Shoulder titles : Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry

Places
Accession Number REL/09089
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Badge
Physical description Cotton, Wool
Maker Unknown
Place made Canada
Date made c 1950-1953
Conflict Korea, 1950-1953
Description

Pair of curved red wool shoulder titles machine embroidered in white cotton 'P.P.C.L.I.' (Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry).

History / Summary

In December 1950 the newly formed Second Battalion of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry arrived in Korea and spent the next eight weeks undergoing training in mountain warfare and small unit tactics. On 6 February, 1951, Second Battalion joined the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade. It was the first Canadian Infantry Battalion to be involved in the Korean conflict. On 22 April, 1951, the Chinese began a major offensive against the UN Forces. Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Third Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and A Company 72nd US Heavy Tank Regiment were tasked to defend the Kapyong Valley. The Chinese attacked in overwhelming force and eventually managed to push the Australians off their position. Second Battalion was then cut off but managed to hold off the Chinese forces and by doing so saved Seoul and countless United Nations lives. In recognition of "outstanding heroism and exceptionally meritorious conduct", a United States Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to Second Battalion, the Australians and the American tank company for their actions at Kapyong on 24/25 April 1951. On 25 May, 1951, Second Battalion was transferred to the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade. The Second Battalion was relieved in Korea by the First Battalion in autumn 1951. and returned to Calgary to take over the airborne role.
On 30 November, 1950, a Third Battalion of the Regiment was formed. It provided reinforcements for both the First and Second Battalions during their tours of duty in Korea. Third Battalion relieved the First Battalion in Korea in late 1952 and was occupying Hill 355, Little Gibraltar', when the Korean War ended on 27 July, 1953.