Exploration of Happy Valley Battle Place at Chaegunghyun, Goyang, Korea, in Time of January 4th Great Retreat 1.4후퇴 비극의 경기도 고양 채근현 해피밸리(HAPPY VALLEY) 전투지 탐방(2022.8.27)

아래 글은 1951.1.3 밤 서울 북방에서 1.4후퇴를 엄호하고 철수하던 중 미군이 잘못 투하한 조명탄에

노출된 영국 Ulster(Royal Ulster Rifle) 대대가 중공군의 공격에 맞서  장렬히 싸우다가 대대장 이하

157명이 전사한 전투에 관한 기록이다. 

The following story is a record of a battle that took place on the night of January 3, 1951, in the northern part of Seoul, during the defense for guard of the January 4^th Great Retreat. The British Ulster (Royal Ulster Rifle) Battalion, while withdrawing, became exposed to mis deployed illumination rounds by the U.S. Air Force. In the face of the Chinese Communist Army's attack, the battalion fought bravely during the intense battle, the battalion's commander and 157 others lost their lives.

이 기록은 이 비극적 현장에 대하여 관심을 갖게 된 한 전사 탐방가(Wolf Dog)가 2013년부터

 2020년까지 여러 차례 고양과 양주  현지를 답사하며 전투현장을 목격한 사람들과 전투에 참여한

영국군 B중대장의 증언을 기초로 상세히 작성하여 Internet에 공유한 기록과 Andrew

 Salmon의 1951년 영국군의 전투를 기술한 기술한 "To the Last Round" 라는 책자를 주로

인용하게 되었다.  

This record is translated mostly from the stories  based on the accounts of individual, a war enthusiast known as Wolf Dog who verified the tragic scenes, as he explored himself. After having extensively surveyed the area multiple times, Wolf Dog meticulously documented the details of the combat situation, relying on the testimonies of those witnesses who were present and the British B Company Commander engaging in the battle. The record was subsequently shared on the Internet from the year of 2013 to 2020. In addition, references were made to Andrew Salmon's book titled "To the Last Round," which describes the 1951 battles of the British Forces, further enriching the narrative.

또한 개인적 호기심으로 당시 가장 영군군의 시신이 많이 발견되었다는 서울 은평구와 양주 장흥

면을 잇는 메내미고개 입구에서 멀지 않았던 이수광 선생의 묘소에 있던 묘비가 심하게 총탄자국

으로 얼룩져 있는 사진을 발견하면서 직접 탐방을 하여 총탄자국과 Happy Valley 전투와의 

연관관계를 확인하였다.  

Additionally fueled by personal curiosity, I visited the entrance of Menaemi Pass connecting Seoul's Eunpyeong-gu and Yangju's Jangheung-myeon, not far from where the largest number of British Trooper Corpses were reportedly found at the time, and found the tombstone heavily marked with bullet holes at the tomb of Scholar Lee SooKwang. Through my direct exploration, it was confirmed that the bullet holes on the tombstone were related to the Happy Valley Battle.

아래 사진은 2015년 현지(지도 상 Memorial Site 하단)에 건립된 전투기념안내판의 지도로서

하얀선은 당시 영국군의 철수로이고 빨간선은 중공군의 공격방향을 가르키며 녹색이 Ulster 대대

주둔지이다. 

The following photo is a map from the on-site memorial established in 2015 (located at the bottom of the Memorial Site on the map). The white line represents the withdrawal route of the British forces at that time, while the red line indicates the direction of the Chinese Communist Army's attack. The green area marks the encampment site of the Ulster Battalion.양식의 맨 위

2022년 8월 27일 점심을 먹고 서하남IC로 들어가서 서울외곽순환도로를 타고 북측으로 

주행하였다. 생각과 달리 서울양양 고속도로로 빠지는 강일IC를 지나쳤어도 여전히

 고속도로상 차량이 많아 지체가 되었다.

On August 27, 2022, after having lunch, I entered the highway at Seohanam IC and drove along the Seoul Outer Ring Expressway towards the north, heading towards north. Despite bypassing the Gangil IC, which leaded to the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway, there was still heavy traffic on the highway, causing delays contrary to my expectation.

한 시간가량 예상했으나 두시간 소요되어 수락산, 삼패산 및 노고산 Tunnel을 

지난 후  통일로 IC를 빠져 나왔고 39번 국도(호국길)를 타고 동쪽으로 주행하다 

일영쪽 표식을 보고 선유길로 빠져나와 불미지리마을 표석이 있는 선유동계곡을 지나 

공릉천을 건너 이수광 선생의 묘소에 도달하였다. 결과적으로 주말에 이동하려면 외곽순환도로

를 타지 말고 서울에서 동부간선도로를 타고 북측으로 주행하여 의정부 외곽도로를 경유하여 

경민대학교측에서 39번 송추 쪽으로 주행하는 것이 낳겠다 생각된다.  

