Battle of Kapyong
Since 2011, Council has developed a strong sister city relationship with Gapyeong County, Korea, the site of the Battle of Kapyong, where Australian troops fought during the Korean War in 1951. This connection, alongside Strathfield’s close ties with its local Korean community and a commitment to honour all Australians who served, inspired the creation of the Battle of Kapyong Memorial Site at Ismay Reserve in 2025.
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Strathfield Council formed a Sister City partnership with the modern town of Gapyeong (formerly Kapyong) in Korea in 2011 to strengthen our Australian Korean relations.
Our sister city relationship continues to foster strong cultural, civic and educational understanding and connection between our two regions.
For the past 15 years, this mutual partnership has grown through key milestones which include delegation visits, student exchange and celebrating significant events, such as the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and the 70th anniversary exhibition.
This sister city relation is one of the ways Council shows our appreciation to our rich and vibrant Korean community in Strathfield and their contributions to our area’s local economy and cultural and social development.
Gapyeong Youth Delegation visit to Strathfield Council in August 2025
War broke out on the Korean Peninsula in June 1950. There was heavy fighting and a lot of hardship along with heavy snow in December 1950. Either side of winter, Seoul, the capital city of Korea, was captured twice by the enemy.
By April 1951 Australian troops were near a small town called Kapyong which is located along a valley that provides a route to Seoul from the north. The enemy was advancing with overwhelming numbers hoping to again recapture Seoul.
Australian and Canadian troops supported by American tanks and New Zealand artillery were placed along the valley near Kapyong with steep mountains either side. Among these forces, 800 soldiers from the Australian 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) were soon to try to stop more than 10,000 enemy troops. They had no time to prepare and dug into the rocky ground to provide protection. On the ground in places there was still traces of snow from winter.
On the evening of 23 April 1951, the enemy began to attack 3RAR. Huge human wave attacks were launched one after another accompanied by a lot of shouting and noise from bugles. The attacks continued into the next day and night on 24 April 1951.
The Australians were resolute in their defence despite the impossible odds. New Zealand artillery slowed down many of the assaults before their full weight reached the Australian positions. When the enemy did break through into the Australian positions the American tanks moved to help to repel the determined opposition.
On the evening of 24 April 1951, the enemy turned their attention to the Canadian troops located on the other side of the valley from the Australians. The Canadians steadfastly held their position through the night.
On the morning of 25 April 1951, the enemy abandoned their plans to retake Seoul because of the heavy losses they had suffered during the fighting at Kapyong. Australians too suffered heavy losses with 32 men killed during the fighting, 59 soldiers wounded and 3 taken prisoner.
The Australian 3rd Battalion (RAR), the Canadian 2nd Battalion (PPCLI) and US tank forces were awarded the United States Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation for their part in this successful defence. Each year on 24 April we pause to honour those who fought in the Battle of Kapyong along with all those who served in the Korean War.
Lieutenant Leonard Montgomerie MC (centre, front row) and No.4 Platoon, B Company, 3RAR which distinguished itself at the Battle of Kapyong, 26 April 1951. Courtesy Australian War Memorial.
Studio portrait of 2/400237 Private Kenneth Turton Matchett, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), of Homebush, NSW. Courtesy Australian War Memorial
Private Kenneth Turton Matchett (2/400237) of Homebush was one of the 32 Australian soldiers killed in action during the Battle of Kapyong. He was the youngest son of Herbert and Rosaline Matchett and was born in Homebush during January 1925.
Before serving with The Third Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) in Korea, after World War II, Kenneth served in Japan with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force as a gunner (NX174063) with the ‘A’ Field Battery.
Click here to learn more about Private Kenneth Turton Matchett on Council’s Local Studies Blog.
In 2025, Strathfield Council and the Cumberland RSL Sub-branch hosted the inaugural Battle of Kapyong Memorial Service at Council’s newly established memorial site at Ismay Reserve, Homebush.
The memorial site, including the landscape and design, was delivered by Council staff in April 2025 following a Council resolution. It is fitted with a memorial plaque, and seven flags (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, Great Britain, United States of America, and United Nations) of the nations involved in the Korean War, to commemorate the courage and sacrifice of Australian soldiers in key battles, including the Battle of Kapyong in 1951.
When visiting Ismay Reserve, in Homebush visitors are encouraged to explore the Kapyong Memorial as well as experience the historic and beautiful fig trees.
Council intends to host a Battle of Kapyong Memorial Service at this site every year.
Strathfield Council’s Battle of Kapyong Memorial located at Ismay Reserve in Homebush
On 24 April 2026, Strathfield Council and the Cumberland RSL Sub-branch commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong - a significant moment in Australian military history.
The 75th anniversary of this battle during the Korean War (1950 – 1953) honours a pivotal victory by Australian and Canadian battalions, supported by a New Zealand artillery regiment. Together, they halted a major enemy advance, helping to save Seoul and prevent a potential allied disaster.
Council’s memorial service was held at Ismay Reserve in Homebush with over 200 community members and distinguished guests in attendance including:
- The Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence
- Ms Sally Sitou, MP, Member for Reid
- The Hon Scott Farlow, MLC, Member of the Legislative Council
- Strathfield Council’s Mayor Benjamin Cai, Deputy Mayor Sandy Reddy, Cr Esther Kim, and Cr Karen Pensabene,
- Ms. Young Ok Lee, On behalf of Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Sydney
- Major Michael Lawry, New Zealand Defense Force
- Ju-Bek Hyung, President of the Korean Society of Sydney
In his special address, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister reflected on the national significance of a partnership forged in war. Mr Marles presence reinforced the importance of this memorial service not only to Strathfield, but to Australia as a whole, as we continue to remember and honour those who served in defence of our freedoms.
Video of Strathfield Council’s Battle of Kapyong Memorial Service commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle on 24th April 2026. Available to view on Strathfield Council’s YouTube Channel