First Battle of Maryang San facts for kids

The Battle of Maryang San was a very important fight during the Korean War. Many people consider it one of Australia's biggest successes in that war. This battle happened when a US General named George Fleet asked his troops to capture certain areas. This was just before a peace agreement, called a truce, was signed at Panmanjan.

What Happened Before

During the Korean War, different countries joined together as part of the United Nations forces. These forces included soldiers from Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. They were part of the British Commonwealth Division.

Some of the main groups were:

• The 1st Battalion The King's Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB)
• The 1st Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry (KSLI)
• The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR)

These soldiers were fighting against the Chinese Communist forces. Their main goal was to capture several hills, especially the main target, Maryang San. Lieutenant Colonel 'Frank' Francis Hassett led the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.

The Battle Begins

The first attacks were successful for the United Nations forces. Australian soldiers from the 3 RAR's A and B companies captured Hill 199. At the same time, the 1st Battalion Kings Shropshire Light Infantry took Hill 208.

The Kings Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB) tried to take Hill 399. But they were stopped by Chinese forces as night fell.

Capturing Hill 200

The Australian soldiers attacked again at dawn. They moved towards Hill 200, which was held by Chinese troops. The Chinese infantry were forced out of their trenches and ran away. Some Chinese soldiers were captured as prisoners.

The Australians took the first Chinese gun position, then the second. The Chinese troops kept retreating down the slope of Hill 200.

Taking Maryang San

Companies A, B, and D of the Australian forces attacked the Chinese units. This drew the Chinese away from Maryang San, which was the main target. After the United Nations forces used their artillery and mortar weapons, the Chinese troops left Maryang San. Australian soldiers then moved in and took control of the position.

The Australian troops then advanced towards an area the Chinese used for artillery attacks. This area was known as "the Hinge." After capturing the Hinge, the Australians faced many attacks. These attacks eventually became less frequent and then stopped.

Chinese Counter-Attack

Around 8 PM, the Chinese launched a massive attack. They came in huge numbers. However, the Australian units were well prepared. They had dug into the Chinese trenches and used them for defense. They fired their machine guns at the waves of Chinese troops. Hundreds of Chinese soldiers fell.

South Korean porters worked hard during the battle. They constantly brought supplies to the soldiers and carried away the wounded.

After the Battle

By November 5, the Australian soldiers were pulled back to rest. Sadly, Maryang San was recaptured by the Chinese. This was a very upsetting moment for the soldiers who had fought so hard to take it. The important area of Maryang San stayed under Chinese control for the rest of the war.

Images for kids

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  A British Centurion tank similar to those used at Maryang San

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  New Zealand gunners firing a 25-pounder in Korea

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  The First Battle of Maryang San, 2–8 October 1951.

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  No. 2 Squadron SAAF Mustang fighters during the Korean War

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  Chinese soldiers from the 64th Army defending Maryang San

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  Abandoned Chinese positions

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  Australian Vickers machine-gunners firing in support of the assault by C Company 3 RAR on Hill 317.

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  Korean porters supporting 3 RAR

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  Chinese prisoners captured by Australian soldiers during the UN offensive in October 1951

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  Australian casualties being evacuated during Operation Commando, October 1951

See also

In Spanish: Primera Batalla de Maryang San para niños