Chinese Spring Offensive

Overview

The Chinese Spring Offensive (known in China as the Fifth Campaign) was the largest offensive mounted by Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) during the Korean War. According to the National Archives of Korea, the offensive involved 4 army groups, 16 corps, and 51 divisions. The first offensive (April Offensive) took place from April 22 to 30 on the western front (Gaesong–Hwacheon), targeting Seoul. The second offensive (May Offensive) took place from May 16 to 22 on the eastern front (Yanggu–Inje), targeting ROK Army units. The offensive was halted along a line running from Gupabal north of Seoul through Hongcheon, Hajinbu-ri, and Gangneung.

Background

After the Recapture of Seoul, the ROK Army and UN forces recovered the 38th parallel in late March and advanced to the Kansas Line (Imjin River–Hwacheon Reservoir–Yangyang) in early April. On April 11, MacArthur was relieved, Ridgway became commander of UN forces, and Lieutenant General Van Fleet became commander of the US Eighth Army. The CCF committed newly reinforced army groups in an attempt to drive UN forces back south of the 38th parallel and recapture Seoul.

Course of Events

First Offensive (April 22–30)

• Night of April 22: The CCF launched simultaneous attacks on the western and central fronts. The ROK 6th Division in the area of Sachang-ri, west of Hwacheon, collapsed, leaving a large gap between the US 24th Division and the British Commonwealth 27th Brigade on either side.
• April 22–25: On the Imjin River front, the British 29th Brigade met the main CCF attack. The Gloucester Battalion, surrounded at Solma-ri, held out until it was nearly annihilated (Battle of Solma-ri). The ROK 1st Division also fought south of the Imjin River before withdrawing.
• April 23–25: In the valleys north of Gapyeong, the Canadian and Australian battalions of the Commonwealth 27th Brigade stopped CCF forces that were pursuing the ROK 6th Division (Battle of Gapyeong).
• April 26–30: UN forces withdrew to the so-called "No-Name Line" north of Seoul, where they halted the CCF with heavy firepower. The CCF failed to take Seoul and ended the offensive.

Second Offensive (May 16–22)

• Night of May 16: The CCF shifted its axis of attack to the east, striking the ROK III Corps and the ROK 5th and 7th Divisions around Inje and Yanggu, as well as the front of the US 2nd Division.
• May 17–18: The CCF blocked Omachi Pass, and the ROK III Corps (3rd and 9th Divisions) was surrounded at Hyeonri. The corps dispersed with its command broken down (Battle of Hyeonri). The US 2nd Division held against the CCF in the Bunker Hill area.