Korea Brigade (1951/1952)

This film is a heritage item from Library and Archives Canada and is only available in English.

Shown are Korean hills with a brief historical sketch of the country. Canadian artillery, armour, and infantry are previewed in action. The Special Force, renamed the 25th Brigade in August 1950, move to Fort Lewis, Washington to undergo rigorous training in the rain and mud, go on route marches, and learn to use Bren Gun Carriers, machine guns, and flame throwers. The commander, Brigadier J.M. Rockingham, inspects the men, as does Governor General Viscount Alexander of Tunis. The 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Light Canadian Infantry board ship for Korea. In mid-April 1951, the rest of the Brigade move to Seattle and embark for Korea. After disembarking at Pusan, the Canadians undergo more training and see action east of Seoul as part of the 8th Army. Sequences are seen on: Canadian soldiers advancing; supplies brought by half-tracks as other vehicles get stuck in deep mud; the 38th parallel marker with Brigadier Rockingham and a UN observer; road construction; soldiers on patrol helping a casualty as Koreans move supplies forward; refugees taking to the roads; and an artillery barrage in process. The voice over narration describes the experiences and feelings of the soldiers. Commonwealth troops are shown in action. Seen in the ceremony forming the 1st Commonwealth Division on 28 July 1951, attended by Major General James Cassels, Lieutenant General Robertson, and 8th Army commander General Van Fleet. Sequences show: soldiers fording a river during monsoon season; preparations for a big push beginning as artillery and tanks from the Lord Strathcona Horse and Infantry get set to move in the Imjin River region; a chaplain talking about the men; a hilarious hockey game on the frozen Imjin River pitting New Zealanders and Australians against Canadians; troops from Canada arriving by landing craft under Brigadier Pat Bogert; and men from 2nd Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, the Lord Strathcona Horse, and the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment returning home.

Source: Library and Archives Canada. Associated Screen News fonds, 1973-0127, IDC 83012.