Australian National Korean War Memorial

War Memorials in Australia

Place: Reid, Australian Capital Territory, 2612
District: Southern Tablelands (ACT)
Orientation: Suburb of Canberra
Location: Anzac Parade, west side
Position: 35 117 15 S 149 08 63 E
Ref: 00004

__________________________

A memorial in memory of those Australians who served and those who died in the Korean War was unveiled on 18 April 2000. The site had previously been dedicated on 24 April 1996, coinciding with the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong.

The preferred design was submitted by a Sydney-based team led by sculptor and artist Les Kossatz, sculptor Augustine Dall'ava, architect Professor Sand Helsel and draughtsman David Bullpit and has a character reminiscent of the 1950's period when the Korean War took place. The design incorporates an inner contemplative space behind a monumental wall with images and text to assist visitors to gain a greater understanding of the war and Australia's role in it. This inner chamber contains one of five boulders which were were a gift to the Australian people from the people and Government of the Republic of Korea. This boulder is used for wreath laying and as a focal point for ceremonies. A dome overhead symbolises the UN goal of world peace. The other four boulders are in the court in front of the monument and there is also a field of stainless steel poles to symbolise the great loss of those Australians who died in the conflict. Three life-size cast aluminium figures of soldiers and an airman stand near a 12m obelisk honouring those missing in action. Inscriptions on the exterior wall of the central structure record the 21 member countries of the United Nations that took part in the conflict. The monochromatic tones of white, silver and grey used throughout the memorial refer to the harsh climatic conditions endured in Korea and the granite paving and crushed aggregate refer to that country's geology and culture.

The boulders come from the battlefield of Kapyong which was the scene of a significant engagement involving troops of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment on 23 and 24 April, 1951. The Australians overcame superior numbers and were later awarded a US Presidential Unit Citation for heroism beyond the call of duty.

The memorial cost $1.62 million of which $700,000 was funded by the Australian Government and $200,000 by the South Korean Government. The remainder was raised by public subscription.

Marble tablet on north side of memorial
Australian National Korean War Memorial

Dedicated on 18th April 2000
in the presence of
His Excellency the Honourable Sir William Deane, AC, KBE
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
and the
Honourable John Howard MP
Prime Minister of Australia

Marble tablet on south side of memorial
This foundation stone commemorates
the commencement of the construction
of the

Australian National Korean War Memorial

on Friday 17 September 1999
in a ground breaking ceremony by

His Excellency Kim Dae-Jung
President of the Republic of Korea
and
The Honourable John Howard MP
Prime Minister of Australia

Stainless steel letters on granite slab in forecourt
KOREAN WAR 1950-53

West face of obelisk
1950 1953

THIS OBELISK IS
IN MEMORY OF THE MEN FROM AUSTRALIA
WHO FELL IN THE KOREAN WAR
AND HAVE NO KNOWN GRAVE
THEY DIED WITH MEN FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
FIGHTING TO UPHOLD THE IDEALS
OF THE UNITED NATIONS

Metal scroll on south west wall of central structure
COLOMBIA     UNITED STATES OF AMERICA      AUSTRALIA
NORWAY     INDIA     BELGIUM      GREECE     NEW ZEALAND
PHILIPPINES     NETHERLANDS     LUXEMBOURG

On south west wall of central structure to left of entrance
Insignia of Royal Australian Navy

Insignia of Royal Australian Air Force

On north west wall of central structure to right of entrance
Insignia of Australian Commonwealth Military Forces

Insignia of Commonwealth

Metal scroll on north west wall of central structure
REPUBLIC OF KOREA     UNITED KINGDOM      SWEDEN
CANADA     ITALY     TURKEY      FRANCE     DENMARK
ETHIOPIA     UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA     THAILAND

At intervals on curved inside wall of structure, reading from left to right, commencing at north side of entrance
Photo montage of maps showing course of action of the war

	AUSTRALIA AND THE KOREAN WAR
	.
	The Korean War was the first occasion that members of the United Nations acted collectively to repel
	aggression. Australian units served in combat from 1950 to 1953 and continued in Korea from the
	armistice to 1957 as part of the United Nations Command to preserve the independence of the
	Republic of Korea.
	.
	From September 1950, and following the amphibious landing at Inchon and the breakout from the Pusan
	Perimeter, the multinational force cleared South Korea and advanced into North Korea towards the
	border with China. In November 1950 after the Chinese entry to the war, the UN ground forces
	faced Chinese offences which forced them to retreat in appalling winter conditions to positions
	south of the 38th parallel.
	.
	With a continuous front from sea to sea, the dramatic advances and withdrawals of the first six
	months came to an end. After early 1951 offensives and counter offensives the war entered a phase
	of contesting heavily defended emplacements along the front which eventually became the cease fire
	line. Despite the first initiatives in 1951 to end the war it dragged on until 27 July 1953 when an
	armistice was signed.
	.
	From 29 June 1950 to 27 July 1953, some 17000 Australian sailors, soldiers and airmen served in the
	Korean War. Australian casualties were 339 killed, 1216 wounded and 29 prisoners of war. Twenty
	other countries contributed combat and medical units to the United Nations command in Korea.
	.
	Australian sailors, soldiers and airmen won world respect for their courage, endurance and combat
	skills. The service of a small group of Australians in the years 1950 to 1953, and the sacrifice of those
	who did not return are not forgotten.

