The Battle of Kapyong was one of the most significant engagements involving Australian and Commonwealth forces during the Korean War. Fought in April 1951, it played an important role in slowing a major Chinese offensive and helping stabilise the front. This course examines the causes and course of the Korean War before focusing on the events of the battle itself. Participants will follow the unfolding action day by day while exploring the experiences of those who fought in often difficult and dangerous conditions. Alongside the military history, the course considers the strategic importance of Kapyong and its place within the broader history of the Korean conflict.

DELIVERY MODE

Hybrid (Face to face and online simultaneously)

COURSE OUTLINE

• An outline of the war, its causes and its course until this battle
• The chronological detailing of the battle and an account of the human element for those involved
• An evaluation of the battle in the total context of the war

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand the strategic context for the battle
• Become familiar with the nature of the fighting and the course of the battle
• Evaluate the outcomes of the battle in terms of the human involvement but also in the overall course of the war