The Battle of Kowang-san (23–24 October 1951), also known as the Battle of Hill 355, was fought during the
Korean War
, date = {{Ubl, 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953 (''de facto'')({{Age in years, months, weeks and days, month1=6, day1=25, year1=1950, month2=7, day2=27, year2=1953), 25 June 1950 – present (''de jure'')({{Age in years, months, weeks a ...
between
United Nations Command
United Nations Command (UNC or UN Command) is the multinational military force established to support the South Korea, Republic of Korea (South Korea) during and after the Korean War. It was the first international unified command in history, an ...
(UN) forces—primarily the
Royal Canadian Regiment
The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) is an infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. The regiment consists of four battalions, three in the Regular Force and one in the primary reserve. The RCR is ranked 1st in the order of precedence amongst Canadian A ...
—and the Chinese
People's Volunteer Army
The People's Volunteer Army (PVA) was the armed expeditionary forces deployed by the People's Republic of China during the Korean War. Although all units in the PVA were actually transferred from the People's Liberation Army under the order ...
(PVA) at (Kowang mountain), it was nicknamed "Little Gibraltar" by UN troops because of its prominent size and many defensive positions.
The battle started with Canadians 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.
18 Canadians were killed, 35 wounded, and 14 taken prisoner, the second-highest daily Canadian casualty count in the Korean War.
Memorial
Royal Canadian Regiment
The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) is an infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. The regiment consists of four battalions, three in the Regular Force and one in the primary reserve. The RCR is ranked 1st in the order of precedence amongst Canadian A ...
commemorate this battle on 25 October (Kowang-San Day).
Upcoming Events - Upcoming events - Royal Canadian Regiment Official website
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References
Further reading
Stanley Arthur Ward, Royal Canadian Regiment (7 July 1932 - 23 October 1952), Korea.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kowang San, Battle Of
Battles of the Korean War
Battles of the Korean War involving Canada
Battles of the Korean War involving China
October 1952 events in Asia
Battles and operations of the Korean War in 1952
History of Gyeonggi Province