Operation Commando, conducted from October 3 to October 8, 1951, was one of the most ambitious and coordinated offensives undertaken by United Nations forces during the Korean War. It involved a strategic push to secure new defensive positions along what would become the Jamestown Line, with the primary goal of fortifying the UN’s position north of the 38th parallel. The operation showcased the discipline, adaptability, and tactical precision of Canadian forces within the 1st Commonwealth Division, particularly the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade. This brigade, which included the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR), Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), and the Royal 22e Régiment (Van Doos), played a central role in this intense, multi-national offensive, under the leadership of Brigadier John M. Rockingham. The Canadians demonstrated remarkable bravery, and their efforts secured vital positions that would be instrumental in the UN’s defensive strategy for the remainder of the conflict.
Strategic Importance of Operation Commando
By mid-1951, the Korean War had reached a stalemate, with both sides locked in fierce battles over strategic high ground. Recognizing the tactical necessity of establishing a more defensible line, UN forces launched Operation Commando to push Chinese and North Korean forces off key hills along the Jamestown Line, securing positions that would provide an advantage in future defensive engagements. The operation aimed to create a buffer zone between the UN line and Chinese-held territory, allowing UN forces to prevent the enemy from advancing further south.
For the Canadians, this operation represented a shift from the largely defensive actions they had previously undertaken. Historian David Bercuson described the strategic objective, noting that “Operation Commando was not just about taking ground; it was a calculated effort to control the battlefield’s geography, to deprive the enemy of critical terrain and fortify the UN’s ability to hold fast against future assaults” (Bercuson, Blood on the Hills: The Canadian Army in the Korean War, 1999). The rugged terrain of the Jamestown Line meant that each position taken would significantly enhance UN forces’ defensive capabilities, making the operation both strategically and tactically crucial.
Canadian Units and Command Structure
The Canadian contribution to Operation Commando came from the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier John M. Rockingham, a veteran leader known for his tactical acumen and commitment to his troops. Rockingham was a forceful and effective leader who had previously demonstrated his capability in the Canadian campaigns in World War II. His approach to command was direct and grounded in a deep understanding of both terrain and tactics. Historian Sean M. Maloney notes that “Rockingham’s leadership style was uncompromising; he knew his men’s capabilities and expected them to hold to the highest standards, particularly in the face of an operation as challenging as Commando” (Maloney, Fighting for Korea, 2003).
The three main battalions involved from the 25th Brigade included:
- The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) – The RCR was tasked with leading initial assaults and capturing specific high-ground positions.
- Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) – The PPCLI’s role involved securing flanking positions and providing support for the main advances.
- The Royal 22e Régiment (Van Doos) – The Van Doos were given responsibility for securing and holding key points along the newly established Jamestown Line.
Supporting these units were artillery detachments from the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) and engineering units tasked with fortifying positions and clearing obstacles. Artillery support proved invaluable, as the rugged and elevated landscape allowed artillery units to provide a consistent barrage that cleared enemy positions and disrupted counterattacks.
Planning and Tactics: The Advance to the Jamestown Line
Brigadier Rockingham and his command team devised a detailed plan that would leverage the Canadians’ disciplined training and experience in combined-arms operations. The primary tactical approach was a series of phased assaults on fortified enemy positions, designed to maintain momentum and prevent Chinese and North Korean forces from regrouping or mounting effective counterattacks. Canadian historian Tim Cook describes Rockingham’s strategy as “methodical, calculated to minimize casualties while maximizing territorial gains” (Cook, The Necessary War, 2014).
The Canadians moved in coordinated waves, with each battalion advancing to seize objectives that had been softened by artillery bombardment. This approach minimized exposure to enemy fire and allowed for a steady, sustained advance. The RCR led the initial assault on October 3, targeting a series of hills that would form the front line of the Jamestown Line. Using their experience from previous engagements, the RCR advanced with well-coordinated fire support, employing mortars, machine guns, and close-in artillery barrages that created a deadly zone of interlocking fire.
The Assault: RCR’s Capture of Hills 227 and 355
The first major engagement for Canadian forces during Operation Commando occurred on Hill 227, a strategically important height that provided a commanding view over the valley below. The RCR, advancing under the cover of night, employed stealth and discipline, surprising Chinese forces entrenched on the hill. Supported by artillery from the RCHA, the RCR cleared the hill in fierce close-quarters combat, using grenades and small-arms fire to dislodge enemy defenders.
