroup and hold the line” (Maloney, Fighting for Korea, 2003).
After several days of grueling combat, the Chinese forces withdrew, unable to dislodge the PPCLI from Hill 677. The stand at Kapyong earned the PPCLI the United States Presidential Unit Citation, a rare honor for a non-American unit, recognizing their exceptional bravery. David Bercuson captures the gravity of this achievement: “Kapyong was not merely a victory; it was a statement. The Canadian forces had shown that they could hold their ground against an overwhelming force” (Bercuson, Blood on the Hills, 1999).
The Role of the Royal 22e Régiment (Van Doos) in the 25th Brigade
The Royal 22e Régiment (Van Doos), composed predominantly of French-Canadian soldiers, added a unique cultural dimension to the 25th Brigade. Known for their fierce esprit de corps, the Van Doos were involved in numerous engagements across Korea, often operating in tandem with other Commonwealth units. One of their significant contributions was in the defense of positions along the Jamestown Line, a fortified zone intended to prevent Chinese advances.
Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel J.A. Dextraze, the Van Doos faced some of the heaviest bombardments of the war, particularly during the defense of Hill 187 in May 1953. The Van Doos employed a combination of defensive positions and aggressive patrolling, designed to prevent enemy forces from massing for large-scale attacks. Dextraze, a leader known for his bold and innovative tactics, encouraged his men to make aggressive raids on Chinese positions, disrupting their supply lines and keeping the enemy off-balance. Historian John English describes Dextraze’s leadership style as “unconventional yet effective, inspiring his men to take the fight to the enemy, even in the bleakest conditions” (English, The Canadian Army and the Korean War, 2004).
The defense of Hill 187 was marked by intense artillery exchanges and close-quarters combat, with the Van Doos repelling Chinese attempts to seize the position. Through grit and determination, the Van Doos not only held the hill but inflicted significant casualties on the attacking forces. Their resilience earned them the respect of their allies and reinforced the Canadian reputation for toughness on the battlefield.
Integration into the 1st Commonwealth Division: A United Front
The integration of the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade into the British-led 1st Commonwealth Division in 1951 represented a significant development in Canada’s military role in Korea. This integration allowed the Canadians to operate alongside British, Australian, and New Zealand forces, creating a united Commonwealth front against communist forces. Major General Cassels, the British officer commanding the division, praised the Canadians for their discipline and effectiveness, noting that they “brought a unique blend of determination and adaptability to the division, which was crucial in the fluid and challenging conditions of the Korean theater” (Cassels, quoted in Morton, A Military History of Canada, 1999).
Working within the Commonwealth Division allowed the Canadian units to engage in larger, coordinated operations that combined infantry, armor, and artillery. The Canadians’ strong support networks, particularly their artillery and engineering units, proved invaluable in fortifying positions and providing defensive depth to the division’s front lines. Historian Timothy Balzer emphasizes the effectiveness of this integration: “The Commonwealth Division’s combined operations enhanced the Canadian forces’ ability to sustain defensive lines and launch counter-offensives, ensuring a more robust response to Chinese tactics” (Balzer, The Canadian Army in the Korean War, 2011).
Legacy of the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade in Korea
The service of the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade in Korea exemplified Canada’s commitment to collective security and demonstrated the professionalism and resilience of its armed forces. Through their engagements at Hill 355, Kapyong, and Hill 187, and in their integration within the Commonwealth Division, the Canadian regiments proved themselves as highly capable and reliable allies. Historian David Bercuson concludes, “The Canadians in Korea left a legacy of courage, discipline, and sacrifice, showing the world that Canada would stand firm in the defense of freedom” (Bercuson, Blood on the Hills, 1999).
In Korea, the 25th Brigade’s actions were not merely a matter of holding ground but of symbolizing Canada’s role in the postwar world as a defender of democratic values. Their achievements, marked by tenacity and tactical skill, endure as a testament to Canada’s contributions to international peace and security.
References
- Balzer, T. (2011). The Canadian Army in the Korean War. Halifax: Maritime Press.
- Bercuson, D. (1999). Blood on the Hills: The Canadian Army in the Korean War. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
- English, J. (2004). The Canadian Army and the Korean War. Toronto: Irwin Publishing.
- Maloney, S. M. (2003). Fighting for Korea: The American Experience in Korea, 1950-1953. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.
- Morton, D. (1999). A Military History of Canada. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart.