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In 1951, the Commonwealth Division was established and 16 Fd Regt became part of the Divisional Artillery along with Canadian and British field artillery regiments. Regimental concentrations of twenty-four guns were superceded by divisional concentrations of 120 guns and mortars. G Troop became part of 1 Commonwealth Divisional Signals Regiment. The Gunner Training Element became the Commonwealth Artillery Training Centre.
At the conclusion of the Korean War, 16 Field Regiment was disbanded. It was re-established in 1958 as part of the Regular Force Brigade Group and later served in the Vietnam War.
On April 24 1951, 16 Field Regiment took part in the Battle of Kapyong in support of the Australians, thereby halting a Chinese advance. The Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to 16 Fd Regt for its service in the Battle of Kapyong.
SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENTIAL CITATION
November 1, 1951
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
The President of the Republic of Korea takes profound pleasure
in citing
for exceptionally meritorious service and heroism
THE 16TH FIELD REGIMENT
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND ARTILLERY
for the award of
THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
This Unit joined the United Nations Forces in Korea at the beginning of the year and has given outstanding support, firstly to the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, later to the 28th British Commonwealth Brigade, and since the formation of 1st British Commonwealth Division as part of that Division. Its performance in the April enemy offensive merits the highest praise. Two Batteries were initially forward in support of 6 Republic of Korea Division and these were skilfully withdrawn to join the balance of the Regiment in a new
position which 27th British Commonwealth Brigade had been ordered to hold at all costs. Throughout the battle during the nights of 23rd and 24th April and all day of 24 April it operated its guns ceaselessly and efficiently and played an important part in the holding of the position.
[signed] Syngman Rhee
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See also:
New Zealanders killed in the Korean War
161 Battery
162 Battery
163 Battery
16 Field Regiment
NZ artillery of the Korean War
The Duck and Umbrella Incident - 162 Bty and 163 Bty prepare for Korea
A Night near Hill 159
Defensive Fire Tasks in the Korean War
Hill 355 - 16 Fd Regt in Korea
With the Durham Light Infantry in Korea
The Hook
16 Fd Regt and the 'Utah' Battalion at Kapyong
16 Field Regiment today
Home
Ref: "New Zealand and the Korean War" by Ian McGibbon, and personal reminiscences.
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