Key Facts
- Dates
- 21–22 October 1950
- Duration
- Approximately 3 hours of decisive fighting
- Key UNC units
- 3 RAR, 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, 187 RCT
- KPA unit engaged
- KPA 239th Regiment
- Airborne assault distance
- ~40 km north of Pyongyang
Strategic Narrative Overview
The KPA 239th Regiment, trapped between the Eighth Army advance and the 187 ABN rear attack, attempted a breakout northward just after midnight on 21–22 October. American paratroopers at Yongyu requested armoured relief from the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade advancing from Pyongyang. On 22 October, 3 RAR's C Company, mounted on US tanks, pushed through Yongyu and assaulted a KPA rearguard entrenched in a hillside apple orchard north of the town.
01 / The Origins
Following the KPA invasion of South Korea in June 1950, UNC forces under US Eighth Army pushed north after recapturing Seoul. In October 1950, the advance into North Korea sought to cut off retreating KPA forces. The US 187th Airborne RCT conducted a parachute assault at Sukchon and Sunchon on 20 October to block KPA withdrawals, capture North Korean officials, and liberate American POWs being moved from Pyongyang.
03 / The Outcome
C Company routed the KPA from the orchard, forcing the 239th Regiment onto open ground where it suffered heavy casualties and was compelled to withdraw westward. By midday the battle was over, with scattered KPA soldiers captured or killed. The 27th Brigade relieved 187 RCT at Sukchon and continued its drive toward the Chongchon River. The action was praised as a distinguished debut for the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
2 belligerents
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.