The defense of Hill 187 was one of the last major battles involving Canadian forces in the Korean War, marking a climactic and harrowing chapter in Canada’s military engagement on the peninsula. This action, fought by the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade as part of the 1st Commonwealth Division in May 1953, demonstrated both the courage and tactical ingenuity of Canadian forces as they faced relentless assaults from Chinese troops. The battle on Hill 187 underscored Canada’s role in the broader United Nations mission in Korea, reflecting not only the grit and resilience of its soldiers but also the disciplined tactics and leadership that defined the Canadian Army’s presence in this brutal conflict. Canadian military historians have pointed to Hill 187 as an exemplary demonstration of Canada’s commitment to defending democratic ideals and its allies in one of the most difficult theaters of the Cold War.
The Strategic Importance of Hill 187
Located north of the 38th Parallel in the region of the Jamestown Line, Hill 187 was part of a line of defensive positions established by United Nations forces to protect South Korea from the northward push of Chinese forces. This hill, like other key heights in the Korean terrain, provided a vantage point from which defenders could monitor and control surrounding areas, making it a strategic objective for both sides. Losing Hill 187 would open a breach in the defensive line, exposing United Nations forces to potential envelopment and making further enemy advancements possible. Historian David Bercuson underscores the critical nature of this position, writing that “Hill 187 was not merely high ground—it was the shield protecting the UN lines and a bulwark that had to be held against all odds” (Bercuson, Blood on the Hills: The Canadian Army in the Korean War, 1999).
By early 1953, Chinese forces had been probing United Nations lines, seeking weak points they could exploit. Intelligence reports indicated that Hill 187 was a likely target for an imminent attack, as Chinese forces prepared for a spring offensive that could change the balance on the front lines. In response, the Royal 22e Régiment (the Van Doos), supported by artillery from the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) and engineering units, fortified the hill, preparing for what was expected to be a major engagement.
Command and Preparations for the Defense
The defense of Hill 187 was led by Lieutenant Colonel Jacques Dextraze, a battle-tested and innovative leader known for his unconventional tactics and steadfast commitment to his troops. Under Dextraze’s command, the Van Doos soldiers dug in deeply on the hill, setting up an interconnected system of trenches, bunkers, and machine-gun positions that would maximize their firepower and allow them to defend against a numerically superior enemy force. Historian John English captures Dextraze’s leadership style, noting that “Dextraze was a commander who understood the nuances of defensive warfare, using every available resource to turn the terrain to his advantage” (English, The Canadian Army in Korea, 2004).
In addition to fortifications, Dextraze and his officers prepared a series of fallback positions to prevent any single breach from unraveling the defense entirely. Artillery support was carefully coordinated with forward observers on the hill, ensuring that artillery fire could be directed quickly and accurately onto advancing Chinese forces. Mortars and machine guns were strategically positioned to create interlocking fields of fire, maximizing coverage of the approaches to Hill 187 and ensuring that every angle was defensible. Dextraze ordered his men to be vigilant and prepared for nighttime assaults, knowing that the Chinese often preferred to attack under cover of darkness. As historian Sean Maloney notes, “Dextraze anticipated the enemy’s tactics and prepared his men accordingly, instilling a sense of readiness and discipline essential to holding such a contested position” (Maloney, Fighting for Korea, 2003).
The Battle Begins: The Night Assaults on Hill 187
The Chinese assault on Hill 187 began on the night of May 2, 1953, with a heavy artillery and mortar bombardment that rained down on Canadian positions, turning the landscape into a chaotic scene of explosions, smoke, and shrapnel. This bombardment was intended to weaken the defenses and disrupt Canadian coordination, but the Van Doos, fortified in their bunkers and trenches, held their ground under the barrage. The men of the Royal 22e Régiment braced themselves, knowing that the artillery fire was the precursor to a full-scale infantry assault.
When the bombardment ceased, Chinese forces advanced in large numbers, using their preferred tactic of “human-wave” assaults. The Canadians held their fire until the Chinese were within lethal range, then unleashed a torrent of machine-gun and mortar fire that tore into the advancing ranks. Historian Desmond Morton describes this moment as “a wall of disciplined firepower that stopped the enemy in its tracks, the Canadians’ gunfire turning back wave after wave with unyielding resolve” (Morton, A Military History of Canada, 1999).
