The Battle of Hill 355, also known as “Little Gibraltar,” was one of the most intense and strategically significant battles involving Canadian forces in the Korean War. This battle saw the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade, part of the 1st Commonwealth Division, tasked with defending a key high ground that dominated the surrounding area and served as a critical defensive position. The battle was a stern test of Canadian military resolve and demonstrated the importance of tactical adaptability, discipline, and teamwork among Canadian forces. Hill 355 stands as a testament to Canada’s contribution to the defense of South Korea, and the resilience and courage of its soldiers have been praised by historians as exemplary in the annals of Canadian military history.
The Strategic Significance of Hill 355
Hill 355, nicknamed “Little Gibraltar” for its strategic importance and defensibility, stood at a height of approximately 355 meters and commanded the area northwest of Seoul, overlooking several major supply and communication routes. This vantage point was vital because it allowed control over movements in the valleys below, and its loss would expose United Nations forces to devastating attacks and encroachments by Chinese and North Korean forces. Historian David Bercuson underscores the significance of the hill, writing that “Hill 355 was not just another hill—it was the lynchpin of the UN’s defensive line in the area, a fortress that had to be held at all costs” (Bercuson, Blood on the Hills: The Canadian Army in the Korean War, 1999).
The hill had already been the site of numerous skirmishes, with both UN and Chinese forces recognizing its tactical value. By late October 1952, intelligence reports indicated that Chinese forces were preparing for a major assault aimed at seizing the hill. In response, the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade, consisting of the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR), the Royal 22e Régiment (Van Doos), and Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), was tasked with defending Hill 355. The responsibility fell primarily on the Royal Canadian Regiment, supported by artillery units from the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA), engineers, and logistical support teams to maintain the flow of supplies and reinforcements.
Command and Preparation: Setting the Stage
The defense of Hill 355 was led by Brigadier General M.P. Bogert, commander of the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade, who understood both the tactical importance of the hill and the severity of the threat posed by the Chinese forces. Bogert and his officers, including Lieutenant Colonel J.R. Stone of the RCR, meticulously prepared their defenses, understanding that they were up against a numerically superior enemy with a history of using overwhelming force in repeated assaults. Historian Sean Maloney emphasizes Bogert’s tactical acumen, noting that “Bogert and his men understood that holding Hill 355 meant being ready to endure the full weight of the Chinese Army, a test of not just skill, but sheer endurance” (Maloney, Fighting for Korea, 2003).
The Canadians established defensive positions along the slopes of Hill 355, building trenches, bunkers, and machine-gun emplacements to maximize their firepower. They created interlocking fields of fire to ensure that every approach was covered by direct or indirect fire. Artillery support, including 105mm howitzers from the RCHA, was positioned to provide covering fire across the valley and to disrupt enemy assembly areas. Mortar teams and machine gunners were positioned at key locations, prepared to unleash devastating fire on advancing enemy forces. These preparations were rigorous and essential, given the known Chinese tactic of attacking in waves to overwhelm defenders.
The Battle Begins: A Test of Endurance and Discipline
On the night of October 22, 1952, the Chinese forces began their assault on Hill 355. The initial phase involved heavy artillery bombardments, with shells raining down on Canadian positions, creating a cacophony of explosions and smoke that turned the hillside into a chaotic battlefield. The Canadian defenders, hunkered down in their bunkers and trenches, braced themselves for the inevitable infantry assault that would follow the artillery barrage. Historian John English describes the atmosphere as “one of waiting and tension, knowing that the calm after the bombardment would be shattered by the rush of enemy soldiers” (English, The Canadian Army in Korea, 2004).
The Chinese infantry advanced in waves, relying on their numerical superiority to try to overrun the Canadian positions. The Canadian defenders, however, responded with disciplined fire control and concentrated volleys, using machine guns and mortars to break up the Chinese formations. The RCR soldiers displayed remarkable discipline, holding their fire until the Chinese were well within range to maximize the impact of each shot. Sergeant Leo Major, a distinguished Canadian soldier, later remarked on the intensity of the battle: “It was like a tidal wave of men coming at you, but we held firm. Every shot had to count” (quoted in Bercuson, Blood on the Hills, 1999).
