View source for Battle of Yongyu

{{Short description|1950 battle of the Korean War}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox military conflict
|conflict=Battle of Yongyu
|partof=[[Korean War]]
|image=File:1950.10.20 미 187공수연대 동정작전 (7445973296).jpg
|caption=US 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team drop
|date=21–22 October 1950
|place=Yongyu, [[South Pyongan Province]], [[North Korea]]
|result=United Nations victory
|combatant1={{flag|United Nations}}
*{{flag|United States|1912}}
*{{flag|United Kingdom}}
*{{flag|Australia}}
|combatant2={{flag|North Korea|1948}}
|commander1={{flagicon|United States|1912}} [[Frank S. Bowen]] <br> {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Basil Coad|Basil A. Coad]]<br>{{flagicon|Australia}} [[Charles Green (Australian soldier)|Charles H. Green]]
|commander2={{flagicon|North Korea|1948}} Unknown
| units1={{flagicon|United States|1912}} [[187th Infantry Regiment|187th Abn RCT]] <br> {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[27th British Commonwealth Brigade]]
*{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders|1 ASHR]]
*{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Middlesex Regiment|1 MR]]
*{{flagicon|Australia}} [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3 RAR]]
| units2={{flagicon|North Korea|1948}} 239th Regiment
| strength1=~3,000 men
|strength2=~2,500 men
|casualties1= {{flagicon|United States|1912}} 49 killed
|casualties2=1,075 killed<br>1,200+ captured
|campaignbox={{Campaignbox Korean War}}
}}
The '''Battle of Yongyu''' ({{Lang|Ko|영유永柔 전투}}), also known as the '''Battle of the Apple Orchard''' or the '''Battle of Yongju''' by the Australians who fought in it, took place between 21 and 22 October 1950 during the [[United Nations Command]] (UNC) [[UN offensive into North Korea|offensive]] into [[North Korea]] against the [[Korean People's Army]] (KPA) that had invaded [[South Korea]] during the [[Korean War]]. The battle was fought between the [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment]] (3 RAR) of the [[27th British Commonwealth Brigade]] and the KPA 239th Regiment.
On 20 October, the US 187th Airborne [[Regimental Combat Team]] (187 RCT) staged a parachute assault at [[Sukchon County|Sukchon]] and [[Sunchon]], about {{convert|40|km|mi}} north of [[Pyongyang]], with the objectives of cutting off KPA forces retreating ahead of the [[Eighth United States Army|US Eighth Army]] general advance from the south, capturing important North Korean government officials evacuating Pyongyang, and liberating American [[prisoners of war]] (POWs) being moved out of Pyongyang. On 21 October, two [[187th Infantry Regiment (United States)|187th Airborne Infantry Regiment]] (187 ABN) combat teams started southwards in a [[reconnaissance-in-force]] to clear the Sukchon–Yongyu highway and rail line and to establish contact with the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade that was leading the Eighth Army advance northwards from Pyongyang. 187 ABN came under fire from the KPA 239th Regiment in the vicinity of Yongyu. As a result of the US airborne operation, the KPA 239th Regiment found itself caught between the Eighth Army advance and the 187 ABN attack in its rear. The KPA 239th Regiment attempted a [[breakout (military)|breakout]] to the north just after midnight on 21–22 October. Facing determined attacks, the American paratroopers at Yongyu requested armoured assistance from the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade on the Pyongyang–Sukchon road just south of Yongyu.
The 27th British Commonwealth Brigade had departed from Pyongyang at noon on 21 October, headed north on the Sukchon highway, tasked with reaching the [[Ch'ongch'on River|Chongchon River]]. The 1st Battalion, [[Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders|Argyll and Sutherland Highland Regiment]] (1 ASHR), leading the brigade advance, pushed up the highway until fired upon by KPA in the hills south of Yongyu. By nightfall, the hills were cleared by the Highlanders and the brigade halted for the night. The British could hear the sounds of a heavy battle taking place to the north. [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3 RAR]] was directed to take the lead when the brigade moved out the following morning. C Company, [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3 RAR]], was selected to lead the Australian advance. C Company, with elements mounted on US tanks and the rest of the company following in motorised transport, was to pass through Yongyu as rapidly as possible and effect a relief of the 187 ABN defenders to the north. At first light on 22 October, 1 ASHR and the 1st Battalion, [[Middlesex Regiment]] (1 MR) advanced into Yongyu to clear the town of KPA. 3 RAR, with C Company on point, passed through [[Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders|1 ASHR]] and 1 MR and moved through Yongyu, headed north on the Yongyu–Sukchon road.
C Company, 3 RAR, came under fire from a KPA 239th Regiment [[rearguard]] force entrenched in a hillside apple orchard north of Yongyu and aggressively counterattacked off the line of march into the orchard, routing the KPA from the high ground. The KPA 239th Regiment, now on open ground between 3 RAR and 187 ABN, was forced to withdraw westwards with heavy casualties. [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3 RAR]] then relieved the American paratroopers in their defensive positions. By midday, after three hours of fighting, the battle was mostly over. Many KPA soldiers who had been unable to escape hid or feigned death until captured or killed. With the linkup completed, the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade relieved 187 RCT at Sukchon and passed through for the continuation of its drive to the Chongchon River. The Australians had distinguished themselves in their first major battle in the Korean War, and the battalion was later praised for its performance.
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==Background==
{{main|Korean War#The conflict begins (1950)|l1=Initial phase of the Korean War|Military history of Australia during the Korean War}}
On 26 July, the Australian government announced that it would commit the under-strength and poorly equipped [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment]] (3 RAR) then in Japan to South Korea, following a period of preparation.<ref name=Dennis302>{{harvnb|Dennis et al|2008|p=302}}.</ref> Training and re-equipment began immediately, while hundreds of reinforcements were hastily recruited in Australia as part of [[K Force]]; they soon began arriving to fill out the battalion. The battalion's commanding officer, [[Lieutenant Colonel (Australia)|Lieutenant Colonel]] Floyd Walsh, was replaced by Lieutenant Colonel [[Charles Hercules Green|Charles Green]]. An officer with extensive operational experience fighting the Japanese in [[New Guinea campaign|New Guinea]] during the [[Second World War]], Green took over from Walsh due to the latter's perceived inexperience.<ref>{{harvnb|O'Dowd|2000|p=3}}.</ref>
On 23 September, 3 RAR embarked for Korea, arriving at [[Pusan]] on 28 September. There it joined the British [[27th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|27th Infantry Brigade]], a garrison formation hurriedly committed from [[Hong Kong]] by the British as the situation deteriorated around the [[Battle of the Pusan Perimeter|Pusan Perimeter]] in late August to bolster the [[Eighth United States Army|US Eighth Army]] under the command of [[Lieutenant General (United States)|Lieutenant General]] [[Walton Walker]].<ref name=Breen8>{{harvnb|Breen|1992|p=8}}.</ref> Commanded by [[Brigadier (United Kingdom)|Brigadier]] [[Basil Aubrey Coad|Basil Coad]], the brigade was renamed the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade and consisted of the 1st Battalion, [[Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders|Argyll and Sutherland Highland Regiment]] (1 ASHR), the 1st Battalion, [[Middlesex Regiment]] (1 MR) and 3 RAR. The two understrength British battalions had each mustered just 600 men of all ranks, while the brigade was also short on transport and heavy equipment, and had no integral artillery or armour support, for which it would rely entirely on the Americans until the [[16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery]] arrived in January 1951. As such, with a strength of nearly 1,000 men, the addition of 3 RAR gave the brigade increased tactical weight as well as expediently allowing the Australians to work within a familiar organisational environment, rather than being attached to a US formation.<ref>{{harvnb|Horner|2008|p=57}}.</ref> Also under the command of the brigade were a number of US Army units, including 155&nbsp;mm [[howitzer]]s from the US 90th Field Artillery Battalion, [[M4 Sherman]] tanks from the US [[89th Medium Tank Battalion (United States)|89th Tank Battalion]] and a company of US [[combat engineer]]s.<ref>{{harvnb|Farrar-Hockley|1990|p=239}}.</ref>
==Prelude==
===Opposing forces===
[[File:Race to Yalu Map.gif|thumb|Map of the UN advance towards the [[Yalu River]], 1950]]
By the time [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3 RAR]] arrived in the theatre, the North Koreans had been broken and were in rapid retreat, with [[General of the Army (United States)|General]] [[Douglas MacArthur]]'s [[United Nations Command|UNC]] forces conducting a successful [[Battle of Inchon|amphibious assault at Inchon]] and [[Pusan Perimeter Offensive|breakout from the Pusan Perimeter]] on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula.<ref>{{harvnb|Horner|2008|p=58}}.</ref> A steady advance began, [[UN September 1950 counteroffensive|driving the North Koreans northwards]] towards the [[38th parallel north|38th Parallel]].<ref name=Breen8/> The 27th British Commonwealth Brigade was airlifted from [[Taegu]] to [[Kimpo Airfield]] north of [[Seoul]] on 5 October. However, its vehicles had to move by road, driving {{convert|420|km|mi}} and did not arrive until 9 October. It was attached to the US [[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|1st Cavalry Division]] under the command of [[Major General (United States)|Major General]] [[Hobart R. Gay]]. The brigade would function as a separate task force at a considerable distance from, and without physical contact with, that division or other friendly units.<ref>{{harvnb|Gugeler|1987|p=39}}.</ref> On 16 October, the brigade took over from the US [[7th Cavalry Regiment]] as the vanguard of the [[UN offensive into North Korea|UNC advance into North Korea]], its axis intended to take it through [[Kaesong]], [[Kumchon]] and Hungsu-ri to [[Sariwon]], then through [[Hwangju]] to [[Pyongyang]]. Although the North Koreans had suffered heavily in the preceding weeks, they continued to resist strongly, while a lack of accurate maps and the narrowness of the roads made rapid movement difficult for the advancing UNC forces. During this time, 3 RAR had a [[platoon]] of US M4 Sherman tanks attached and a [[Artillery battery|battery]] of field guns in [[Artillery#Field artillery system|direct support]].<ref>{{harvnb|Horner|2008|pp=58–61}}.</ref>
The 27th British Commonwealth Brigade moved {{convert|70|km|mi}} from Kumchon, with the Argylls [[Battle of Sariwon|capturing Sariwon]], an industrial town {{convert|54|km|mi}} south of Pyongyang, on 17 October. Supported by 3 RAR and US tanks, the Highlanders killed 215  [[Korean People's Army|KPA]] and took several thousand prisoners for the loss of one man killed and three wounded in a one-sided action.<ref>{{harvnb|Coulthard-Clark|2001|pp=256–257}}.</ref> Prior to the attack, the Australians had moved through the town to establish a blocking position {{convert|8|km|mi}} to the north.<ref name=Horner61>{{harvnb|Horner|2008|p=61}}.</ref> During the evening, [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3 RAR]] encountered a KPA force withdrawing north. Using the same road and moving in the same direction, the KPA mistook the Australians and Argylls for Russians in the poor light and were bluffed into surrendering, with the Australians capturing thousands of KPA and their weapons and equipment following a brief exchange.<ref name=Kuring231>{{harvnb|Kuring|2004|p=231}}.