UN Commission on Korea (UNCOK): 1948-1950
Australia: 9 June 1950 – 23 June 1950
Strength: Approx 2
AO: South Korea.
UNCOK was originally established in 1948 as a diplomatic mission to monitor the
withdrawal of WWII occupation forces from Korea, and provide UN good offices for
unification of the two regimes fostered by the USA and USSR as occupying powers.
In May 1950, war loomed on the still divided Korean peninsula and military
observers to undertake monitoring activities in the field supplemented UNCOK.
By the eve of hostilities, only two Australian Observers, Major F.S.B Peach and
Squadron Leader R.J. Rankin, were on the ground in Korea. Whilst Australia's
smallest peacekeeping contingents, it was one of the most important since they
were the only UNCOK observers in place when North Korea invaded South Korea in
late June 1950. Their thorough report proved that North Korea had initiated
hostilities and provided the evidence needed for the UN to intervene in South
Korea.
VEA: Schedule 3, 1 Jan 1949 – 23 June 1950.
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