On 22 October 1950, the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) fought its first battle in Korea in an apple orchard north of Pyongyang, marking a significant moment in their military history. The orchard, lush and vibrant, soon transformed into a site of intense conflict as the soldiers faced their North Korean opponents. Just over a week after arriving in Pusan, where they acclimatized to the new environment and prepared for combat, 3RAR led the US-led advance into North Korea across the 38th parallel, demonstrating bravery and resilience. This operation not only tested their skills but also solidified their crucial role in the broader campaign, as they pushed forward into uncharted territory, facing various challenges along the way.

The UN led the Battle of Yongju, also known as the Battle of the Apple Orchard, to stop the North Korean forces during the Korean War. The US 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team (US 187 RCT) was sent in front of the UN forces to the Sukchon and Sunchon drop zones. The Paratroopers sought to face retreating North Koreans, pushing them west and freeing American and South Korean POWs. The dropzones, about 25 miles north of the capital, were chosen for their locations, and the paratroopers faced little resistance when they were sent in.

Starting on October 20th, 1,470 paratroopers flew from Kimpo Airfield in C-119 and C-47 planes. While they faced little air resistance, there was occasional sniper fire. Despite some injuries and damage to weapons, the Airborne drop was successful, and the US 187 RCT continued its mission to advance south toward the capital.

Unfortunately, while on the ground, the Americans met a heavy attack dealt by the North Korean 239th Regiment, which was expertly trained and well-prepared for combat. This aggressive maneuver caught the U.S. forces off-guard, as they had anticipated a different line of engagement. As the battle unfolded, additional help arrived for the North Koreans, including artillery support and reinforcements that intensified the conflict and overwhelmed American positions, leading to a chaotic and desperate situation on the battlefield. The rapid escalation of violence not only tested the resolve of the troops but also put significant strain on their resources and strategic plans.

While under attack, the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, consisting of the Australian 3RAR, the Argyll and Sutherland Regiment, and the Middlesex Regiment pushed the North Koreans back almost to the Manchurian Border. But when the Chinese entered the war on the side of the North Koreans, 3RAR played a major role in halting their advance, bravely set off to assist their comrades, skillfully crossing the Taedong River on their journey to reach Sukchon.

A US tank with 3 RAR support.

As the Allies arrived on the scene, the Australians launched a decisive attack, which prompted the North Koreans to retreat from their strategic position on the high ground. With the terrain advantage lost, the situation became tense as the North Koreans found themselves trapped between the advancing US paratroopers and their own forces. For three grueling hours, the two sides engaged in a fierce battle, with soldiers on both sides displaying remarkable bravery and perseverance amidst the chaotic exchange of gunfire and explosive sounds reverberating in the air. The North Koreans, despite being heavily outnumbered and outmaneuvered, refused to surrender and fought tenaciously. Ultimately, they were driven out from their positions by the relentless push of the Allied forces, allowing the Allies to reclaim control and meticulously clear the area of any remaining soldiers, ensuring that the threat was completely eradicated.

The figures are from Slave2Gaming and are from their Korean Range.

With American, British, and Australian fighters united for a common goal, the North Korean 239th Regiment was significantly defeated. While the North Koreans focused on the Americans in the north, the Australians launched a successful surprise attack from the rear. In that apple orchard, the Allies not only defeated their opponents, but the Australians also had a defining moment that highlighted their performance in action, preparing them for battles in the coming months.

These are the first of what will be a small 3RAR, “the old faithful”, Bolt Action force

The Slave to Gaming Korean figures are great quality and a lot cheaper than Eureka Miniatures and Warlord Games figure, and are specifically Korean with the correct shirt cuffs.