</ref> Mounted on a tank, the 3 RAR second-in-command, [[Major (United Kingdom)|Major]] [[Ian Bruce Ferguson|Ian Ferguson]], captured over 1,600 KPA soldiers with just an interpreter.<ref name=Horner61/> Australian involvement had been limited, however, and they regarded their first exposure to the fighting in Korea as a relatively minor incident.<ref name=Coulthard257>{{harvnb|Coulthard-Clark|2001|p=257}}.</ref> [[Battle of Pyongyang (1950)|Pyongyang fell]] to US and South Korean troops on 19 October. On 21 October, the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade passed to the command of the US [[24th Infantry Division (United States)|24th Infantry Division]] under the overall command of Major General [[John H. Church]], while the US 1st Cavalry Division remained in Pyongyang to complete its capture.<ref>{{harvnb|Gallaway|1999|p=67}}.</ref> Coad had hoped to rest his men at Pyongyang; however, the advance continued north with little respite and the brigade moved through the village of Samgapo.<ref name=Horner61/> The British and Australians were ordered to seize [[Chongju]].<ref name=Farrar248>{{harvnb|Farrar-Hockley|1990|p=248}}.</ref>
[[File:SNK MAP 20 1000W.jpg|thumb|187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team Airborne Attack on Sukchon and Sunchon, 20 October 1950]]
The previous day, [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]] [[Frank S. Bowen]]'s US 187th Airborne [[Regimental Combat Team]] (187 RCT) had parachuted into drop zones around [[Sukchon County|Sukchon]] and [[Sunchon]]. 187 RCT was tasked with cutting off retreating KPA forces withdrawing up the west coast of the Korean Peninsula and releasing US and South Korean POWs.<ref name=Odgers44>{{harvnb|Odgers|2009|p=44}}.</ref> The [[187th Infantry Regiment (United States)|187th Airborne Infantry Regiment]]'s 1st and 3rd Battalions (1/187 and 3/187 ABN) dropped southeast of Sukchon to seize the town, hold the high ground to the north and block the highway and rail line south of Sukchon, cutting off the [[main supply route]] and [[line of communication]] that led north from Pyongyang; the 2nd Battalion (2/187 ABN) was dropped near Sunchon, {{convert|24|km|mi}} east of Sukchon to seize the town, block another highway and rail line, and intercept a POW train that US intelligence indicated was moving northwards by night from Pyongyang.<ref>{{harvnb|Pittman|1984|p=1}}.</ref><ref name=Appleman655>{{harvnb|Appleman|1998|p=655}}.</ref> The US paratroopers were to hold their positions until relieved by the US Eighth Army push northwards to link up with them, a task that was expected to be completed within two days.<ref>{{harvnb|Leary|2005|p=8}}.</ref><ref group="Note">The 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, attached the US 24th Infantry Division, would link up with 1/187 and 3/187 ABN at Sukchon, while the [[70th Tank Battalion (United States)|70th Tank Battalion]] would advance from Pyongyang to link up with 2/187 ABN at Sunchon the day after the jump. See {{harvnb|Flanagan|1997|pp=157–158}}.</ref> After observing the airdrop, General MacArthur flew to Pyongyang where he announced to the press that the airborne operation was a brilliant tactical maneuver that seemed to have been a complete surprise to the North Koreans. Estimating that 30,000 KPA, perhaps half of those remaining in North Korea, had been caught between 187 RCT in the north and the US 1st Cavalry Division and ROK [[1st Infantry Division (South Korea)|1st Infantry Division]] to the south at Pyongyang, he predicted that they would soon be destroyed or captured. He termed the airdrop an “expert performance” and said, “This closes the trap on the enemy.”<ref name=Appleman658>{{harvnb|Appleman|1998|p=658}}.</ref> MacArthur's optimism would not be supported by events. Anxious not to expose the lightly armed and lightly equipped paratroopers by projecting them too far forward of the Eighth Army advance, MacArthur had kept them back too long.<ref name=Farrar248/> The operation came too late to intercept any significant KPA elements.<ref name=Coulthard257/><ref>{{harvnb|Varhola|2000|p=104}}.</ref> By this time, most of the KPA remnants had already succeeded in withdrawing north, and had crossed safely behind the [[Ch'ongch'on River|Chongchon River]], or were in the process of doing so, while Premier [[Kim Il Sung]]'s government and most important officials had moved to [[Kanggye]] in the mountains {{convert|32|km|mi}} southeast of [[Manpo]]jin on the Yalu River. Through no fault of their own, the paratroopers were less successful on one other score, that of rescuing POWs who were being moved northwards from Pyongyang; most of the American POWs had been moved to more remote parts of North Korea and were unable to be rescued.<ref name=Appleman658/> Although sound in concept, the US airborne operation may have had more chance of success had a complete airborne division been employed.<ref name=Farrar248/>
Only the KPA 239th Regiment remained, having been ordered to delay the UNC forces as they attempted to follow up. With a strength of 2,500 men, the regiment occupied positions on the high ground astride the road and rail lines east of Yongyu, {{convert|12|km|mi}} south of the US drop zone at Sukchon.<ref name=Coulthard257/>
==Battle==
===KPA 239th Regiment is encircled, 21 October 1950===
{{main|187th Infantry Regiment (United States)}}
The most important action growing out of the 187 RCT airdrop occurred in the 3/187 ABN sector, about {{convert|13|km|mi}} south of Sukchon in the vicinity of Op'a-ri and Yongyu. At 02:30 on 21 October, K Company repulsed an attack on its Sukchon–Pyongyang highway roadblock by an estimated company-sized KPA force that attempted to break through to the north.<ref>{{harvnb|Pittman|1984|p=64}}.</ref> At 09:00, the 3/187 ABN command post (CP) advanced two combat teams from the roadblock position in a reconnaissance-in-force to clear the Sukchon–Yongyu road towards Pyongyang and establish contact with the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade that was leading the 24th Infantry Division northwards from Pyongyang.<ref name=Flanagan163>{{harvnb|Flanagan|1997|p=163}}.</ref> I Company was assigned to clear the rail line and K Company was given the mission of clearing the highway. I Company reached Op'a-ri at 13:00, where it was attacked by an estimated battalion-strength KPA force equipped with heavy mortars and automatic antiaircraft guns. After a two-and-a-half-hour firefight, I Company, with two rifle platoons overrun by the KPA and 90 men missing, was forced to withdraw west of the rail line to Hill 281. Failing to exploit the advantage, the KPA withdrew to defensive positions on the high ground around Op'a-ri.<ref name=Flanagan163/> Meanwhile, K Company, receiving harassing fire during its advance along the highway, proceeded to a point about {{convert|1.6|km|mi}} north of Yongyu, where it encountered a KPA force of about three companies. After a heavy firefight, the Americans forced the KPA to withdraw to defensive positions on the high ground to the south and east of the town. K Company continued into Yongyu, taking up defensive positions in the town and on Hill 163 to the north of the town.<ref name="Flanagan163" />
