Battle of Chongju (1950)

Battle of Chongju (1950)
Part of the Korean War
Green and Coad returning from a reconnaissance just east of Chongju, 29 October 1950.
Date 29–30 October 1950 Location Chongju, North Korea Result United Nations victory
Belligerents
United Nations  Australia  United Kingdom  United States	North Korea
Commanders and leaders
Basil Aubrey Coad Charles Green †	Unknown
Units involved
27th Brit Com Bde 3 RAR 1 ASHR 1 MR	17th Tank Bde
Strength
~200 men	~500–600 men
Casualties and losses
9 killed 30 wounded	162 killed 10 captured 11 tanks 2 self-propelled guns

The Battle of Chongju (Korean: 정주 전투, 29–30 October 1950), also spelled Battle of Jeongju took place during the United Nations Command (UN) offensive towards the Yalu River, which followed the North Korean invasion of South Korea at the start of the Korean War. The battle was fought between Australian forces from 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) and the 17th Tank Brigade of the Korean People's Army (KPA) for control of Chongju, North Korea and the surrounding area. After detecting a strong KPA armoured force equipped with T-34 tanks and SU-76 self-propelled guns on a thickly wooded ridgeline astride the line of advance, the Australians launched a series of company attacks with American M4 Sherman tanks and aircraft in support. Despite heavy resistance the KPA were forced to withdraw and the Australians captured their objectives after three hours of fighting.

That evening the KPA were strongly reinforced, attacking the Australian southern flank manned by D Company 3 RAR, and partially penetrating their perimeter. After two hours of fighting the assault was repulsed, and the KPA subsequently launched a furious assault against A Company 3 RAR on the northern position, which also failed amid heavy losses. The following day the Australians advanced to the high ground overlooking Chongju, killing and capturing a number of KPA in skirmishes. That afternoon the town itself was cleared by the remaining elements of the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade without opposition. KPA casualties during the fighting were heavy, while Australian losses included their commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Green, who was wounded in the stomach by artillery fire after the battle and died two days later.