FAMOUS BATTLES IN AUSTRALIAN HISTORY - KAPYONG 2012 1OZ SILVER PROOF COIN
The Korean War began in June 1950, when North Korean forces launched an invasion of South Korea. The United Nations multinational force defended South Korea from the Communist forces, which included the Chinese People's Volunteer Army. The Australians were part of a force that was defending the Kapyong Valley, north of Seoul. Kapyong came to be the most significant and important battle for Australian troops in Korea. In April 1951 the Chinese launched their spring offensive with the aim of retaking the city of Seoul. They quickly overran South Korean forces defending one of the major approach routes to Seoul – the valley of the Kapyong River. During a night of fierce fighting and throughout the daylight hours of 24 April the Australians and a Canadian battalion, supported by a New Zealand artillery regiment, stalled the Chinese advance before eventually withdrawing after dark. The Australians had helped hold off the Chinese 60th Division and prevented Seoul from falling into enemy hands. The end of the Korean War came with the signing of an armistice on 27 July 1953. After the war ended, the presence of Australians in Korea continued with a peacekeeping force until 1957.