Gus Breen
SERVICE DETAILS
A.E. 'Gus' Breen was educated at Waverley College, Sydney 1942-47. He graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon in December 1952 and was allocated to the Corps of Infantry. Posted to 1RAR Korea as a Platoon Commander (Lieutenant) he saw further service with 2RAR when it relieved 1RAR. He was seconded to the 6/48 Tactical Control Squadron, 5USAF April 1953 as an Aerial Observer. GSO3, Headquarters, Australian Army component-Japan 1954, Adjutant. Queensland University Regiment 1955-58 and then transferred to the CMF. For his Korea War service Gus was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (USA) and the Air Medal (USA). His post-military career includes Marketing and Chief Executive, appointments in a number of National and International companies. Directorships in New Zealand, Australia and South East Asia complemented these responsibilities. He retired in 1991 but continues to work in a business consultative capacity. He lives in the Sydney suburb of Lane Cove.
The Time, 1000 hours (10 am) Wednesday 9 December 1952. The Place, 355 'Little Gibraltar', B Company 1RAR right forward company under Major A S 'Joe' Mann. A summons to Company Headquarters, a brief comment that B Company was to raid a Chinese Heavy Mortar position some 1,000 metres behind the Forward Defensive Localities (FDLs), a jeep ride to Battalion Headquarters, there to be greeted by an imposing group led by the Commanding Officer (CO), Lieutenant Colonel M A 'Bunny' Austin, Battle 2nd in command (2IC), Major S P 'Bill' Weir (the 'Black Prince'), Adjutant Captain P J 'Peter') Cook and Intelligence Officer, Captain 'Harry' Sayers. I had met them fleetingly upon my joining the Battalion ten days previously. With my grimfaced compatriots, Major 'Joe', Lieutenant Bruce Boys, 5 Platoon Commander, Sergeant 'Bob' Kavanagh, 6 Platoon Commander, we exchanged greetings, before being ushered to our places around an elaborate mud model.
The Commanding Officer, began the briefing, stressing the importance of taking a prisoner, the in-depth details being left to Major Weir. It would be superfluous to attempt to elaborate on the comprehensive Operations Orders. It was to be carried out to the letter with two exceptions. As the Operation Order anticipated, the timing of the approach was difficult to estimate. This is why the start line was so far forward. White smocks normally required in the event of snowfalls were not used. My moment of truth had arrived, 4 Platoon was to lead the approach march and the assault. The group disbanded, a full-dress rehearsal being set for 1500 hours (3 pm). Section Commander briefings followed, then the men. We rehearsed under the critical gaze of the Brigade Commander, Brigadier T J 'Tom' Daly. He was dissatisfied, we rehearsed again.
10th December, a fine clear day, temperature minus 2 degrees. We cleaned weapons, checked equipment, the men taken in pairs into the forward trenches, there to be shown the approach route, objective and way home. We were ready. 1600 hours (4 pm), A Company arrived on cue to take over our position. Dinner 1700 hours, 1745 hours darkness, 2100 hours the Chaplains arrived, Roman Catholic Father Frank Shine, other Protestant Denominations, Padre McAdam. 2300 hours (11 pm), move to Forming Up Place, (B Company kitchen area, south east rear slopes of our position). 5 Platoon preceded us, moving off at 2340 hours to take up their firm base under the Chinese held position, 'Julius', across the valley, our whispered 'good luck' going with them.
The accuracy of the intelligence information available to Battalion Headquarters is worthy of comment. 1 Republic of Korea (ROK South Korea) Division, 800 metres to our right had engaged in heavy fighting, repelling massed Chinese attacks on the two previous evenings. Would this continue and divert attention from our pending fracas? It did. Surprise was complete, the Chinese Defensive Fire being concentrated east of us. It was certainly making its presence felt, stars shells providing brilliant illumination.
At 2400 hours (12 pm mid night) 4 Platoon, Company Headquarters, one section of the Assault Pioneers Platoon and 6 Platoon moved off in that order, single file, into the minefield gap down the steep icy slope, slipping, sliding, inching our way hand over hand on the barbed wire fencing. At last we reached the valley
floor, passing the 'Halifax' outpost manned by C Company 3RAR. It took one hour to cover 700 metres with 3,000 to go. I Section under Corporal Noel Beresi led, in arrowhead, Private 'Bill' Purcell, forward scout, 'Stan' Norminton 2nd Scout. They were three outstanding soldiers. Progress was slow, three inches of dry snow crunching noisily underfoot. The foot-long stalks of grass breaking with every stride with the crossing a part-frozen creek adding to our difficulties. The noise deadening snowfall we had hoped for had not arrived.