Korea

10 Transport Company RNZASC

On the 25th June 1950 the North Korean Army crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea. Hopelessly outmatched the South Korean Forces retreated in disarray through Seoul. As a result of the North's military action the United States Ambassador tabled an emergency resolution before the Security Council calling for member States of the United Nations to lend military support to the South Korean Republic. Following consideration of the request, the New Zealand Government on the evening of 26 July 1950 announced their decision to raise a force for service in Korea. In general terms the force consisted of:

                                            A Force Headquarters, Administration Element.
                                            16 Field Regiment RNZA.
                                            A transport platoon RNZASC.

On 22nd January 1951, 16 Fd Regt RNZA joined 27 Bde. At about the same time the NZ Tpt Pl joined 57 Coy RASC primarily operating in support of 29 British Infantry Brigade. During the Battle of Kapyong the platoon was responsible for providing ammunition support for 27 Bde during the period April - May 1951.

In May 27 Bde was withdrawn and replaced by 28 Commonwealth Brigade. With the arrival of 25 Canadian Bde, 25, 28, and 29 Bde were concentrated to form the Commonwealth Division.

New Zealand's contribution to this unique organisation included 10 Tpt Coy RNZASC and 1 Commonwealth Division HQ Tpt Platoon RNZASC. With a transport platoon already committed to operations, recruiting and training began to complete a Company Headquarters, two transport platoons, and RNZASC Workshop Platoon and a Composite Platoon. The Division Headquarters Transport Platoon was formed at the same time. Following the sinking of the troopship SS Wahine, which was carrying RNZASC Element, other reinforcements and replacement 25 Pounder Guns for 16 Fd Regt, the force eventually arrived in Korea in September 1951. It did not arrive in time to take part in "Operation Commando" which finally advanced the front line over the Imjim River and into North Korea. However, the original Tpt Pl was involved in providing support for the attack and advance.

The concentration area for 10 Tpt Coy RNZASC was originally at Tokchong. When it joined the 1st Commonwealth Divisional Column in October the Coy (less the Comp Pl which remained in situ) moved into the Divisional area about 2000 meters south of the Imjim River. From that time the Coy was committed to operations in support of the Div, 28 Commonwealth and 29 British Bdes.

Tasks included:

                                        Troop lifting
                                        The operation of the Div Sup P
                                        POL
                                        Ammunition
                                        Defence and Engineering stores
                                        The uplift of stores, mail and maintenance items from the FMA
                                        The provision of Leave Transport for Div leave contingents
                                        The movement of 25 Pounder Guns
                                        The operation of TEA1 Ammunition point in support of 29 Bde.

10 NZ Transport Company continued to serve in Korea until 1957 when it was withdrawn and disbanded.

The Transport Platoons of 10 Coy were in frequent close contact with the Inf Battalions of 28 and 29 Bde. Defence stores were delivered by the Platoons right into forward infantry positions, whilst battalion relief's saw vehicles moving right into the various positions to effect the change over and avoid unnecessary marching by the foot soldier. With the employment of rotary winged aircraft emerging, 10 Coy was also involved in perhaps the first experiment at using helicopters to move forward the daily maintenance requirements of the units of the Bdes.

 

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