Korean characters

IN MEMORY OF
THOSE AUSTRALIANS WHO DIED
IN THE KOREAN WAR 1950 - 1953
AND IN HONOUR OF THOSE WHO SERVED

Photo montage of documents and newspaper clippings pertaining to the war

	THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY
	.
	Royal Australian Navy ships were committed to the Korean War on 29 June 1950, just four days after
	war began. Freezing weather conditions tested men and equipment beyond the normal hazards of high
	seas, storms, typhoons, extreme tidal conditions and uncharted mud flats. Five members of the RAN
	died on active service in the Korean War.
	.
	Destroyers and frigates were employed in patrolling, engaging shore batteries, gun-fire support, carrier
	screening, support for island operations and evacuation cover in a threat environment from mining, air
	attack and counter bombardment. Notable actions were the landing at Inchon (January 1951) and the Han
	Estuary bombardment. HMA Ships SHOALHAVEN, BATAAN, WARRAMUNGA, MURCHISON, ANZAC,
	TOBRUK, CONDAMINE and CULGOA were deployed during 1950-1953.
	.
	HMAS SYDNEY and its Fleet Air Arm squadrons attacked enemy supply lines and supported allied forces
	from October, 1951 to January 1952.
	.
	The maritime supremacy of the United Nations Command was a factor in the outcome of the war.
	.
	.
	THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
	.
	The Third Battalion (3 RAR) commenced operations in early October 1950 and remained in Korea
	throughout the war. Two other Australian battalions (1 RAR and 2 RAR) served on rotation in 1952-53.
	.
	Many soldiers had previous active service and became part of the new Australian Regular Army while
	others enlisted in 'K Force', especially raised for the war. army nurses, the Salvation Army and members
	of the Red Cross served in Japan and Korea. South Korean personnel (KATCOMs) frequently augmented
	and served with Australians.
	.
	3 RAR fought numerous actions in the 'mobile phase' months of the war when close hand-to-hand
	combat was common. Battles in North Korea, known as the 'stepping stones', were fought at Sariwon,
	Yongu, Pakchon and Chonhju. Later 3 RAR fought major battles at Kapyong and Maryang San.
	.
	The last 20 months of the war, the 'static phase', involved raids against deeply entrenched Chinese
	positions and nightly fighting patrols to dominate no-man's-land. Battles in the period included 1 RAR's
	against Hill 227 and Operation FAUNA in 1952 and the defensive battle by 2 RAR on the Hook in
	July 1953. As well as an aggressive enemy all units had to combat the intense Korean winter cold.
	.
	Army casualties were heavy, with 293 killed, 1,210 wounded and 24 prisoners of war.
	.
	Of the numerous battle honours won by the RAR in Korea, three major honours are now emblazoned
	on Regimental Colours:
		"Korea" 1950-1953 (1 RAR, 2 RAR, 3 RAR)
		"Kapyong" April 1951 (3 RAR)
		"Maryang San" October 1051 (3 RAR)
	.
	.
	THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
	.
	77 Squadron entered the Korean War during the first week of the North Korean aggression and remained
	in action for the entire war as part of the US 5th Air Force.
	.
	Airpower was critical in defeating the initial North Korean offensive and the Australian squadron earned
	the highest reputation in giving close air support to ground forces.
	.
	The squadron was re-equipped with Meteor jet fighters in July 1951 but this aircraft proved unsuited to
	aerial combat against the Soviet supplied MiG 15 and subsequently the Australian squadron reverted to
	the ground attack role where it continued its fine record. Notwithstanding three MiGs were destroyed
	in air-to-air combat.
	.
	Climatic extremes, in particular the winter conditions in North Korea, challenged both air and ground
	crews.
	.
	In all there were 41 fatal casualties from all causes and seven prisoners of war. Royal Air force pilots
	made a vital contribution to the squadron and five of them were killed.
	.
	Dakota transports from 86 Wing provided airlift support for all British Commonwealth Forces in Korea
	and flew some 12,000 sick and wounded from the war zone in medical evacuation flights. In this role the
	contribution by the RAAF Nursing Service proved invaluable.

Photo montage of war scenes

Plaque in garden bed on east side of memorial
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL
Map of the world

The Korean War began on 25 June 1950 when North Korean forces invaded the South.
17,000 Australians fought under the United Nations Command until the armistice in July
1953. This memorial commemorates and honours those who died and served.

Sculptor, Les Kossatz and the architectural firm, Daryl Jackson Pty Ltd. designed the
memorial to a statement of requirements by the Australian National Korean War Memorial
Committee. The design characterises the period of the Korean War. The use of white and
grey tones in the memorial, and granite and gravel, recall the harsh climate and terrain in
Korea - lasting impressions of those who fought there.

A central walkway leads to a semi-enclosed contemplative space. A boulder from a Korean
battlefield is a commemorative focal point and a word in Korean script represents 'Peace
and Independence'. A scroll recognises the 21 countries that committed combat or medical
units to the United Nations Command. On both sides of the memorial are figures
representing the Australian sailors, soldiers and airmen who served in Korea. Battlefield
boulders are set in fields of stainless steel poles which symbolises those who died.

The obelisk commemorates those who died with no known grave. The inscription, taken
from the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Pusan, is a poignant link with the Australians
who are buried there.

Coat of arms of Commonwealth of Australia

Information current to April 2001

Sources: The Memorials of Anzac Parade, pamphlet produced by the National Capital Authority, Canberra, undated
              Canberra Times, 29 April 1996
                The Age, 19 August 1996
                Canberra Times, 10 October 1996
               Australian National Korean War Memorial, press release from office of the Prime Minister, 28 December 1998
               Canberra Times, 19 April 2000
               The National Capital Authority - Korean War Memorial, website of The National Capital Authority,
                                  http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/Visiting/Memorials/korean.htm (as at 26 Sep 2000)

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