It took about two hours, longer than expected. After passing through the Surock-san, Sampae-san, and Nogo-san Tunnels, I exited at the Tongil-ro IC. Taking the National Route 39 (Patriotic Road), I headed east. Upon seeing a sign indicating the direction of Ilyoung, I turned onto Seonyu-gil. Passing through the Seonyu-dong Valley with a sign for the Pulmiji-ri Village, crossing over Gongneung-cheon Creek, I finally reached the tomb of Scholar Lee SooKwang. In conclusion, for weekend travels, it might be better to avoid the Seoul Outer Ring Expressway and instead take the Dongbu Motorway northward from Seoul, passing through the Uijeongbu Outer Ring Road near Kyungmin University, and then heading towards Songchu on National Route 39.

서울 은평구 창릉동 쪽에서 내려오는 일영로(371번) 상 메네미고개의 차량들 속도가 빨라서 

이수광 선생 묘소 앞 도로상 노견에 차를 데지 못하고 좀더 내려가 Happy Valley 전투안내판이 

서있는 언덕을 끼고 좌회전하여 우측 묘목을 판매하는 화원 주차장에 주차하였다. 

Descending from Ilyeong Road (National Route 371) near Changneung-dong in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, the vehicles on the road at Maenami Pass had high speeds. Unable to stop near the tomb of Scholar Lee SooKwang due to the fast-moving traffic, I continued downhill, skirting the hill where the Happy Valley Battle Memorial Plaque stands. I then made a left turn and parked at the flower market parking lot on the right, which sells various plants.

날씨는 전형적인 가을 날씨였고 하늘이 청명하였으며 가을바람도 불었다. 

Happy Valley 전투안내판을 확인하고 일영로를 건너 노견을 타고 메네미고개를 오르기 

시작했으며   이수광 선생 기념비를 방문한 듯한 한 가족이 버스를 타기 위해 도로상에서

대기하고 있는 곳을 지나쳐 계속 올라 이수광 선생의 묘소를 찾았다. 먼저 묘소입구에 사당이 

서있었고 여러 개의 무덤이 언덕을 따라 있었으나 맨 위의 묘소에 서있는 묘비에 총탄자국이 

선명하였다.

The weather was typical for autumn with a clear sky and a gentle autumn breeze. After checking the Happy Valley Battle Memorial Plaque, I crossed National Route 371, and ascended the Menaemi Pass along the road elbow. Passing by a family that seemed to have visited the Memorial of Scholar  Lee SooKwang and was waiting on the road for a bus, I continued uphill to locate the tomb of Scholar. At the entrance of the tomb, there was a shrine, and several tombs lined the hill. However, the bullet holes were vividly visible on the tombstone at the top of the hill.

여기 묘소 위에서 내려다보니 영국군이 서울쪽으로 탈출하고자 한 메네미고개 진입부가 

잘 보였다. 총탄자국과 관련하여 추정해보면 아마도 중공군이 고개를 감제할 수 있는

이 묘소의 상부 능선을 장악하고 묘비를 엄폐물로 삼아  철수하는 영국군에 사격을 가하였고 

이에 대응하여 철수하는 영국군이 맨 아래 무덤 쪽 경사면으로 접근 위로 대응사격을 하였다 

생각되었다.  

From the tomb's vantage point, I had a clear view of the entry point to Menaemi Pass, where the British force likely attempted to escape towards Seoul. Speculating about the bullet holes, it seems plausible that the Chinese Communist Army aiming to control the pass occupied the upper ridge of this tomb's location and used the tombstones as their cover to fire upon the retreating British Force. In response, the British Forces, as they withdrew, might have engaged in return fire, approaching from the lower slope near the bottom of tomb area.

고양군과 양주군 경계선인 ‘쟁고개’에서 은평구와 양주 삼하리의 경계인 메네미고개까지 벌어졌

던 이 비극적 전투는 결코 우리가 외면해서는 안 되는 중요한 전투라는 것을 이미 탐방하셨던 저

자들의 문헌과 관련 책자 그리고 이번 방문을 통해 확신하게 되었다.  만약 한반도를 적화통일하

려는 김일성과 모택동과 Stalin의 공산주의에 폭력에 대항하지 않고 무기력하게  침략을 

받아들였다면 지구 상 한반도 뿐만 아니라 또 다른 곳에서 공산주의가 확대되고 공산독재의 폭정

에 시달리게 되었을 것이다.  

