RFA Operations since 1905

1950-53 Korean War

Warfare between North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) and South Korea (Republic of Korea) began on 25 June 1950 and paused with an armistice which was signed on 27 July 1953.

The war occurred in consequence of both countries aggressively attempting Korean national–peninsular reunification under their respective governments — because they occupied the immediate months before open warfare with escalating armed clashes at the 38th Parallel border, and the failed all-Korea elections. The negotiations ceased when North Korea invaded South Korea on 25 June 1950. The United States and UN Forces intervened for the South. After a rapid South Korean counter-attack reversing the initial North Korean invasion, the Chinese Army intervened for North Korea — deciding the war towards an armistice that approximately restored the original border between the Koreas. Since then, North Korea unilaterally withdrew from the armistice on 27 May 2009

The following RFA’s supported UN Forces during the Korean War

• Awarded Battle Honour

Other RFA’s contributed by supplying stores and oil to the RFA’s in theatre for replenishment of UN ships