Keywords Wars

In 1950, perhaps the worst period for COLD WAR fears, Canadians accepted and even encouraged American leadership in resistance to communist expansion. There was, however, some fear that the Americans were too impetuous in defending the "free world." Pearson therefore emphasized that Canada's participation was part of a UN, not an American, operation. Initially, Canada contributed 3 destroyers and an air-transport squadron. The Americans, thinking this inadequate, used UN Secretary General Trygve Lie to pressure Canada and other nations to expand their efforts. The Canadian government needed little external pressure; domestic interests exerted the necessary influence. Even the socialist CCF urged the government to commit ground forces. Canada's major difficulty was the weak state of the armed forces, but on August 7 Prime Minister ST. LAURENT announced rearmament measures and plans for a Canadian Army Special Force (CASF) to carry out Canada's UN obligations.

At first it appeared that Canadian soldiers would never fire a shot. Under MacArthur UN forces drove the North Koreans back to the border at the 38th parallel. Canadians and most others expected MacArthur, having vanquished the aggressor, to halt. To Pearson's shock and disappointment, he did not. Canada nevertheless publicly supported the US decision to carry the war into the north. Now the Canadians sought to restrain the American-dominated military action lest the Chinese communists be drawn into battle. By the end of October Chinese "volunteers" crossed the Yalu River, driving back the UN forces. Pearson's concern was expressed publicly in mid-November when he emphasized that Canada had always sought a "confined and localized" war that did not imperil the security of "Korea's neighbours." MacArthur did not exaggerate when on 28 November 1950 he called it "an entirely new war." Canadians would not escape the battles.

In December 1950 the 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry landed in Korea, and in May the CASF followed. The Canadians fought on rough terrain and in an unfamiliar environment. The UN forces established a stable front near the 38th parallel, and until the war ended 27 July 1953, the fighting took place along this line. Canadians distinguished themselves in a major engagement at KAP'YONG Apr 1951. There were 21 940 Canadians who served in the army and approximately 3600 naval personnel. Eleven army officers, 298 other ranks and 3 sailors fell in action. Fifty-nine officers and 1143 other ranks were wounded or injured. By all accounts, the Canadians performed admirably.

Pearson and his colleagues had thought American leadership essential, but its character became increasingly troubling. First, there were careless remarks by President Truman about General MacArthur's right to decide alone on the use of atomic weapons. Then, MacArthur clearly indicated that he wanted to expand the war into China, an action that might have caused World War III. Even Truman's firing of MacArthur on 10 April 1951 failed to remove many concerns.

During the war, Canadian diplomats sought to "constrain" the American decision makers from the risky actions they sometimes considered. Certainly the Canadians worked with exceptional zeal and skill in UN corridors and in Washington offices to advance arguments for a negotiated peace. Their influence, however, remains open to question. Although some Canadians believe Canada's actions did restrain American aggressiveness, it must be admitted that American evidence offers little support. The Korean War has thus become part of a larger historical controversy concerning the nature of CANADIAN-AMERICAN RELATIONS.

See also KOJE-DO.

Patrol in Korea
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry returning from patrol in Korea, 1951 (courtesy Library and Archives Canada/PA-128073).

Welcome Party
Ted Zuber, alkyd on canvas, 1993, 24" x 32". Canadian replacement troops report to the forward platoon sergeant up on the "hook" position, Korea, January, 1953. One of the dead has his arm up in a posture much like waving; hence the title (courtesy the artist).

Author JOHN ENGLISH

Suggested Reading
L.B. Pearson, Mike, II (1973); J.W. Pickersgill and D.F. Forster, The Mackenzie King Record, IV (1970); D. Stairs, The Diplomacy of Constraint (1974); H.F. Wood, Strange Battleground (1966).

Links to Other Sites
Canadian War Museum
The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa is dedicated to the men and women who served with valour and distinction in Canada’s armed services. Their website features a virtual tour of the museum and multimedia online exhibits that depict how Canada met and overcame wartime challenges throughout its history.

The War Amps
The War Amps website commemorates Canada's proud military heritage and the sacrifices of Canadian war veterans. Check out the "Canada's Military Heritage" section for extensive documentation, photographs and veterans’ accounts of their wartime experiences. Features a special section devoted to the 60th Anniversary of D-Day.

The Canadian Letters and Images Project
This extensive collection of letters and photographs brings to light personal stories about wartime life at home and on the battlefield. Produced by Malaspina University College in British Columbia.

Korea Veterans Association Of Canada
KVA is comprised primarily of members who served in the Canadian Armed Forces (Navy, Army, Air Force) in Korea during the 1950-1953 war and on peacekeeping duties in Korea from 1953 to 1955.

Legion Magazine
Search the Legion Magazine website for online feature articles about Canadian military history.

Canadian Military History Gateway
Search this website for authoritative information about Canadian military history. Provides links to websites for Canadian museums, libraries, archives, and other heritage organizations. Also features an online glossary of military terminology, educational resources and much more. From the Department of National Defence.

Veterans Affairs Canada
The Veterans Affairs Canada website commemorates the service and sacrifice of Canada’s war veterans. Click on "Past Features" on left side of page for an extensive list of informative multimedia features about Canadian military history. This site also provides updates about programs for veterans and their families.

From Colony to Country: A Reader's Guide to Canadian Military History
A guide to reference sources concerning Canadian military history. From Library and Archives Canada.

The Cost of Freedom
This outstanding multimedia website from The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum features an illustrated overview of Canada’s military involvement in two world wars and the Korean War. Also offers an interactive timeline and a virtual tour of the museum’s exhibits. The “Rights & Freedoms” section focuses on Canadian citizenship.

The Canadian Wartime Experience: The Documentary Legacy of Canada at War
This website examines the impact of wartime experiences on previous generations of Canadians. Peruse digitized images of ink-stained personal letters, official documents, news clippings, old photographs, and much more. Covers major military conflicts from the Red River Rebellion to the Vietnam War. Also offers learning activities that relate to primary source materials. From University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections.

Canada's Fighting 'Van Doos'
This CBC Archives site features radio and TV clips that chronicle the history of the Royal 22e Régiment.

Five forgotten sailors
A news story about plans to include the names of five Canadian sailors who died in the Korean War on the Commonwealth Monument in South Korea. From the National Post.