그래서 1951년 1월 한 겨울 1.4후퇴 때 서울 북방 Happy Valley(채근현)에서 보여준 

영국군의 희생이 극동의 대한민국뿐만 아니라 태평양을 접하고 있는 Asia에서 

공산주의의 적화야욕을 저지하고 자유민주주의를 수호하는 솔선수범의 사례라고 생각된다. 

이 Happy Valley 전투가 얼어붙은 한강을 봇짐을 둘러메고 가족간 손에 

손을 잡고 필사적으로 건너던 우리 할아버지 및 아버지 세대의 비극이며 그 때 그들이 있던 

서울 한강변으로 쫓아 내려오는 중공군에 대항하며 끝까지 UN 군과 대한민국 국민들을 엄호하던

영국군들이 이억만리 떨어진 이곳 차가운 Happy Valley에서 많이 희생되었다는

사실을 결코 잊어서는 안 되는 것이다.

The tragic battle that unfolded from the 'Janggo Pass,' marking the boundary between Goyang and Yangju, to Menaemi Pass, the boundary between Eunpyeong-gu and Samha-ri in Yangju, is a crucial historical event that the authors had already acknowledged through their research, exploration and related publications. This visit further confirmed the significance of this battle—one that should never be overlooked. If the Korean Peninsula had succumbed to the violence of Kim Il-sung's desire for Communist Unification and yielded without resistance, not only would the Korean Peninsula have suffered under Communist Rule, but the Expansion of Communism and the Tyranny of Communist Dictatorship might have spread elsewhere on the world. Thus, the Sacrifices of the British Force in Happy Valley during the January 4^th great Retreat in 1951, defending against the Chinese Communist Army and upholding freedom and democracy, serve as a shining example not only for the Far East and the Republic of Korea but also for the broader Asian Region bordering the Pacific.

The Happy Valley Battle, set against the frozen Han River, symbolizes the tragic journey of the generation of our grandfathers and fathers, desperately holding hands and hands, crossing the river, being pushed away by the advancing Chinese Communist Forces. It reminds us of the valiant British Force who, thousands of miles away in the cold Happy Valley, stood firm, sacrificing themselves while defending UN forces and the people of the Republic of Korea until the end. We must never forget the fact that, even in this retreated place, many British soldiers lost their lives fighting against the Chinese Communist Forces who descended upon the Han River, fiercely guarding UN Forces and the civilian refugees of the Republic of Korea.

특히 그 해 4월 중공군 춘계 대 공세 때 파주 임진강변 설마리고개 전투에서 

본 영국군 29여단의 Gloster 대대가 중공군에 포위되어 최후까지 혈전을 벌인 

임진강전투와 아군이 입은 피해 관점에서 대조가 되는 전투이다. 

Especially, noteworthy is the contrast between the Battle of Imjin River, where the Gloster Battalion of the British 29th Brigade fought valiantly against the Chinese Communist forces, which occurred during the Chinese Spring Offensive in April of the same year. In the Imjin River Battle, the Gloster Battalion found themselves surrounded by the Chinese Forces at the Imjin River near Paju and fought fiercely until the end. This battle stands in stark contrast to the perspective of the losses suffered by the friendly forces in the Battle of Happy Valley. Both engagements highlight the valor and sacrifice of the British forces during the Korean War, showcasing the complexities and challenges faced during different phases of the conflict.

이 때는 Ulster대대는 예비대로 참전하여 전방의 Gloster대대와 떨어져 있었고 4월 전투에서 Gloster

 대대는 나흘 동안 70여명의 전사자와 700여명의 부상자 및 포로가 되었는데, 이 Happy Valley 

전투에서는 Ulster대대에서 불과 4시간 동안 160여명의  전사자가 발생했는데 

포로는 20명에 지나지 않아 각각의 병사들이 심야에 기습을 당해 엄폐도 할 수 없는

상황에서도 군인 답게 마지막까지 항전하다 죽어갔다는 것을 입증하고 있다. 

언급한 Wolf Dog탐방자가 현지 목격자와 면담 후 가장 감동적으로 느낀 점은 죽어간 

영군군들은 “엎드려 쏴”자세를 취한 상태였고 주변에 그들의 개인화기 탄피가 

수두룩하게 널려 있었다는 점이다.   

