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Canadian soldiers serving in Korea were enrolled for 18
months, 12 of which were to be served in Korea. In October and November
1951, at which time Canadian soldiers were nearing the end of their
contracted tours, Canada began to rotate its troops. The 1st Battalion
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI) was sent to the
front lines to replace its affiliated battalion, 2 PPCLI. In early spring
1952, 1RCR and 1 R22eR similarly replaced 2 RCR and 2 R22eR.
During the changeover period, the Chinese launched another
counterattack. The Canadians and the rest of the UN forces were able
to hold their positions roughly along the 38th parallel (the so-called
Jamestown Line). This Chinese offensive, however, marked the final stage
of full-scale war between the opposing armies.
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National Archives of Canada (PA-128851, photo
by Paul E. Tomelin).
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Stretcher-Bearers Transport
a Casualty to a U.S. Air Force Helicopter, Korea, 22 June 1952.
The wounded soldier, a member of
the 2nd Battalion, R.C.R., was then flown to No. 8055 M.A.S.H.
for treatment.
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National Archives of Canada (PA-129740, photo
by Paul E. Tomelin).
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Preparing for a Night Patrol,
Korea, 21 June 1952.
Major Don Holmes of "Charlie" Company,
1st Battalion, R.C.R., checks signal equipment. From left to right:
Major Holmes, Private Morris, and Private Drinkwater.
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From the winter of 1951-1952 onward, no major battles
or offensives took place. A war of attrition ensued in which operations
were limited to sporadic raiding and constant patrolling. Although the
outcome of the war was now in the hands of the negotiators, the UN force
was still at peril. Many battle casualties were recorded in this period
despite the changed nature of the war.
In late 1952 and early 1953, the third contingents (consisting
of 3 PPCLI, 3 RCR, and 3 R22eR) replaced the 1st battalions.
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When peace was finally negotiated, a fourth Canadian contingent
was en route to join the Canadian Brigade in Korea. Like the battalions
raised for the first NATO contingent, 27 CIBG, this contingent was comprised
of composite battalions raised from the militia. When these new battalions
arrived in Korea, they became the 2nd battalions of the Queen's Own
Rifles, The Black Watch, and the Canadian Guards.
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