Hill 355, often referred to as “Little Gibraltar,” was the next target. This hill had become a heavily contested position, and the Chinese had fortified it with trenches and bunkers. Canadian forces used a combination of coordinated artillery strikes and infantry assaults to advance. Historian John English notes that “the RCR’s ability to advance through heavily fortified positions with minimal casualties was a testament to their training and the effectiveness of the Canadian artillery, which worked in near-perfect synchronization” (English, The Canadian Army and the Korean War, 2004).
By October 5, the RCR had successfully secured both Hill 227 and Hill 355, dealing significant casualties to Chinese forces and consolidating the Canadian position along the Jamestown Line.
The Role of PPCLI and the Van Doos in Consolidating the Line
Following the RCR’s success, the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) and the Royal 22e Régiment (Van Doos) moved into positions to protect the newly established Canadian front. The PPCLI took up flanking positions to prevent Chinese forces from launching counterattacks against the main Canadian advance, while the Van Doos were tasked with securing ridges and trenches that would anchor the Jamestown Line.
The PPCLI’s position on the flank involved patrolling and maintaining vigilance against enemy probes. The Chinese attempted to mount several counterattacks against these positions, but the PPCLI’s disciplined use of machine guns and mortars held them at bay. “The Patricias’ ability to hold their flanks against probing attacks was instrumental in allowing the RCR and Van Doos to consolidate their positions,” writes historian Sean Maloney (Maloney, Fighting for Korea, 2003).
Meanwhile, the Van Doos faced repeated attempts by the Chinese to retake positions along the ridge line. Lieutenant Colonel Jacques Dextraze, commanding the Van Doos, encouraged his men to employ aggressive patrolling tactics, keeping the enemy off-balance and preventing any coordinated counterattacks. Historian David Bercuson describes Dextraze’s leadership style as “a blend of tenacity and tactical adaptability, an approach that enabled his soldiers to hold ground in the face of determined opposition” (Bercuson, Blood on the Hills, 1999).
The Impact of Artillery and Support Units
Artillery fire from the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery proved to be a decisive element in Operation Commando. Artillery units provided continuous bombardment on Chinese positions, disrupting enemy movements and clearing obstacles ahead of the Canadian advance. The precision and intensity of artillery support allowed Canadian infantry to move with greater speed and effectiveness, as enemy defenses were weakened by the sustained barrage.
In addition to artillery, engineering units played a vital role in consolidating positions along the Jamestown Line. Engineers cleared minefields, built defensive fortifications, and established supply routes to ensure that frontline troops had access to necessary supplies and reinforcements. These engineering efforts provided the logistical backbone that allowed Canadian forces to hold their ground even as Chinese forces mounted sporadic counterattacks.
The Outcome and Legacy of Operation Commando
By October 8, 1951, Canadian forces had successfully secured their objectives along the Jamestown Line, establishing a defensible position that would remain vital for the rest of the war. The operation inflicted heavy casualties on Chinese forces and significantly strengthened the UN’s defensive capabilities in Korea. The Jamestown Line became a fortified boundary that allowed UN forces to withstand subsequent Chinese offensives, marking Operation Commando as a turning point in the Korean War.
The success of Operation Commando demonstrated the tactical prowess and adaptability of Canadian forces. Historian Tim Cook observes that “the Canadians’ disciplined advance and steadfast defense along the Jamestown Line highlighted their effectiveness as soldiers and their crucial role within the 1st Commonwealth Division” (Cook, The Necessary War, 2014). For the Canadians involved, Operation Commando was both a significant military achievement and a testament to their ability to work seamlessly within a larger coalition.
Conclusion: Operation Commando’s Place in Canadian Military History
Operation Commando stands as a defining moment in Canada’s involvement in the Korean War, showcasing the valor, discipline, and tactical expertise of Canadian forces. Brigadier Rockingham’s leadership, the bravery of the RCR, PPCLI, and Van Doos, and the critical support of artillery and engineers combined to achieve a strategic victory that solidified the UN’s defenses in Korea. Canadian historian David Bercuson captures the legacy of Operation Commando, noting that “the Canadian Army’s performance along the Jamestown Line proved that Canada was not just a participant in the Korean War, but an essential partner in the collective defense of freedom” (Bercuson, Blood on the Hills, 1999).
The lessons learned and the legacy of Operation Commando continue to be honored within the Canadian Armed Forces as a testament to the strength and resilience of Canadian soldiers in one of the Cold War’s most challenging conflicts.
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 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.