Korean War: Republic of Korea

 This is the latest in Osprey's MAA series on the Korean War by Benjamin Lai, covering the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) and United Nations Command. Another war that has faded from memory in the UK. My interest was sparked after researching the history of the Turkish forces that went there for my book on the early Cyprus conflict, published by Helion Books.

The Korean War began in 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea, aiming to unite the country under communist rule. The United Nations, led mainly by the United States, supported South Korea, while China and the Soviet Union supported North Korea. The war involved intense fighting and caused millions of deaths and widespread destruction. After three years of conflict, the sides signed an armistice in 1953, ending the fighting but not officially ending the war. Korea remained divided along a border close to the 38th parallel, with North Korea and South Korea continuing as separate countries.

ROKA was formed after the Second World War, almost entirely with American equipment left behind when they left the peninsula. While they had 65,000 combat troops, the quality and quantity of equipment were one of the causes of their collapse when North Korea invaded. Leadership at all levels was also weak. Despite retraining and re-equipment, they were treated as suspect by the Americans, with some justification, as they collapsed again when China entered the war. By the end of the war, ROKA had expanded to 12 front-line divisions, which performed credibly, allowing allied forces to begin leaving the conflict. The book covers uniforms, equipment, and the key units. There was also a Marine Corps.

The second part covers other United Nations forces. Britain provided the largest element after the USA, with infantry and armoured units, often on rotation. The uniforms were similar to WW2, and over one thousand died there. A memorial stands in Scotland just off the M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The other countries providing troops are also covered. These included European countries like Belgium, France, Greece, and the Netherlands, as well as others worldwide, including Colombia, Commonwealth nations, Ethiopia, Thailand and the Philippines. Many of these armies were also being reconstituted after WW2, and for the Turkish Army, it provided vital combat experience.

As you would expect, there are excellent colour plates and illustrations. This book packs a lot into one volume, but it offers enough for wargamers to expand their armies beyond the USA and North Korea.

My Turkish forces defending against an attack by Chinese and North Korean forces. 10mm using Pendraken figures.