I and K Companies now occupied defensive positions roughly opposite each other—at Op'a-ri (Hill 281) overlooking the rail line and at Yongyu (Hill 163) overlooking the highway—yet these positions were now almost {{convert|5|km|mi}} apart and unable to mutually support each other. The distance separating the highway and the railway which ran north either side of Yongyu was greater at that point than anywhere else between Sukchon and Pyongyang. Extending on a southwest–northeast axis, and cutting across both the highway and rail line at Yongyu and Op'a-ri, is a line of high hills offering the best defensible ground between Pyongyang and the Chongchon River.<ref name=Appleman659>{{harvnb|Appleman|1998|p=659}}</ref> Here, the KPA 239th Regiment had taken up defensive positions, deploying a battalion in each locality. The last organised KPA unit to leave Pyongyang, its mission was to fight a delaying action against the expected UNC advance from Pyongyang. Now, as a result of the unexpected US airborne operation, it was encircled and found itself attacked from two separate points in its rear.<ref name=Appleman659/> The KPA 239th Regiment, by this time convinced that both routes to the north had been blocked by the US airborne forces, would attempt one last push to regain contact with the other KPA forces that had infiltrated northwards.<ref>{{harvnb|Pittman|1984|p=65}}.</ref>
===British and Australians advance to Yongyu, 21–22 October 1950===
In the days prior, the US [[I Corps (United States)|I Corps]] had continued its movement northwards as part of the general advance of the US Eighth Army. Following the capture of Pyongyang, the corps commander, Major General [[Frank W. Milburn]], ordered the advance to continue to the MacArthur Line, running approximately {{convert|35|km|mi}} south of the Yalu River. The US 24th Infantry Division, to which the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade was now attached, was ordered to lead this attack. On the division's right flank three ROK divisions, the ROK 1st Infantry Division, under the US I Corps, and the ROK 6th and [[8th Infantry Division (South Korea)|8th Infantry Division]]s under control of the ROK [[II Corps (South Korea)|II Corps]], were deployed to the east and would also be committed to the attack northwards.<ref name=Appleman659/> The British and Australians had covered {{convert|122|km|mi}} in the previous two days, advancing rapidly until slowed by rain. A Company, 3 RAR, was engaged by snipers from a nearby village without suffering casualties. The Sherman tanks proceeded to heavily engage the KPA positions in the village, which was then cleared by the Australian infantry who killed five KPA and took three prisoners. As the rain ceased a KPA [[T-34]] tank, which had remained concealed during the earlier fighting, engaged D Company, 3 RAR, and was knocked out by the US tanks. An unmanned [[SU-76|SU-76 self-propelled gun]] was also located nearby and neither it nor the tank were found to have any fuel.<ref name=Bartlett30>{{harvnb|Bartlett|1960|p=30}}.</ref>
Now the vanguard of the Eighth Army, the British and Australians crossed the Taedong River using a sandbag bridge at Pyongyang at noon on 21 October, moving north on the main highway to Sukchon with the task of reaching the Chongchon River.<ref name=Appleman660>{{harvnb|Appleman|1998|p=660}}.</ref> Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel George Nielson, [[Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders|1 ASHR]] pushed up the road until fired upon by KPA forces in the hills to the south of the town, with snipers engaging the column as it turned west out of the river valley around 16:00.<ref name=Odgers44/><ref>{{harvnb|Farrar-Hockley|1990|p=249}}.</ref> Encountering only light resistance from a small KPA force of approximately 75 men which was then scattered by tank fire, the Argylls successfully cleared the foothills by last light on 21 October.<ref name=Horner61/> Approaching Yongyu, Coad decided to halt for the night.<ref name=Appleman660/> The Argylls sent a patrol into the town, establishing initial contact with 3/187 ABN, marrying up with K Company which was established in a number of houses on the northern edge of Yongyu and on Hill 163 immediately above their position. A strong KPA force was believed to be nearby, with at least 300 men thought to remain in the town.<ref>{{harvnb|Farrar-Hockley|1990|p=258}}.</ref>
===KPA 239th Regiment breakout, 22 October 1950===
{{main|187th Infantry Regiment (United States)}}
At 00:15, the KPA 239th Regiment attempted a breakout to the north, launching multiple attacks against K Company, 187 ABN, at Yongyu. During the first attack, K Company's positions in the town and at its roadblock on the northern outskirts of town were assaulted by a large KPA force estimated at two battalions.<ref name=Appleman659/> Nearby, the British and Australians could hear the sounds of heavy fighting between the Americans and KPA {{convert|1|to|2|mi|km|order=flip}} to the north.<ref name=Coulthard257/> Half an hour later, a small KPA force attacked A Company, 1 ASHR, with grenades, killing two men and wounding two more before being repulsed, having suffered one killed and one wounded.<ref>{{harvnb|Farrar-Hockley|1990|pp=250–251}}.</ref> Following two more KPA attacks, the Americans abandoned the roadblock after running out of ammunition and withdrew to 3/187 ABN's main defensive position {{convert|3.2|km|mi}} to the north.<ref name=Butler59>{{harvnb|Butler|2002|p=59}}.</ref> Detecting the withdrawal, the KPA attacked again at 04:00, leaving a small blocking force to hold the remnants of K Company in place in Yongyu, and concentrated the majority of its forces on the road to Sukchon. To the south, the British and Australians began to fear that the Americans had been overrun.<ref name=Farrar251>{{harvnb|Farrar-Hockley|1990|p=251}}.</ref> A short time after the KPA 239th Regiment's main body passed through, the remaining elements withdrew from Yongyu and moved to join the main body. The KPA 239th Regiment moved north along the road, arriving at a point {{convert|1000|yd|m|order=flip}} south of the 3/187 ABN CP at around 05:00. The KPA stopped to reform, not realizing that 3/187 ABN's Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) and L Company, 187 ABN were dug in along the road.<ref name=Appleman659/>
At 05:45, the KPA 239th Regiment started moving north again and ran blindly into 3/187 ABN's HHC and L Company's perimeter elements. They were immediately engaged with heavy losses, not only by [[direct fire]] from the HHC but also by [[Enfilade and defilade|enfilading fire]] from L Company.<ref name=Appleman659/> Stunned by the volume and severity of the fire, it took the KPA 239th Regiment about an hour to reorganize and deliver an attack. A group of about 300–350 KPA engaged L Company and attempted to flank and envelop its positions. Another group of about 450 KPA engaged the HHC.<ref name=Appleman659/> The KPA fire became exceedingly accurate as the firefight progressed. Hard-pressed, the 3/187 ABN CP radioed the 187 RCT CP at Sukchon describing the situation and requesting reinforcement.<ref name=Coulthard257/><ref name=Gallaway74>{{harvnb|Gallaway|1999|p=74}}.</ref> 187 RCT's request for armoured reinforcement was received by the 24th Infantry Division's headquarters in Pyongyang.<ref name=Gallaway74/> Yet, with the US division still well to the rear, the Sherman tanks of the US [[89th Medium Tank Battalion (United States)|89th Tank Battalion]] encamped with the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade on the Pyongyang-Sukchon road just south of Yongyu was the closest formation, and they were ordered forward to assist 3/187 ABN.<ref name=Coulthard257/><ref>{{harvnb|O'Dowd|2000|p=10}}.</ref>
By dawn, the North Koreans and Americans had fought each other to a standstill after heavy fighting overnight and the previous day; the KPA 239th Regiment was almost exhausted, yet, in danger of being destroyed, it prepared for a final attempt to break out.<ref name=Butler59/>
===Fighting in the apple orchard, 22 October 1950===
[[File:US M4 Sherman tank at Yongju 22 Oct 1950 (AWMP01813).jpg|thumb|A US M4A3 Sherman tank supporting C Company, 3 RAR during the battle]]
Overnight, Brigadier Coad had directed Lieutenant Colonel Green's [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3 RAR]] to take the lead when the brigade moved out the following morning and Green decided to send Captain [[Archer Denness|Archer P. Denness]]' C Company through Yongyu to advance as rapidly as possible to effect the relief of 3/187 ABN to the north.<ref name=Butler59/>
At first light on 22 October, A and C Company, 1 ASHR, advanced into Yongyu to clear the town of any remaining KPA before the Australians passed through.<ref name=Bartlett30/> Elsewhere, 1 MR took up defensive positions to the north of Yongyu.<ref name=Odgers44/> The Argylls moved through the town, using high-explosive and [[white phosphorus munitions|white phosphorus]] hand grenades to flush out the KPA, setting fire to many of the buildings.<ref name=Farrar251/> As planned, at 07:00, 3 RAR was ordered to move through Yongyu towards Sukchon to link up with 187 RCT and close the gap between the two forces.<ref name=Coulthard257/> C Company, 3 RAR, passed through the burning town mounted on the Sherman tanks of D Company, US 89th Tank Battalion, and headed north on the Yongyu–Sukchon road.<ref name=Appleman660/>
At 09:00, the Australian column was stopped by small arms and light mortar fire from a hillside apple orchard about {{convert|1.5|km|mi}} north of Yongyu.<ref name=Farrar251/><ref name=Coulthard257/> Lieutenant Colonel Green, traveling with the 3 RAR headquarters group, proceeded forward to Captain Denness' location. C Company had driven into the rearguard of the KPA 239th Regiment as it was forming up for a final assault on 3/187 ABN.<ref name=Butler59/> The strong KPA force of approximately 1,000 men allowed C Company, 3 RAR and the battalion's tactical headquarters group to pass before engaging them.<ref name=Horner61/> Denness did not have a lot of information; there had been no contact with the Americans who were believed to be located nearby. The KPA-held apple orchard lay between the advancing Australians and the US paratroopers, blocking any relief attempt.<ref name=Bartlett30/> Brigadier Coad's order citing the urgent need to link up with the Americans dictated Green's decision. Rather than preparing a deliberate attack and potentially allowing the KPA time to organise their defences, Green chose to force his leading company through at once in order to seize the initiative and continue the pursuit.<ref>{{harvnb|Butler|2002|pp=59–60}}.</ref><ref>{{harvnb|O'Dowd|2000|p=12}}.</ref> An encounter battle developed as 3 RAR carried out an aggressive quick attack from the road, with US tanks in support.<ref name=Kuring231/>
Preparing for the assault, Lieutenant Colonel Green informed brigade headquarters of his plans and was advised that 3/187 ABN was believed to be about {{convert|1500|m|yd}} further north; however, as the exact location of the Americans was unclear, the indirect fire available to support the attack would be limited.<ref name=Coulthard258>{{harvnb|Coulthard-Clark|2001|p=258}}.</ref> The US tanks were also initially under orders not to fire for fear of hitting their own men.<ref name=Appleman660/> With mortars and artillery unavailable, the Australians proceeded to attack regardless, with the tanks carrying C Company turning east towards the KPA positions in the apple orchard.<ref name=Coulthard258/> At 09:30, Captain Denness dismounted 7 and 8 Platoons and aggressively counterattacked off the line of march into the apple orchard, while 9 Platoon, commanded by Lieutenant [[David Butler (general)|David Butler]], was left near the road to protect the Australian flank.<ref name=Horner61/> Supported by the Sherman tanks' cannons and coaxial machine guns, the Australians charged the KPA positions with [[bayonet]]s, [[Bren light machine gun|Bren gun]]s, [[Owen gun]]s, [[Lee–Enfield]]s, and hand grenades.<ref name=Farrar251/><ref name=Coulthard258/> In the face of this determined attack, many of the KPA left their pits in an attempt to move to safety, only to suffer heavy casualties after exposing themselves to the fire of the two assaulting platoons, the flanking platoon and the US tanks in support.<ref name=Oneill37>{{harvnb|O'Neill|1985|p=37}}.</ref> The speed and ferocity of the attack surprised the defenders, and the Australians quickly overran the KPA outposts despite the lack of indirect fire.<ref name=Butler59/> The KPA, many of whom were recently trained [[conscription|conscripts]], were then forced to withdraw for the loss of only four Australians wounded.<ref name=Farrar251/><ref>{{harvnb|Kuring|2004|p=232}}.</ref> For his leadership in coordinating the assault, Denness was later awarded the [[Military Cross]], while Private Charles McMurray received the [[Military Medal]] for bravery.<ref name=Oneill37/><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=39205 |page=2186 |date=17 April 1951 }}</ref>
More than 70 KPA were killed in the initial attack, while a further eight or nine were killed as the Australians cleared the position, setting fire to the KPA dug-outs and forcing the remaining defenders to flee.<ref name=Bartlett31>{{harvnb|Bartlett|1960|p=31}}.</ref>  As the KPA broke, Lieutenant Colonel Green pushed A and B Company onto the higher ground to the right of C Company with the intention of clearing the ridge overlooking the highway, while D Company moved forward on the left of the road towards 9 Platoon.<ref name=Farrar251/><ref>{{harvnb|Gallaway|1999|pp=75–76}}.</ref> Meanwhile, the battalion tactical headquarters, which had followed closely behind C Company as they assaulted, came under attack in the apple orchard east of the road and was forced to fight off a group of KPA, with the [[regimental police]] and the battalion [[signaller]]s fighting back-to-back to defend themselves. Withstanding the attack, the Australians eventually killed 34 KPA for the loss of three men wounded.<ref name=Oneill37/> Despite becoming personally involved in the heavy fighting, Green continued to skilfully control the battle throughout.<ref name=Bartlett31/> D Company was ordered to clear the KPA threatening battalion headquarters, as well as sending a platoon forward to establish contact with the Americans. Running low on ammunition, 3/187 ABN had been in contact throughout the morning and continued to suffer casualties. However, having been forced off the high ground, the KPA were now caught between the advancing Australians and the US paratroopers to the north.<ref name=Bartlett30/>
{| class="toccolours" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 85%; background:whitesmoke; color:black; width:29em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5"
| style="text-align: left;" |"I saw a marvellous sight. An Australian platoon lined up in a paddy field and walked through it as though they were driving snipe. The soldiers, when they saw a pile of straw, kicked it and out would bolt a North Korean. Up with the rifle and down with a North Korean and the Australians thoroughly enjoyed it! They did that the whole day, and they were absolutely in their element."
|-
| style="text-align: left;" |— Brigadier Basil Aubrey Coad<ref name=awm>{{cite web |url=http://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/korea/operations/yongju/ |title=Yongju/The Apple Orchard – 22 October 1950 |publisher=[[Australian War Memorial]] |access-date=2009-08-22 |year=2009}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: left;" |
|}
Unable to move north, the KPA attempted to escape across the open rice fields to the west, through the gap between the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade and 3/187 ABN.<ref name=Coulthard258/> The KPA again suffered heavy casualties, with many cut down by tank and rifle fire from C Company, 3 RAR.<ref name=Bartlett30/> Some of the survivors took refuge among a number of haystacks and rice stooks in front of 9 Platoon, from where they engaged the Australians with sniper fire. Others fled east, escaping to the higher ground where they dispersed.<ref name=Oneill37/> D Company, 3 RAR, was ordered to clear pockets of resistance remaining within the battalion position.<ref name=Coulthard258/> Meanwhile, 1 MR passed through the Australians and with the tanks linked up with 3/187 ABN at 11:00.<ref name=Appleman660/> Following three hours of fighting the battle was largely over by midday; however, many of the KPA that had been unable to escape continued to refuse to surrender, hiding or feigning death until individually flushed out.<ref name=Coulthard258/> After clearing their objectives 7 and 8 Platoon had moved forward towards 9 Platoon, which then clashed with a number of KPA stragglers in the paddy fields.<ref name=Oneill37/> C Company, 3 RAR, deployed in an extended line and a substantial action soon developed. In a scene Coad later likened to [[snipe|driving snipe]], the Australians proceeded to sweep the area, kicking over stacks of straw and shooting the KPA soldiers they found hiding in them as they attempted to flee.<ref name=Coulthard258/><ref name=Horner62>{{harvnb|Horner|2008|p=62}}.</ref> For his leadership, Lieutenant Butler was awarded the US Silver Star, while Private John Cousins received the US [[Bronze Star]] for his role in the action.<ref>{{harvnb|O'Neill|1985|p=38}}.</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=39265 |page=3411 |supp=y |date=19 June 1951 }}</ref>
==Aftermath==
===Casualties===
[[File:North Korean soldier wounded at Yongju 22 Oct 1950.jpg|thumb|right|A captured North Korean WIA awaits evacuation after the fighting at Yongyu]]
Despite the uncertain situation and the lack of indirect support, Lieutenant Colonel Green's tactical handling of the Australian battalion had been bold, and his decision to move quickly through Yongyu and to attack off the line of march proved decisive.<ref>{{harvnb|Butler|2002|p=60}}.</ref> Preoccupied with fighting the Americans to their north, the KPA were unprepared for the Australians to attack from the rear.<ref name=awm/> Caught between the US paratroopers and the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, the KPA 239th Regiment was practically destroyed.<ref name=Appleman660/> KPA casualties in the apple orchard were 150 killed, 239 wounded and 200 captured, while Australian casualties numbered just seven men wounded.<ref name=Butler59/> Including those engaged by the Argylls, total KPA losses during the fighting with the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade exceeded 200 killed and 500 captured.<ref name=Coulthard258/><ref name=Farrar252>{{harvnb|Farrar-Hockley|1990|p=252}}.</ref><ref group="Note">The US official history lists KPA casualties during fighting with the British and Australians as including 270 killed and 200 captured, see {{harvnb|Appleman|1998|p=660}}.</ref> The survivors fled westwards.<ref name=Appleman660/> In their first major battle in Korea, the Australians had distinguished themselves, and the battalion was later praised for its performance.<ref name=Horner62/> The action became known as the "Battle of the Apple Orchard", while the [[Royal Australian Regiment]] was later granted the [[battle honour]] "Yongju".<ref name=Kuring231/><ref>{{harvnb|Rodger|2003|p=373}}.</ref> Boosting their confidence, the success prepared the Australians for the battles which they were to face in the months that followed.<ref name=awm/> Meanwhile, 3/187 ABN reported killing 805 KPA and capturing 681 in the fighting around Yongyu.<ref name=Appleman660/> Altogether, US casualties during the Sukchon-Sunchon operation were 48 killed in action and 80 wounded and a further one killed and 56 injured in the jump.<ref name=Flanagan167>{{harvnb|Flanagan|1997|p=167}}.</ref><ref group="Note">During the operation, 187 RCT had faced an estimated 8,000 KPA troops. KPA losses were estimated at 2,764 killed and 3,818 captured, see {{harvnb|Flanagan|1997|p=167}}.</ref>
The Middlesex Battalion was ordered to push on to Sukchon, and after successfully relieving the Americans in place by nightfall, the battalion occupied a defensive position {{convert|1.6|km|mi}} north.<ref name=Farrar252/> The 27th British Commonwealth Brigade and US 24th Infantry Division continued their advance up the highway. Intending to defeat the KPA and bring the war to a close, the UNC forces pushed towards the Yalu River, on the Chinese border.<ref name=Coulthard259>{{harvnb|Coulthard-Clark|2001|p=259}}.</ref> However, resistance continued to be met as the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade crossed the Chongchon River, and they now moved towards [[Pakchon]]. On 24 October, General MacArthur had removed all restrictions on the movement of his forces south of the Yalu River and prepared for the final phase of the UNC advance, defying a directive of the [[US Joint Chiefs of Staff]] and risking Chinese intervention on behalf of North Korea.<ref name=Horner62/> An intense period of fighting followed and the Australians were involved in a number of major battles over the coming days.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://korean-war.commemoration.gov.au/united-nations-counter-offensive/australian-engagements.php |title=The United Nations Counteroffensive to the Yalu: Australian engagements: Pakchon, Yongju, Chongju, 'Broken Bridge' |work=Australia's Involvement in the Korean War |publisher=[[Department of Veterans' Affairs (Australia)|Department of Veterans' Affairs]] |access-date=25 September 2011 |year=2011 |archive-date=12 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412102046/http://korean-war.commemoration.gov.au/united-nations-counter-offensive/australian-engagements.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Subsequent operations===
[[File:27 BCB orders group following the Battle of Yongju 22 Oct 1950 (AWMP01813).jpg|thumb|Coad and officers of the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade following the Battle of Yongyu, 22 October 1950]]
On the afternoon of 25 October, a platoon from 3 RAR was fired on by two companies of KPA as they crossed the [[Taeryong River]] to conduct a reconnaissance of the west bank, and although they were forced to withdraw, the Australians took 10 prisoners with them.<ref name=Horner62/> Acting as the forward elements of the brigade, that evening Lieutenant Colonel Green sent two companies across the river to establish defensive positions and they broke up a frontal assault on their positions with mortars while the KPA were in the process of forming up. Sixty KPA supported by a T-34 tank then attacked the forward Australian companies at [[Battle of Kujin|Kujin]] early the following morning, resulting in Australian losses of eight killed and 22 wounded. However, the KPA suffered heavy casualties including over 100 killed and 350 captured, and the Australians succeeded in defending the [[bridgehead]] after the KPA withdrew.<ref name=Coulthard259/> Intelligence indicated that the British and Australians were facing the KPA 17th Tank Brigade, which was preparing a last line of defence at Chongju, {{convert|70|km|mi}} away.<ref>{{harvnb|O'Neill|1985|p=44}}.</ref> With the war considered all but over, the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade continued to pursue the KPA towards Chongju; however, the advance increasingly encountered strong resistance as they approached the [[China–North Korea border|Manchurian border]].<ref name=Horner62/>
==Notes==
'''Footnotes'''
{{Reflist|group=Note}}
'''Citations'''
{{reflist|20em}}
==References==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book |last=Appleman |first=Roy E. |title=South to the Naktong, North to the Yalu: United States Army in the Korean War: June – November 1950 |url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/korea/20-2-1/toc.htm |year=1998 |orig-year=1961 |publisher=[[Department of the Army]] |location=Washington, D.C. |isbn=978-0-16-001918-0 |access-date=30 September 2011 |archive-date=7 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207235336/http://www.history.army.mil/books/korea/20-2-1/toc.htm |url-status=dead }}
*{{cite book|editor-last=Bartlett|editor-first=Norman|year=1960|title=With the Australians in Korea|edition=Third |publisher=Australian War Memorial|location=Canberra|oclc=488462542}}
*{{cite book|last=Breen|first=Bob|year=1992|title=The Battle of Kapyong: 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, Korea 23–24 April 1951|publisher=Headquarters Training Command|location=Georges Heights, New South Wales|isbn=0-642-18222-1}}
*{{cite book|last=Butler|first=David|year=2002|chapter=The Youngest CO: Charles Green|title=The Fight Leaders: Australian Battlefield Leadership: Green, Hassett and Ferguson 3 RAR – Korea|publisher=Australian Military Historical Publications |location=Loftus, New South Wales |isbn=1-876439-56-4|pages=39–71}}
*{{cite book|last=Coulthard-Clark |first=Chris |year=2001|edition=Second |title=The Encyclopaedia of Australia's Battles|publisher=Allen & Unwin|location=St Leonards, New South Wales|isbn=1-86508-634-7}}
*{{cite book|last1=Dennis|first1=Peter|last2=Grey|first2=Jeffrey|last3=Morris|first3=Ewan|last4=Prior|first4=Robin|last5=Bou|first5=Jean|title=The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Melbourne, Victoria|year=2008|edition=Second|isbn=978-0-19-551784-2|ref=CITEREFDennis_et_al2008}}
*{{cite book|last=Farrar-Hockley|first=Anthony|author-link=Anthony Farrar-Hockley|year=1990|title=The British Part in the Korean War: A Distant Obligation|publisher = HMSO|volume= I|location=London|isbn=0-11-630953-9}}
*{{cite book|last=Flanagan|first=E.M.|year=1997|title=The Rakkasans: The Combat History of the 187th Airborne Infantry|publisher=Presidio|location=Novato, California|isbn=0-89141-604-8|url=https://archive.org/details/rakkasanscombath00flan}}
*{{cite book|last=Gallaway |first=Jack|title=The Last Call of the Bugle: The Long Road to Kapyong |publisher=University of Queensland Press|edition=Second |location=St Lucia, Queensland |year=1999 |isbn=0-7022-3106-1}}
*{{cite book |last=Gugeler |first=Russell A. |title=Army Historical Series: Combat Actions in Korea |url=https://koreanwar2.org/kwp2/cmh/combat_actions_in_korea.pdf |publisher=Center of Military History, U.S. Army |location=Washington, D.C. |year=1987 }} {{PD-notice}}
*{{cite book|editor-last=Horner |editor-first=David |editor-link=David Horner| year=2008 |title=Duty First: A History of the Royal Australian Regiment|edition=Second|publisher=Allen & Unwin |location=Crows Nest, New South Wales |isbn=978-1-74175-374-5}}
*{{cite book|last=Kuring |first=Ian |year=2004 |title=Redcoats to Cams: A History of Australian Infantry 1788–2001 |publisher=Australian Military Historical Publications |location=Loftus, New South Wales |isbn=1-876439-99-8}}
*{{cite book|last=Leary |first=William M. |author-link=William M. Leary |title=Anything, Anywhere, Anytime: Combat Cargo in the Korean War|year=2005 |publisher=University Press of the Pacific|location=Honolulu, Hawaii |isbn=978-1-4102-2043-1}}
*{{cite book|last=Odgers |first=George |author-link=George Odgers |year=2009 |title=Remembering Korea: Australians in the War of 1950–53 |publisher=New Holland Publishers (Australia) |location=Chatswood, New South Wales |isbn=978-1-74110-807-1}}
*{{cite book|last=O'Dowd |first=Ben|title=In Valiant Company: Diggers in Battle&nbsp;– Korea, 1950–51 |publisher=University of Queensland Press |location=St Lucia, Queensland |year=2000 |isbn=0-7022-3146-0}}
*{{cite book|last=O'Neill |first=Robert |author-link=Robert O'Neill (historian)|year=1985|title=Australia in the Korean War 1950–53. Combat Operations|volume=II |publisher=Australian War Memorial |location=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |isbn=0-642-04330-2}}
*{{cite book|last=Pittman|first=MAJ Phill|display-authors=etal|title=Combat Studies Institute Battlebook 4-C: The Battle of Sukchon-Sunchon|publisher=US Army Command and General Staff College|year=1984|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA149118.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831102801/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA149118.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=31 August 2021}} {{PD-notice}}
*{{cite book|last=Rodger|first=Alexander |year=2003|title=Battle Honours of the British Empire and Commonwealth Land Forces 1662–1991 |publisher=The Crowood Press |location=Ramsbury, Wiltshire |isbn=1-86126-637-5}}
*{{cite book|last=Varhola |first=Michael J. | title=Fire and Ice: The Korean War, 1950–1953 |publisher=Da Capo Press |location=Mason City, Iowa |year=2000 |isbn=978-1-882810-44-4}}
{{Refend}}
==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book|last=Chinese Military Science Academy|volume=II|year=2000|title=History of War to Resist America and Aid Korea (抗美援朝战争史)|publisher=Chinese Military Science Academy Publishing House |location=Beijing |isbn=7-80137-390-1|language=zh|ref=no}}
*{{cite book |last=Fehrenbach |first=Theodore |author-link=T. R. Fehrenbach |title=This Kind of War: The Classic Korean War History |publisher=Brassey's |location=Washington, D.C. |year=2000 |edition=50th Anniversary |orig-year=1963 |isbn=1-57488-259-7|ref=no}}
*{{cite book|last=Forbes|first=Cameron|title=The Korean War: Australia in the Giants' Playground|year=2010 |publisher=Macmillan|location=Sydney, New South Wales|isbn=978-1-405040-01-3|ref=no}}
*{{cite book|last=Johnston |first=William |year=2003 |title=A War of Patrols: Canadian Army Operations in Korea |publisher=UBC Press |location=Vancouver, British Columbia |isbn=0-7748-1008-4|ref=no}}
*{{cite book|last=MacDonald |first=Callum A. |title=Korea: The War Before Vietnam |year=1986 |publisher=Free Press |location=New York |isbn=0-02-919621-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/koreawarbeforevi00macd |ref=no }}
*{{cite book|last=Pears|first=Maurie|title=Battlefield Korea: The Korean Battle Honours of the Royal Australian Regiment, 1950–1953|year=2007|location=Loftus, New South Wales|publisher=Australian Military History Publications |isbn=9780980379600|ref=no}}
{{refend}}
==External links==
{{commons category|Battle of Yongju}}
* [https://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/korea/operations/yongju/ Out in the Cold: Australia's involvement in the Korean War – Yongju/The Apple Orchard – 22 October 1950]
{{coord|39|18|17.9|N|125|35|59|E|name=Yongju|display=title}}
{{Korean War}}
{{Australia in the Korean War}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Yongju, Battle of}}
[[Category:Battles and operations of the Korean War in 1950]]
[[Category:Battles of the Korean War involving North Korea]]
[[Category:Battles of the Korean War]]
[[Category:Battles of the Korean War involving Australia]]
[[Category:Battles of the Korean War involving the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Battles of the Korean War involving the United States]]
[[Category:History of South Pyongan Province]]
[[Category:October 1950 events in Asia]]