During this time, the Ulster Battalion was deployed as a reserve and was not directly engaged alongside the frontline Gloster Battalion. In the April battles, the Gloster Battalion, over a span of four days, saw over 70 casualties and had around 700 individuals wounded, captured, or missing. In contrast, during the Battle of Happy Valley, the Ulster Battalion experienced around 160 casualties in just four hours, with fewer than 20 individuals taken as prisoners. Despite being caught in a situation where they couldn't take cover during a surprise attack in the dead of night, each soldier demonstrated their soldier principle by resisting to the end and proving that they fought until their last breath. One of the most outstanding observations, made by the mentioned explorer Wolf Dog, after interviewing local witnesses, was the profound impact of seeing the fallen British Soldiers in a posture of "lying down to shoot." The surroundings were filled with their spent cartridge cases, attesting to the fact that these soldiers, even in the face of impending death, maintained a steadfast and disciplined fighting stance until the very end.

죽음 앞에서 당당했던 그들의 용기를 생각하면서 문득 Normandy와 한국전 파주/평양 공수작전에 참전했던 Ronald Speirs 소위가 전투 중 한 말이 떠오른다. “We are all scared. You hid in that ditch because you think there’s still hope. But the only hope you have is to accept the fact that you are already dead and the sooner you accept that the sooner you will be able to function as a soldier is supposed to function. Without mercy. Without compassion. Without remorse. All war depends upon it.”  

Speirs, once participated in the parachute airborne operation taken place near Paju and Pyongyang, said, "We are all scared. You hid in that ditch because you think there’s still hope. But the only hope you have is to accept the fact that you are already dead, and the sooner you accept that, the sooner you will be able to function as a soldier is supposed to function. Without mercy. Without compassion. Without remorse. All war depends upon it." These words capture the harsh reality of war, emphasizing the importance of facing the inevitability of death in order to fulfill the duties of a soldier with the required efficiency and determination. It reflects the psychological resilience and mindset often required in the heat of battle.

아래 사진은 이수광 선생의 묘소, 최 상단 묘비에 남겨진 총탄자국이며 2022.8.27 탐방 시

정황이다.

The following photo depicts the tomb of Scholar Lee SooKwang, with bullet holes left on the topmost tombstone. It shows the scene during the exploring visit on August 27, 2022.

  

이수광 선생은 선조 때 3차례에 걸쳐서 명나라에 사신으로 왕래하면서 서양의 학문을 처음으로 소개함으로써 실학의 선구자가 되었다 알려지고 있다. 젊었을 때는 시문에 능통했으며, 북경에서 얻어 온 책들을 탐독하여 그 개요를 적었는데, 이렇게 평생 저술한 책이 바로 지봉유설이다. 이 책자에 서양의 종교인 천주교를 소개하여 당시 조선인의 인생관을 새롭게 하는 획기적인 계기가 되었다 하며 우리나라 천주교가 성립하는데 바탕이 되었다고 알려졌다. 이수광 선생은 실용성과 실리를 강조하였기 때문에 조선 후기에 발달한 실학의 선구자로 평가되고 있다 한다.

Teacher Lee Soo-gwang is known as a pioneer in practical learning as he introduced the western scholarship to Korea during three diplomatic missions to the Chinese Ming Dynasty. In his youth, he excelled in poetry and, having read extensively the books acquired in Beijing, wrote their summaries. Among the works he wrote throughout his life, the book Jibongyuseol stands out. This book is considered groundbreaking as it introduced western religion, particularly Catholicism, reshaping the worldview of the Koreans of that time and laying the foundation for the establishment of Catholicism in Korea. Teacher Lee SooKwang has been recognized as a pioneer of practical learning in the late Joseon period due to his emphasis on pragmatism and realism.양식의 맨 위

1951년 1월 1일 암담한 새해가 밝았다. 한 달 전 운산에서 중공군에게 기습당했던 미군은 총 퇴각 명령을 내리고 38선을 되 넘어 서울까지 철수했었다. 서울은 6·25전쟁 초기 석 달간 북한 공산주의의 정떨어지는 행패경험과 정부의 피난권유로 시민들은 다시 피난을 떠나고 있었다.

The New Year of 1951 began on a grim note.  A month earlier, the American and South Korean Forces had suffered for a surprise attack from the Chinese Communist Forces near Unsan north of Pyongyang in North Korea and had been issued a general retreat southward, crossing the 38th parallel and withdrawing to Seoul. The city had experienced six months of brutal suppression since the breakout of the Korean War with the aggression of the North Korean Communists. Due to fear of communist re-occupation, Seoul citizens and other province refugees were leaving the city.

