Battle of Kowang-san

On 3 October 1951, there was a battle at the Kowang-san. The 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade, 1st Commonwealth Division captured Kowang-san from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army (PVA) as a part of the Operation Commando carried out by UN forces.

The U.S. 3rd Infantry Division, holding the summit of Hill 355 (Kowang-san), known as "Little Gibraltar", was pushed off the strategic and commanding position by an assault of several divisions of PVA soldiers. Royal 22nd Regiment (Van Doos) was attacked by the Chinese People's Volunteer Army (PVA), but held on to the west flank of Hill 355 (Kowang-san). A special operations platoon of 20 men led by Léo Major in an overnight assault captured Hill 227 on the west flank of Hill 355 overlooking the RCR positions.

The following day, the US 3rd Division attempted to recapture Hill 355 summit, in a fierce battle over two days recovered the position.

16 Canadians were killed, 34 wounded, and 3 taken prisoner.[2]

The battle started with Royal Canadian Regiment occupying the hilltop. A Chinese artillery assault followed by an infantry attack dislodged many of them. This was followed by an overnight Canadian artillery barrage, which had strong effect against the Chinese troops, who had not had an opportunity to find shelter, then a Canadian infantry counter-attack.[3]

18 Canadians were killed, 35 wounded, and 14 taken prisoner, the second-highest daily Canadian casualty count in the Korean War.[3]

Royal Canadian Regiment commemorate this battle on 25 October (Kowang-San Day).[4]

• Stanley Arthur Ward, Royal Canadian Regiment (7 July 1932 - 23 October 1952), Korea.