Korean War 1950-53
Part 3 - Imjin River and The Hook

Footbridge breaking, Imjin River, 9th April 1951. This is one of the footbridges built by 55 Field Squadron RE. The Oxford Carrier that was used as an anchor can clearly be seen on the central island. The bridge was eventually completed, but is shown here breaking under the force of the current.

In March 1951 UN Forces occupied the south bank of the Imjin River. The Chinese had retreated and 29 Brigade of the Commonwealth Division was able to push its Belgian Battalion over the river. 55 Field Squadron built 2 bridges and patrolled with the infantry.

On April 21st the Chinese began their counter-attack and 29 Brigade found themselves in the path of an advance on Seoul. The Sappers fought as infantry alongside the Northumberland Fusiliers, Royal Ulster Rifles and the Gloucesteshire Regiment.

By 25th April the Brigade was ordered to withdraw. The Sappers managed to hold open a road for the Fusiliers and the Ulster Rifles to be evacuated, but the Gloucesters could not be reached. The Gloucesters fought on and only 39 men eventually got back to UN lines.

29 Brigade's stand had inflicted 11,000 casualties on the Chinese 63rd Army and it was able to take no further part in the war.

Wrecked British carriers, Imjin River, 23rd April 1951. These are probably vehicles of the Royal Ulster Rifles and 1 Troop, 55 Field Squadron RE. During an attempt to get through to the Belgians on the north bank of the river they were ambushed and had to abandon their vehicles.

Centurion Tank of B Squadron, 6th Hussars carrying Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, 25th April. During the evacuation of the Fusiliers, Sappers of 1 Troop under Captain Holmes RE and Lieutenant Swinbanks RE held open a key road. Lt Swinbanks RE was killed and the remaining Sappers eventually withdrew with the last tanks.

The "Hook" after an attack. The "Hook" saw some of the most intense artillery fire since the First World War (1914-18). During May 1953 the Chinese used over 10,000 shells, literally flattening the defences. Sometimes the defenders had to direct UN artillery fire onto their own positions to stop the Chinese.

Men of 55 Field Squadron RE rebuilding defences on the "Hook", 1953. Sappers had to haul timber and concrete lintels to forward positions in order to reinforce dugouts and tunnels. The underground bunkers that the Sappers constructed enabled the defenders to stay on the hill even under artillery fire

Men of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment before going on patrol into no-mans land, the "Hook", 1953. Sappers accompanied patrols and were often called upon to destroy newly dug Chinese positions.

In late 1952 a key feature in the UN defences north of the Imjin River was the hill known as the "Hook". This had been held by the US Marines and had seen very heavy fighting. In November 29 Brigade of the Commonwealth Division took over responsibility for the Hook.

A company of the Black Watch, supported by 55 Field Squadron RE, moved onto the "Hook" on 4th November. Battle damage was so bad that the defences had to be virtually rebuilt. The Sappers worked 8 hour shifts to deepen trenches, build bunkers and dig tunnels.

Between November 1952 and May 1953 there were 2 large-scale attacks and constant skirmishing for the "Hook" position. The Chinese employed overwhelming numbers and heavy artillery support and the defences needed constant repair. At times trenches that had been 8 feet deep were reduced to 6 inches by the weight of fire. Despite all the Chinese pressure the "Hook" was held until the end of the war.

The third battle of the "Hook", May 1953. The "Hook" was a hill position on the front line in the Samichon River Valley. During the May battle the Chinese built up forces in the hollows below the "Hook". They used the spurs of the hill as cover during their attack.