Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) Edwin "Ted" Adye

Ted Adye narrowly survived the Korean War and returned home with vivid memories of battles and miles trekked through Korea's countryside.

Born in 1928 in Toronto, Ontario, some of Ted Adye’s formative years were shaped by the Second World War, as he was just 17 years old when the conflict ended.

When the Korean War began in June 1950, Ted, like many others who were too young to serve in the Second World War, saw an opportunity to do his part.

He enlisted on 16 August 1950, just before his 22^nd birthday. Shortly after, in November, he was sent overseas as part of the first Canadian army unit to participate in the Korean War, the 2^nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI).

While in Korea, Ted trekked miles of hills and rugged terrain and saw a lot of action. On the night of 24 April 1951, his entire battalion was attacked – a moment he will never forget. The company which took the brunt of the attack, Dog Company, called their own artillery to fire on top of themselves to drive out the enemy. Defying all odds, none of their own people were injured.

“There were a lot of bullets and all kinds of stuff flying that night. And I took a bullet through my right lung. That was the end of the Korean War for me.”

In early October, the 1^st Battalion PPCLI arrived in Korea, to take the place of the 2^nd Battalion. On the night of 10 October 1951, while the changeover was taking place, the enemy carried out a large attack on the 2PPCLI, the Royal Canadian Regiment, and the 2Royal 22^e Régiment. During the assault, Ted suffered a bullet wound to his right lung a mere three days before he was meant to leave the frontlines and return to Canada. “There were a lot of bullets flying and all kinds of stuff flying that night. And I took a bullet through my right lung. That was the end of the Korean War for me.”

After recovering from his injury, Ted served with the Regular Force from 1952 to 1977 in the Royal Canadian Engineers, in various postings across Canada, and in the Middle East with the United Nations. After 1977, he worked in civil service with the Royal Canadian Engineers for eight more years before retiring. After this long career of military service, Ted now lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where he is an active member of the Korea Veterans Association and Royal Canadian Legion.

With courage, integrity and loyalty, Ted Adye has left his mark. He is one of our Canadian Veterans. Discover more stories.