Despite suffering heavy casualties, the Chinese continued to press forward, with each wave attempting to breach Canadian lines. The intensity of the battle led to brutal, close-quarters combat as Chinese soldiers reached the Canadian trenches, forcing the Van Doos to engage with rifles, bayonets, and even hand-to-hand fighting. Lieutenant Colonel Dextraze was reportedly seen moving among his men, encouraging them to hold their ground, his presence providing a steadying influence in the chaos of the battle. According to historian David Bercuson, “Dextraze’s leadership was a source of strength; he exemplified the tenacity needed to face down an enemy that seemed endless” (Bercuson, Blood on the Hills, 1999).
The Crucial Role of Artillery and Fire Support
One of the decisive factors in the defense of Hill 187 was the support provided by artillery units, particularly the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Artillery observers positioned on the hill coordinated with batteries located to the rear, directing precision fire that shattered enemy formations and bought valuable time for the defenders. Canadian artillery, supplemented by British and American units, laid down an almost continuous barrage that targeted Chinese staging areas, preventing the enemy from gathering enough force to breach Canadian lines.
In one of the battle’s most critical moments, a massive Chinese push on the morning of May 3 forced the Van Doos to call for a “danger close” artillery strike, where shells landed within meters of Canadian positions. This tactic was perilous, but it succeeded in halting the Chinese advance. Historian Tim Cook emphasizes the importance of this firepower, writing, “The artillery support was the difference between survival and defeat; it created a buffer of steel that no amount of manpower could penetrate” (Cook, The Necessary War, 2014).
The artillery support also boosted the morale of the Canadian defenders, who knew they could rely on this lifeline even when outnumbered. The precision and coordination of Canadian artillery made it one of the most effective aspects of the UN’s defensive strategy in Korea, a factor that played a key role in many engagements beyond Hill 187.
Endurance and Bravery Amidst Relentless Assaults
The battle for Hill 187 continued over several days, with Chinese forces making repeated attempts to break through Canadian defenses. The Van Doos, exhausted and running low on ammunition, remained resilient, rotating positions to allow small groups of soldiers brief respites from the front lines. Engineers and logistical support units worked tirelessly to resupply the hill under enemy fire, ensuring that the defenders could continue to fight effectively.
One of the most intense moments of the battle came when a Chinese assault on the morning of May 4 succeeded in breaching a section of the Canadian defenses. The Van Doos quickly regrouped, launching a counterattack to reclaim lost ground, using grenades, small arms, and bayonets to push the enemy back. Historian John English describes this counterattack as “a testament to the training and discipline of the Canadian forces, a coordinated effort that restored the line and prevented a complete breakthrough” (English, The Canadian Army in Korea, 2004).
The Van Doos’ ability to withstand these relentless attacks was a testament to their training, cohesion, and the effective leadership of officers and non-commissioned officers who maintained order amidst chaos. Throughout the battle, the resilience and resolve of the Canadian soldiers were apparent, as they held their positions against a larger enemy force intent on dislodging them from Hill 187.
Aftermath and Legacy of Hill 187
The Chinese finally withdrew after several days of intense fighting, unable to break through the Canadian defenses on Hill 187. The successful defense of this hill was one of the last major actions of the Korean War involving Canadian forces, as armistice negotiations were already underway. The stand on Hill 187 became a symbol of Canada’s steadfastness and determination in the face of adversity, a moment that reflected the nation’s commitment to the principles of collective security and the defense of freedom.
Historian David Bercuson captures the significance of Hill 187 in his analysis, stating, “The Canadians at Hill 187 showed the world that Canada was willing to hold the line against tyranny, no matter the cost” (Bercuson, Blood on the Hills, 1999). The bravery of the Royal 22e Régiment, supported by the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and engineering units, secured Canada’s legacy in the Korean War as a resolute and reliable partner within the United Nations coalition.
The defense of Hill 187 left an indelible mark on Canadian military history, symbolizing the resilience, discipline, and courage of Canada’s soldiers. This battle illustrated the effectiveness of combined arms tactics, the critical role of artillery support, and the importance of strong leadership in overcoming overwhelming odds. Hill 187 stands as a tribute to Canada’s enduring commitment to peace and security, a legacy forged in the crucible of combat and remembered as a defining moment in Canada’s military heritage.
References
- Bercuson, D. (1999). Blood on the Hills: The Canadian Army in the Korean War. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
- Cook, T. (2014). The Necessary War. Toronto: Penguin Random House.
- English, J. (2004). The Canadian Army in Korea. 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.