Australians in the Korean War

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome.

Today is Korean Veterans Day, a day to remember our veterans. This article by Karla Rey tells their story:

Five years after the end of the Second World War, Australians from across the services became involved in the Korean War.

The conflict was a bloody theatre in the early stages of the Cold War, officially taking place between 1950-1953. The conflict came to an uneasy end when an armistice was signed on the 27th of July, 1953, keeping the Korean Peninsula divided along the 38th parallel.

Beginning in the early hours of the 25th of June 1950, this intense and devastating three-year conflict began as the Korean People’s Army (KPA) launched a massive offensive into South Korea along the 38th Parallel.

General Van Fleet, General Officer Commanding, 8th US Army (far left) inspects members of the 3rd Battalion (3RAR), when bestowing the Presidential citation in recognition of the Unit’s action at Kapyong, Korea. Image: Australian War Memorial

Australia became the second country to commit personnel from across the services to the war as part of the 930,000-strong United Nations Force that was raised to repel the North Korean, Soviet, and Chinese aggression in the South of the Peninsula. More than 17,000 Australians from all three services were sent to Korea, where 340 were killed and over 1,216 wounded. 29 Australians became prisoners of war during the period.

As part of the commitment to the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan, Australia had two deployable Royal Australian Navy vessels, HMAS Shoalhaven and HMAS Bataan, along with No.77 Squadron RAAF ready to be committed. The RAN assets were committed on June 28th by Prime Minister Robert Menzies, and No.77 Squadron was also committed several days later. By July 26, 3RAR was committed to ground operations.

Australians were involved in decisive moments during the conflict, including at Kapyong, where 3RAR and other Commonwealth units halted the advance of Chinese forces towards the southern capital of Seoul. For the collective heroism displayed during this action, the Battalion was awarded the United States Presidential Unit Citation.

Australia’s reputation for patrolling and raising, previously established during the First and Second World Wars, was furthered by the efforts of the men of 1RAR, 3RAR, and later 2RAR, who quickly established themselves as a formidable force during the middle stages of the war in 1952 and through to the later stages in 1953.

Management Committee Feedback

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome. As is the case with all of our meetings, there are many routine topics discussed that aren't of great moment, but involve the running of the Hut etc. I try to provide feedback on topics that may be of specific interest to you. So, here goes:

Invite to Dinner - RSL Morphet Vale

An invitation has been received to attend their Annual Dinner from 6:30 pm, on Saturday, 16th August 25. A link to the invitation will be distributed in our next Weekly Digest to members.

Our Invitations for other RSLs to Attend Luncheon

We are planning to invite members of several other sub-branches to a luncheon, possibly in October -November, and it may be in conjunction with a Vintage Motor Car Club Display day we are working on. It's early days yet, but we propose opening up the Tanunda Recreation Park (with the agreement of our fellow lessees) for an event open to all locals and visitors.

We'll keep you informed of the details as the arrangements progress.

Remembrance Day 2025

We've commenced Remembrance Day planning that will continue through the next few meetings until 11 November 25. It's less complicated than ANZAC Day, but still needs to be done well.

Lease Renewal

Several committee members have been liaising with Barossa Council to have our Lease Agreement extended for another five years. Our Hut belongs to the council, and it is leased to us at no cost as we are a not-for-profit organisation.

We expect this to be signed later this week.

Well, that's it folks, not all that riveting, but we do try to keep you up to date with what we are doing. Several items not suitable for public distribution will be posted in this week's Weekly Digest to members.

Stay warm.

Our Next Sunday Luncheon

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome. You don't need to be a veteran or ADF member. Our Sub-Branch is blessed to have some excellent chefs available. On Sunday 20th July 25 members and guests will have the benefit of tasting their curries and a host of other gourmet delights.

Fare on offer will include Jamaican Goat Curry, Massaman Beef Curry, and Malaysian Chicken Curry, all served with rice.

Papadams, dahl, and naan bread will also be on offer as will a mouth-watering dessert of either banana fritters with caramel sauce or coconut rice with flaked almonds.

I'm getting hungry writing about it. How about you? Can you taste the curry and desserts?

Members have already received a link to the Menu and bookings are coming in fast. We have space for 40, so if you intend to join us and haven't booked, don't miss out. 

Sunday's Lyndoch Farm Visit and Luncheon

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome. 

Our Sunday luncheon was a pleasant event with good food, good company, and a range of interesting products from the Lyndoch Lavender Farm. 

Just under 40 members and visitors attended our luncheon for a duck leg feast, some good chat and some good wine. Our in-house The Hut wine was popular and everyone enjoyed the lavender ice-cream with our deserts.

Members purchased a large number of lavender products. Your editor bought a hand soap in a dispenser and a lip balm.

Jill who was the original owner of Lyndoch Lavender Farm gave us a short presentation about the history of the farm and how it developed. According to Jill, she is not as busy these days in the farm, but has passed its operations to her daughter and son-in-law who are the current owners.

Your editor has visited the Lyndoch Lavender Farm on several occasions, especially when the Lavender fields are in full bloom and the calming scent of lavender sweeps across the fields.

A cup of coffee and some scones with cream and jam from the cafe is always a pleasant stop-off. If you visit the Barossa Valley, don't miss a short visit to the Lyndoch Lavender Farm. You won't regret it.

If you served in Afghanistan you may be eligible for a
Gold Operation Slipper lapel badge. Family members may obtain
paid products and there is much more memorabilia to see at the Military Shop.

"The Bugle" Issue 17 Newsletter is Available

Have yoTu visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome. 

Issue 17 of our quarterly newsletter is available. In it you'll find the following stories:

1. Australia's Most Decorated Vietnam War Pilot
   
2. Remembering our Heroes - Pte EJH Berryman
   
3. The Military Family
   
4. Defence - Keeping up with the Times
   
5. Revisiting 1 January 1901
   
6. Did You Know?
   
7. Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG: Heroism at Tizak

To download a copy as an A4 size PDF file or to read online, click the Newsletters tab above.

If you are a person who writes military stories and would like to be featured in our next edition, please comment below or send us an email.

We'd love to review your work.