Queens Korea Medal (22772096 TPR. D. MOSS. R. TKS.); United Nations Korea Medal (unnamed as awarded)
22772096 Tpr D Moss Royal Tanks served in Korea.
The first RTR soldiers and equipment to be deployed to Korea came from C Sqn 7 RTR. Commanded by Maj AJD Pettinghall, they arrived in Korea on the 17th November 1950. The Sqn, manned 35% by reservists, was to form part of 29th Brigade and very shortly after their arrival were hurried into action. The Churchill tanks that they were equipped with were perfect for the difficult, hilly terrain, although the Crocodile trailers (less those of one troop), were sent to the rear of the battle area to enable the tanks to move more freely.
C Sqn were involved in the successful actions south of Seoul on Hill 327, where 5 Tp (commanded by Lt BHS Clarke) and 7 Tp (commanded by Lt RJ Shackleton) were part of the final attack on the hill on the 16th February 1951. 6 Tp (commanded by Lt GE Merill) were the first to enter the industrial suburb of Yong Dong Po on the 1st April as Seoul fell again as the Chinese retreated. The Sqn were then held in reserve when the Chinese attacked again on 20th April in the Battle of the Imjin river, and it was at this point, the mobile warfare in which they had been heavily involved ceased and a transition to a trench warfare stalemate ensued.
In 3 months, they had experienced more fighting than any other British armoured unit deployed to Korea up to that point. On the 8th October 1951 the Sqn returned Britain.
