Kakabeka Legion

Issued: July 25, 2003

On June 25, 1950, war broke out when North Korea invaded South Korea. The war was brought to an end on July 27, 1953 with the signing of the Korea Armistice in Panmunjom, North Korea. On the 50th anniversary of this occasion, Canada Post issued a single domestic rate ($0.48) stamp to recognize and honour those who served with bravery and courage in the Canadian army, navy and air force as part of the UN forces.

CANADA'S CONTRIBUTIONS

In July 1950, Canada sent three Royal Canadian Navy destroyers (HMCS Cayuga, HMCS Athabaskan, and HMCS Sioux) to the Yellow Sea, and deployed Royal Canadian Air Force No. 426 squadron to transport troops and goods to Japan. Canada also dispatched an infantry brigade, and provided 22 fighter pilots to the U.S. Air Force.

December 1950 saw the 2nd Battalion of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) arrive in Korea, followed in May by the rest of the troops that formed the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade (2nd battalions of the Royal Canadian Regiment and the Royal 22nd Regiment). In Kapyong, Canadians won fame in the spring of 1951 by driving back advancing Communist Chinese Army forces in a key sector. The bravery of these men of the PPCLI was rewarded with the U.S. Presidential Unit Citation for Valour; awarded for "outstanding heroism and exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services." Other engagements included battles at Chail'li and on Hill 355. After the armistice was signed, troops from the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and Canadian Guards served along the 38th parallel. In total, 21,940 Canadian soldiers and approximately 3,600 sailors saw service in Korea. Of this number, approximately 500 gave their lives.

ABOUT THE STAMP DESIGN

Designed by Steven Slipp, this stamp features a photojournalistic presentation of our forces in Korea. Depicted, from left to right, are an F-86 Sabre of the type flown by Canadian Air Force pilots, shown on an American base in Korea; navy personnel hauling in a line while patrolling the Korean coast; and infantry men holding the line in the hills of Central Korea.