Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Shelley O'Dowd MBE (Rtd) as Officer Commanding A Company 3rd Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR), Korea 1950-1951, interviewed by Colonel David Chinn MBE (Rtd)

O'Dowd speaks of his experience as an infantryman during the Second World War; his qualification for a Regular Army commission during the period of Occupation Force duties in Japan; the build-up and training of 3 RAR for active service in Korea when the war broke out; the range of Second World War experience of many 3 RAR reinforcements and the bonding of the 3 RAR soldiers; appointments held by him through Battle Second in Command leading to his command of A Company 3 RAR; the range of operational experience of 3 RAR officers; adjustment to some of the equipment issued for service in Korea; clothing and bedding for the first winter in Korea and coping with sub-zero temperatures in snow; the experience of mobile warfare, advancing and withdrawing significant distances dependant on US Army transport; encounters with and views of the effectiveness of the North Korean Army; first encounters with the Chinese Army in North Korea; long-range patrols to re-establish contact with the Chinese Army after withdrawal; the changes in command of 3 RAR and their effects on the soldiers after Lieutenant Colonel Green was killed; the battle of Pakchong when Lieutenant Colonel Walsh was commanding 3 RAR, with impressions of the Chinese soldier; the Battle of Kapyong as Officer Commanding A Company and being responsible for the co-ordination of the rifle companies’ actions in defence and withdrawal due to the remoteness of, and lack of, communication with Battalion Headquarters; the circumstances putting most strain on 3 RAR; patrolling aspects particularly in winter conditions; the evacuation of casualties; limited experience of mine-warfare; comparisons of morale and effectiveness of other battalions of 27th Commonwealth Brigade as well as flanking allied formations; the individual relief system for soldiers serving in 3 RAR and the effects, with rotation on rest and relaxation (R and R) in Japan, on unit morale and efficiency; moments of light relief and amusement; rations, amenities packs and beer supply; the character of 3 RAR who had most influence on him; after his evacuation with a knee injury, his experience as a staff officer on Headquarters British Commonwealth Forces Korea (BCFK); other appointments including to the Australian Observers and Visitors Unit during the Malayan Emergency, prior to retirement.