No Visitors Please

by Major Alec Weaver, 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, Korea

During the Korean conflict I was commanding a rifle platoon in action against the Chinese, which frequently saw me in close combat with a determined and aggressive enemy on night patrols and other operations.

My platoon occupied a forward position at the foot of a long spur leading from the slopes of a huge feature, which was 355 metres high and was called “Little Gibraltar”.

The immediate front of our position was covered with mines and barbed wire, which required constant observation and patrolling lest the enemy could make a breach through the obstacle.

Needless to say, the continuous bombardment of our position, as well as the nightly patrol duties, placed considerable strain on the diggers.

Also whenever the commanding officer (CO) chanced to make his way through the steep and lengthy communication trench leading down to us from the high ground, he caused us additional stress with his harsh criticism about trivial aspects concerning the occupation and conduct of our defences, as well as other rather frivolous detail.

In order to prevent any further incursions of this kind, I had a type of scarecrow put together with cloth and wire which was supported by wheels and could be moved by signal wire. So whenever my mates on the top of the hill sent me a warning of the CO’s approach, we put the contraption into motion causing the Chinese gunners and mortar men to open fire along the length of the trench.

Needless to say, we had no more visitors!