United Kingdom in the Korean War

Last updated August 23, 2025

The United Kingdom was involved in the Korean War between 25 June 1950 and 27 July 1953. 56,000 British troops participated on the side of the United Nations force.

Order of Battle

British Commonwealth Forces Korea

British Commonwealth Forces Korea

British Army

British Army's order of battle as follows:

Royal Marines

Royal Marines's order of battle as follows:

41 Independent Commando

Main Battles

Casualties

Killed	Wounded	MIA	POW	Total
1,108	2,674	179	978	4,909

Total 81,084 British participated in the Korean War, 886 of 1,078 killed soldiers were buried in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Busan, South Korea.

Memorials

There is a Gloucester Hill Battle Monument in the memorial Park for Battle of the Imjin River in Paju, South Korea.

A memorial was opened on the 20th June 2000 in Bathgate in Scotland by the Scotland branch of the British Korean Veterans Association. A more permanent memorial was built on the site, including a pagoda, during 2013. [2]

There is a Korean War Memorial in London which unveiled on 3 December 2014.

Timeline

1950	25 June 1950 – North Korea invaded South Korea, Korean War began 25 June 1950 – United Nations drafts UNSC Resolution 82 calling for cessation of hostilities, and withdrawal of North Korean Forces. United Kingdom endorses resolution. 28 June 1950 - United Kingdom decided to join the war. 2 July 1950 – Royal Navy arrived in Pusan, South Korea. 28 August 1950 – 27th Infantry Brigade arrived in Pusan, South Korea 4 September 1950 – 27th Infantry Brigade deployed in Pusan Perimeter October 1950 – UN Forces crossed the 38th Parallel 19 October 1950: China People's Liberation Army deployed to North Korea. 25 October 1950 – First engagement between UN Forces and Chinese Forces. 17 October 1950 – Battle of Sariwon 30 October 1950 – Battle of Chongju 5 November 1950 – Battle of Pakchon 18 November 1950 – 41 Independent Commando involving Battle of Chosin Reservoir 2 – 24 December 1950 – UN Forces retreat from North Korea
1951	3–4 January 1951 – Battle of Chaegunghyon 22–25 April 1951 – Battle of the Imjin River 22–27 April 1951 – Battle of Kapyong 4–6 November 1951 – Second Battle of Maryang-san 4 December 1951 – 41 Independent Commando is withdrawn.
1952	2 January 1952 – Operation Snare 10 April 1952 – Operation Westminster July 1952 – British Commonwealth Forces Korea supersedes the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. 18–19 November 1952 - Second Battle of the Hook
1953	8 April 1953 – Deployed in Jamestown Line 28–29 May 1953 – Third Battle of the Hook 24−26 July 1953 – Battle of the Samichon River 27 July 1953 – Korean Armistice Agreement is signed 5 August 1953 – Operation Big Switch began, 945 British POWs returned, 1 defector remained in China
1955	March – Royal Navy was withdrawn.
1954–1957	British Army was withdrawn.

References

↑ 윤 대통령, 영국 ‘조문외교’ 마치고 뉴욕行…내일 유엔총회 연설

External links

Korean War - Royal British Legion

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[1] 윤 대통령, 영국 ‘조문외교’ 마치고 뉴욕行…내일 유엔총회 연설

[1]