Key Facts
- Date
- 29–30 October 1950
- Duration
- Approximately 2 days
- Australian unit
- 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR)
- KPA unit
- 17th Tank Brigade, equipped with T-34 tanks and SU-76 SPGs
- Notable casualty
- Lt Col Charles Green, 3 RAR CO, died of wounds 1 Nov 1950
Strategic Narrative Overview
Detecting KPA armour including T-34 tanks on a wooded ridgeline, 3 RAR launched company-level attacks supported by American M4 Sherman tanks and aircraft. After three hours, the KPA withdrew and Australian objectives were secured. That evening a reinforced KPA force struck the Australian southern flank held by D Company, partially breaching the perimeter before being repulsed. A subsequent assault on A Company's northern position also failed with heavy KPA losses.
01 / The Origins
Following North Korea's invasion of South Korea in June 1950, UN forces intervened and eventually pushed the Korean People's Army (KPA) back beyond the 38th parallel. By October 1950, UN forces were advancing toward the Yalu River in a broad offensive. Australian troops of 3 RAR, part of the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, encountered a fortified KPA armoured force at Chongju blocking the line of advance northward.
03 / The Outcome
The following day Australian forces advanced to high ground overlooking Chongju, taking prisoners in skirmishes. The town was then cleared unopposed by remaining elements of the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade. KPA casualties were described as heavy. The Australian commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Green, was wounded by artillery fire after the battle and died two days later, representing the engagement's most significant Australian loss.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Green.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.