The stand that shaped a battalion
This year marked the 75th anniversary of a battle that became a cornerstone of the history of 3RAR. Maj Diana Jennings reports from South Korea, where a contingent of the regiment paid tribute.
A contingent of Australian soldiers, predominantly from 3RAR, made the pilgrimage to South Korea to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong.
They represented the best of the battalion – those recognised for their performance and professionalism, including members of the Duke of Gloucester Cup section and the Opie Trophy winner.
On the rugged hills of Kapyong 75 years ago, Australian diggers stood against overwhelming odds. Heavily outnumbered, they held their ground against successive waves of enemy forces, halting their advance towards Seoul.
The battle was a turning point in the war, and became a cornerstone of 3RAR's history and its nickname ‘Old Faithful’.
Led by contingent commander Maj Matt Rose, who has served 35 years in the Army – including 15 with 3RAR – the group visited the battlefield and retraced the footsteps of those who fought.
“We took the opportunity to walk up to the Alpha and Bravo Company positions. It showed us the nature of the terrain – the positions they occupied were tenuous to start with, let alone defending it for the amount of time that they did,” Maj Rose said.
The quiet of the rolling hills scattered with homes, schools and farms is a striking contrast to the violence that consumed the once-devastated battlefield.
There’s a saying that the Korean War is the forgotten war, but not in 3RAR, it will never be forgotten.'
“When we were on the position, we spoke about the history, and I think a lot of the soldiers felt the same, standing in the place that established the reputation of the 3rd Battalion,” Maj Rose said.
“To actually walk in the footsteps of our predecessors, and standing in the ditches that they dug, I know for myself, it was very moving.”
On April 24, the contingent took part in two commemorative services alongside the Chiefs of Army from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea.
Yet the most poignant presence was that of Korean War veterans, some of whom made the journey from Australia, Canada and New Zealand to stand once more on the ground where they had fought as young men.
“Being at Kapyong with Korean War veterans is a rare opportunity. They’re thinning out quickly due to the ravages of time, so to be in Kapyong with these veterans was an honour,” Maj Rose said.
“‘Old Faithful’ is not a badge of honour – it’s a burden of expectation.
“It’s more of a challenge to live up to the reputation that was created by our predecessors.
“There’s a saying that the Korean War is the forgotten war, but not in 3RAR, it will never be forgotten.”
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