70th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong
22-25 April 2021 is the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong, Canada’s most significant action of the Korean War. Fought in the hills above the Kapyong Valley, Canadian and United Nations soldiers held back a major enemy offensive.
Remembering the Battle of Kapyong
Transcript
Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
The Battle of Kapyong was a defining moment in Canada’s proud military history. In the most challenging of conditions, the 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry helped prevent a costly defeat for the South Korean and United Nations forces. The outcome could have easily been different, if not for the brave Canadians who held off an enemy force several times their own size. They held the line, but it came at a cost. Ten Canadians were killed. 23 were wounded. And many others carried the burdens of war with them for the rest of their lives.
Michael Danagher, Canadian Ambassador to Korea
Behind me is Hill 677, this is the site where the 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry made their stand. The Patricias were following a fine tradition of Canadian stubbornness. The Royal Canadian Regiment and Royal 22nd Regiment would also make their mark during the Korean War, halting enemy advances with unwavering support from the Canadian Armoured, Artillery and Engineering Regiments as well as Field Ambulances and Logistics Corps. I have been told by the men who fought here, of their disbelief, as wave after wave of the enemy attacked their positions. They witnessed their friends die while they battled on.
Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
70 years later, we remember the Canadians who stood fast at Kapyong, and all those who went off in service of peace during the Korean War.
Lest we forget.
Battle of Kapyong
Check out photos of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, a Canadian regiment that served during the Korean War and fought in the Battle of Kapyong.
Photo
Image 1 of 14
2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in a combat area in Korea on 7 March 1951.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 2 of 14
A company of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry moves in single file across rice paddies as it advances on enemy positions across the valley in March 1951.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 3 of 14
Lt.-Col. Stone of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, eats cold beans for lunch.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 4 of 14
Officers and NCOs of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, hold a briefing session in their dugout. L-R: Lt. Bob Whittaker; Lt. John Deegan; Sgt. Frank Moreau; CSM Jim Coutts; and Sgt. Ken Gawthorn.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 5 of 14
Pte.s E. Sweeny and C. Dell, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, examine rock shelter for occupants.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 6 of 14
Troops of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry moving up to front. 21 May 1951.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 7 of 14
Riflemen of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, advancing to contact with the enemy. 7-9 March 1951.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 8 of 14
Riflemen of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, give covering fire for their buddies during hill to hill fight. 7-9 March 1951.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 9 of 14
Dugout shelter built for 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry soldiers with a slanting roof to ward off rain, a bazooka bomb tube serves as a chimney. Rain capes cover the entrance for warmth and to prevent light from escaping at night. 7-9 March 1951.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 10 of 14
With an air strike keeping the enemy pinned down, riflemen of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, gather around a fire in the early morning. 16 April 1951.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 11 of 14
Riflemen of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry line up for breakfast during a two week rest period back of the lines. 7-9 March 1951.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 12 of 14
Korean villagers wave to members of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, as they pass through the village en route to enemy-held mountains. February 1951.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 13 of 14
Two members of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Pte. Robert Borden (left), and Sgt. Ken Gawthorn wish each other a happy birthday. February 1951.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaPhoto
Image 14 of 14
A company of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, as it moves in single file across rice paddies towards enemy positions. February 1951.
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence/Library and Archives CanadaServices and Benefits
If you are a current or former member of the CAF or RCMP, or a family member, we have services and benefits to improve your well-being throughout your life.
More Information
Official images
Lesson Plans
View our lesson plans to help students learn more about the Battle of Kapyong, the Korean War, and the Canadians who served in the conflict.
The Battle of Kapyong
From 22-25 April 1951, Canadian and United Nations troops fought a difficult battle in the hills above the Kapyong Valley on the Korean Peninsula.
The Korean War
The Korean War began on 25 June 1950 when North Korean troops invaded South Korea. United Nations forces soon joined the fighting, which ended with an armistice on 27 July 1953.
Faces of Freedom
Explore stories of fellow Canadians, some of whom bravely defended our freedom. Their faces tell the story and their legacy will live on.
- Date modified: