Armistice ends fighting in Korean War

27 July 1953

New Zealand memorial in South Korea, 2010
New Zealand memorial in South Korea, 2010 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

After lengthy negotiations, representatives of North Korea and the United Nations signed an armistice on the ceasefire line between North and South Korea.

New Zealand’s thousand-strong Kayforce had arrived in South Korea in December 1950 to join the UN’s ‘police action’ against North Korean invaders. The Kiwis joined the 27th British Commonwealth Infantry Brigade in January 1951.

In April 1951 the Chinese, who had intervened to save North Korea from defeat, launched a massive offensive. The Commonwealth Brigade fought a defensive battle against a Chinese division at Kap’yong. Filling a gap in the UN line, the Royal New Zealand Artillery’s 16 Field Regiment played a vital supporting role. Although Kap’yong later had to be abandoned, the Chinese offensive in this sector was checked.

About 4700 men served with Kayforce and 1300 on Royal New Zealand Navy frigates during New Zealand’s seven-year involvement in Korea. Forty-five men lost their lives, 33 of them (including two naval personnel) during the war.

Seventy years on, no peace treaty has been signed and the two Koreas are technically still at war.

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Robyn Lewis

Posted: 07 Aug 2021

That is stupid it's like newzealand going to war with the South island Mrs Robyn Lewis