VANZ News Issue 6
Korean Minister recognises I6 Field Regiment's Service
The Republic of Korea’s Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Hon Sung Choon Park recognised 16 Field Regiment’s service during the Korean War at a special ceremony at Linton Camp recently.
Minister Park presented Commanding Officer of 16 Field Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Matthew with a citation and the unit citation insignia was presented to veterans of 16 Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery at the ceremony.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Judith Collins also held bilateral discussions with Minister Park at Linton Camp.
“New Zealand and the Republic of Korea have a special relationship that began on the battlefield more than 60 years ago,” Ms Collins said.
“Minister Park personally travelled to New Zealand to present the citation to the Regiment, a sign of the close relationship that has developed between our two countries.”
In 1950 16th Field Regiment (16 Fd Regt) was established as New Zealand’s contribution to the Korean War. Along with 10 Transport Company, a Divisional Signals detachment and two Navy frigates, New Zealand servicemen deployed to theatre on 15 December 1950. As part of the 27th Commonwealth Brigade they were eventually deployed north of Seoul in the area of the Kapyong Valley in early April 1951.
From 22 — 25 April massed waves of communist soldiers were repulsed using a combination of infantry holding ground and artillery fire support. By 26 April the communist forces had withdrawn.