16 Field Regiment in Korea

VG (Vin) Skilton was commissioned in the New Zealand Artillery in 1940. In 1947 he joined the Regular Force, and in 1950 was the Chief Instructor, NZA, at Burnham Camp. He was posted to Korea as battery commander with 163 Battery, 16 Field Regiment. In 1953, Major VG Skilton was awarded the Military Cross in the Coronation Honours. The citation reads "On the night of 19/20 Feb, in support of 3 Bn, 9 US Regt, 2 US Div, although the CP was under heavy bombardment, his cool judgement and calm handling of the artillery materially assisted in stabilising the situation".

Major Skilton went on to command the Reinforcement Training Unit and NZ Base Camp until October 1953. He retired in 1968 and died in 1988. These images are from his collection, kindly provided by his son, Tony Skilton.

Skilton with friends

Half-millionth round fired by 16 Fd Regt

Paterson, Skilton, Burns & others

Click on the thumbnail to see the full-size image.

NZ Artillery in the Korean War | 16 Fd Regt