Throughout the night and into the early morning, the Chinese continued their assaults, and Canadian forces endured close-quarters combat as enemy soldiers tried to infiltrate their lines. The Canadians relied on their well-prepared defensive positions to resist the enemy’s advance. Artillery support from the RCHA proved crucial in this phase of the battle, with precise bombardments breaking up enemy concentrations before they could launch fresh waves of attacks. Maloney emphasizes the importance of this artillery support, noting that “the RCHA’s firepower was the backbone of the defense, a constant hammer that blunted the edge of each Chinese wave” (Maloney, Fighting for Korea, 2003).
The Critical Role of Artillery and Fire Support
The Canadian defenders on Hill 355 had a potent force multiplier in the form of artillery support from the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, as well as British and American artillery units. These artillery units, operating from nearby positions, provided continuous fire support, disrupting Chinese assaults and preventing the enemy from massing their forces effectively. Canadian artillery spotters, positioned in forward observation posts, directed fire with pinpoint accuracy, allowing the RCHA to lay down barrages that decimated enemy concentrations.
During one particularly intense assault on October 23, the Chinese attempted a coordinated night attack, using the cover of darkness to conceal their movements. As the Canadians engaged the advancing troops, they called in artillery support, and the RCHA responded with a barrage that illuminated the night sky with deadly fire. Historian Tim Cook describes this as a “blistering display of firepower, a wall of steel that turned back the enemy and bought the Canadians precious time” (Cook, The Necessary War, 2014).
The artillery barrages also served to boost the morale of the Canadian troops, who knew they could rely on this vital support even when they were heavily outnumbered. The psychological impact of this firepower cannot be overstated, as it gave the defenders a sense of security and strength amid the relentless onslaught.
Resilience and Heroism Amidst Relentless Assaults
As the days passed, the Chinese intensified their attacks, determined to capture Hill 355. The Canadians, exhausted and running low on supplies, continued to hold their positions. The Van Doos (Royal 22e Régiment) joined the defense, rotating with the RCR to allow some of the beleaguered defenders a brief respite. The Van Doos, with their distinct esprit de corps, added a new layer of resilience to the defense, taking up positions with the same determination and fighting spirit.
The Canadians faced not only the enemy but also the elements, as cold October winds swept through the hills, compounding the misery of the troops. In these conditions, discipline and unit cohesion were essential, and Canadian leadership at both the officer and NCO levels proved critical in maintaining order. Lieutenant Colonel J.R. Stone of the RCR exemplified this leadership, moving through the lines to bolster morale, and ensuring that every soldier knew the importance of holding their ground. Historian Desmond Morton captures the essence of Stone’s leadership, noting that “Stone was not just a commander; he was a symbol of resilience to his men, a reminder that they were fighting for each other as much as for victory” (Morton, A Military History of Canada, 1999).
The Aftermath and Legacy of Hill 355
After several days of intense fighting, the Chinese forces finally withdrew, unable to dislodge the Canadian defenders from Hill 355. The Canadians had held their ground against overwhelming odds, and their defense of Little Gibraltar became one of the most celebrated feats of arms in the Korean War. This battle showcased the skill and determination of Canadian forces, as well as the importance of disciplined firepower, effective leadership, and unwavering morale in the face of adversity.
The legacy of the Battle of Hill 355 is enshrined in Canadian military history as a symbol of resilience and unity. The defense of this hill demonstrated the critical role that Canadian forces played in the larger UN mission in Korea and highlighted their ability to operate in coordination with allies under challenging conditions. As David Bercuson wrote, “Hill 355 was not just a defensive action; it was a testament to the courage and tenacity of Canada’s fighting men, a defining moment that underscored Canada’s commitment to international peace and security” (Bercuson, Blood on the Hills, 1999).
The courage displayed by the soldiers of the Royal Canadian Regiment, supported by the Royal 22e Régiment, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, and the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, helped cement the reputation of Canadian forces in Korea as steadfast and effective defenders. Their victory at Hill 355 provided the United Nations with a critical stronghold and marked Canada’s commitment to collective security during a turbulent period in world history.
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.