July 28, 2025
The Nanango RSL Sub-Branch organised a commemoration on Sunday morning to mark the 72nd anniversary of the guns falling silent in the Korean War.
More than 17,000 Australian troops served in the conflict, in the Army, Air Force and Navy.
Of these, 340 died, more than 1216 were wounded and 30 were taken as prisoners-of-war.
Cadets from Nanango 177ACU formed a guard around the monument while a lone piper from the Burnett Celtic Pipes and Drums played a lament.
The Korean War broke out before dawn on June 25, 1950, when North Korean troops crossed the 38th Parallel, driving the South Korean defenders down the peninsula and capturing Seoul within three days.
The USA immediately committed troops. The United Nations’ Security Council then called for a cessation of hostilities which led to UN member nations, including Commonwealth Forces, to join the conflict.
Possibly the best-known battle that Australian troops took part in was at Kapyong where soldiers from 3RAR fought bravely but suffered heavy losses, including 32 killed, 53 wounded and three men taken as POWs.
After the service at the Nanango Monument on Sunday, attendees were invited back to the Nanango Services Club for a performance by the pipes and drums band, which is sponsored by the club.
