Battle of Kujin: Difference between revisions
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After setting up defensive positions on a crest 400 metres from the bridge, "B Company" detected the North Koreans preparing for a frontal assault and called in mortar fire to break up the formation.<ref name=O47/> In response the North Koreans fired mortars at the Australian positions with limited effect. Heavy small arms fire began at 22:30 from the North Korean positions and resulted in "B Company" suffering 2 killed and 3 wounded. The wounded and killed were evacuated from the battlefield and while under fire one wounded soldier fell into the Taeryong River and was rescued by Sergeant Tom Murray, who was later awarded the [[George Medal]] for his actions<ref name=O48>Odgers 2009, p. 48.</ref>. At 23:00 further artillery and mortar fire missions were undertake against the North Korean forces. Reinforcements were also sent across the bridge by the Australians.<ref name=c259>Coulthard-Clark 2001, p. 259.</ref> |
After setting up defensive positions on a crest 400 metres from the bridge, "B Company" detected the North Koreans preparing for a frontal assault and called in mortar fire to break up the formation.<ref name=O47/> In response the North Koreans fired mortars at the Australian positions with limited effect. Heavy small arms fire began at 22:30 from the North Korean positions and resulted in "B Company" suffering 2 killed and 3 wounded. The wounded and killed were evacuated from the battlefield and while under fire one wounded soldier fell into the Taeryong River and was rescued by Sergeant Tom Murray, who was later awarded the [[George Medal]] for his actions<ref name=O48>Odgers 2009, p. 48.</ref>. At 23:00 further artillery and mortar fire missions were undertake against the North Korean forces. Reinforcements were also sent across the bridge by the Australians.<ref name=c259>Coulthard-Clark 2001, p. 259.</ref> |
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The North Koreans counterattacked at 04:00 on 26 October led by [[T-34]] tanks.<ref name=c259/> "B Company" holding one T-34 tank off within ten metres of its headquarters, while "A Company" attacked a convoy of vehicles, including a T-34 tank at close range, which forced all but the tank to be abandoned. At 07:00, a further airstrike by F-80 Shooting |
The North Koreans counterattacked at 04:00 on 26 October led by [[T-34]] tanks.<ref name=c259/> "B Company" holding one T-34 tank off within ten metres of its headquarters, while "A Company" attacked a convoy of vehicles, including a T-34 tank at close range, which forced all but the tank to be abandoned. At 07:00, a further airstrike by F-80 Shooting Stars of the USAF, rocketted, strafed and napalmed the North Korean lines, while "C Company" and "D Company" crossed the river to enter the battle<ref name=O48/>. By 12:00, the North Koreans had withdrawn. |
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==Aftermath== |
==Aftermath== |
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Revision as of 05:55, 23 August 2009
| Battle of Kujin | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Korean War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 North Korea | |||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Unknown | |||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 100 killed, 350 captured | ||||||
The Battle of Kujin, also known as the Battle of the Broken Bridge, took place on 25–26 October 1950 during the United Nations (UN) counter-offensive during the Korean War against the North Korean forces which had invaded South Korea.[1] The battle was fought between 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) and North Korean forces for control of the bridge across the Taeryong River near Kujin.
Background
After the Battle of Yongju, the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, led by Brigadier Basil Aubrey Coad was ordered to advance towards Pakchon[2]. Initially led by the Middlesex Regiment until crossing the Chongchon River, the 3RAR took over the lead, with "B Company" 3RAR reaching Kujin, 3 kilometres south of Pakchon, at 16:00 on 25 October. Upon arriving at Kujin it was discovered that the 300 metre concrete span bridge across the Taeryong River had been blown up.
Battle
Using roughly made timber ladders, two sections of No. 4 Platoon led by Lieutenant Alan Lindsay Morisson, were able to cross the bridge and recon the area on the other side of the bridge.[3] After crossing the bridge, 50 North Korean soldiers came forward to surrender, and almost immediately came under heavy fire from North Korean positions in the hills. A United States (US) spotter plane reported two ememy companies to the west of the north bridgehead which brought about the withdrawal of the sections across the bridge bringing with them 10 prisoners.[1]
The bridge was strategically important for the advancing US 8th Army and was required to be kept open. An airstrike was called in for between 17:15 and 17:30 and United States Air Force (USAF) F-80 Shooting Star aircraft strafed the North Korean positions across the river[2]. "D Company" 3RAR was sent into Pakchon to clear the town and protect the right flank, they returned at 18:30 having cleared the town and bringing 225 prisoners[4]. At 19:00, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hercules Green ordered "A Company" and "B Company" 3RAR across the river to prevent the enemy consolidating their position.
After setting up defensive positions on a crest 400 metres from the bridge, "B Company" detected the North Koreans preparing for a frontal assault and called in mortar fire to break up the formation.[4] In response the North Koreans fired mortars at the Australian positions with limited effect. Heavy small arms fire began at 22:30 from the North Korean positions and resulted in "B Company" suffering 2 killed and 3 wounded. The wounded and killed were evacuated from the battlefield and while under fire one wounded soldier fell into the Taeryong River and was rescued by Sergeant Tom Murray, who was later awarded the George Medal for his actions[5]. At 23:00 further artillery and mortar fire missions were undertake against the North Korean forces. Reinforcements were also sent across the bridge by the Australians.[6]
The North Koreans counterattacked at 04:00 on 26 October led by T-34 tanks.[6] "B Company" holding one T-34 tank off within ten metres of its headquarters, while "A Company" attacked a convoy of vehicles, including a T-34 tank at close range, which forced all but the tank to be abandoned. At 07:00, a further airstrike by F-80 Shooting Stars of the USAF, rocketted, strafed and napalmed the North Korean lines, while "C Company" and "D Company" crossed the river to enter the battle[5]. By 12:00, the North Koreans had withdrawn.
Aftermath
The fighting at Kujin was the Australians first loss of life in battle in Korea and became known as the "Battle of the Broken Bridges". North Korean casualties included 100+ killed and 350 captured, while Australian losses were 8 killed and 22 wounded[2].
Notes
References
- Coulthard-Clark, Chris (2001). The Encyclopaedia of Australia's Battles. St Leonards: Allen and Unwin. ISBN 1865086347.
- Odgers, George (2009). Remebering Korea: Australians in the War of 1950–53. Chatswood: New Holland Publishers (Australia). ISBN 9781741108071.