정초 새해 첫날인 이날 서해안을 따라 멀리 평북 안주까지 북상했다가 서울로 철수했던 영국군 29여단은 명에 따라 거꾸로 북진 길에 올랐다. 서울 북방에서 서울을 방어하고 있던 국군 1사단에 추격해온 중공군이 압박을 가하고 있으니 측면을 찔러서 궤멸시키라는 명령이었다. 그러나 Ridgway 장군의 서울 철수 결정으로 이 명령은 1사단의 철수를 엄호하고 중공군의 진격을 지연시켜 UN군과 서울 시민의 피난을 엄호하다가 다시 명에 의해 적절히 후퇴하는 것으로 바뀌었다. 그래서 영국군 29여단은 다시 후퇴하여 진지를 구축하고 중공군의 내습을 기다렸다. 

이들이 배치된 산등성이는 내린 눈으로 하얗게 덮여서 더욱 을씨년스럽게 보였다. 전개한 영국군 29여단은 3개 대대였다. 한 개 대대, 즉 Fusillier에 대대는 우측 송추에서 방어선을 형성했고 Ulster 대대는 좌측, 즉 서쪽의 고양군과 양주군 경계선인 일양/장흥 도로 좌우에 방어선을 만들었다. 

다른 대대인 Gloster대대는 후방에 예비로 전개했었다. 이 곳은 고양읍에서 3 kilo 지점이고 

고양군과 양주군 경계선인 ‘작은 고개’지역이었다.

현재는 ‘쟁고개’로 불린다. 여기서 직선거리로 3 kilo 남쪽 후방에 ‘큰 고개’라는 

이름을 가졌던 메네미고개가 있다. 메네미고개가 휠씬 가파르고 높아 이런 대칭되는 

이름을 가지게 되었다.

On this day, the British 29th Brigade, which had advanced north along the western coast to Anju in Northwest Pyongyang before retreating to Seoul, received orders to reverse their course and engage with, in a flank attack, the pursuing Chinese Forces threatening the withdrawal of the South Korean 1st Division defending the northern outskirts of Seoul. However, due to General Ridgway's decision to abandon Seoul, the order was immediately changed to guard the withdrawal of the South Korean 1st Division and to delay the Chinese advance before ultimately retreating across the Han River.

The brigade set up positions in the northern outskirts of Seoul, waiting for the Chinese forces to approach. The snowy landscape added to tension. The British 29th Brigade consisted of three battalions, with the Ulster Battalion forming a defensive line on the west side of the brigade along the border of Goyang and Yangju counties near the 'Little Hill' area now known as Janggo-gae Pass.

당시 두 고개는 직선이 아니라 활대와 같은 구부러진 둥글게 휘어진 좁은 길로 연결되어 있었다.

영국전사는 이 작은 고개를 채근현(Chaegung-hyon)이라고 기록하고 있고 

이 Happy Valley 전투를 채근현 전투라고 표시한 것도 있다. 현재 쟁고개를 의미한다.

At that time, the two passes were not connected by a straight road but by a narrow winding path resembling a bowstring. The British records refer to this small pass as Chaegung-hyon, and the Battle of Happy Valley is also marked as the Battle of Chaegung-hyon. This pass is Janggo-gae at present.

양식의 맨 위

한국에 파견된 29여단 소속 Royal Ulster Rifles 연대는 1793년 북부 Ireland에서 

창설된 유서 깊은 부대였다. 한국에 파견된 Ulster 부대는 연대의 1대대였다. 역사적으로 여러 전투에서 용맹을 날렸다. 이들은 전사에 Rifles라는 애칭으로 통한다.

Ulster 대대의 대대장 Hank Carlson 중령은 병으로 일본의 병원으로 후송되어 있었고 

대대는 부대장인 Tony Blake 소령이 대대장 대리로 대대를 지휘하고 있었다.

보병 대대에 Ashely Cooper 대위가 지휘하는 Cromwell 전차 14대가 배속되었다. Cooper 대위는 여단의 Hussar대대 소속으로 Royal Artillery 부대에서 Cromwell 전차 8대, 

정찰중대에서 Cromwell 전차 6대를 배속 받아 총 14대의 전차로서 편성했다.

영국군은 더 대형인 84mm (20 pound)로 장비된 신형 Centurion 전차도 있었으나 

근처 지형이 좁은 농로들로 이루어져 중전차의 기동에 문제가 있다고 판단해서 더 소형인

Cromwell 전차를 보냈으나 결과는 그 판단과 전혀 다른 파견 전차대 전멸이라는 비극을 가져왔다.

The Royal Ulster Rifles Battalion, part of the 29th Brigade dispatched to Korea, was a long-established unit founded in 1793 in Northern Ireland. The Ulster Battalion sent to Korea was the 1st Battalion of this brigade. Historically, they demonstrated bravery in various battles and were commonly referred to as "Rifles."

Lieutenant Colonel Hank Carlson, the commanding officer of the Ulster Battalion, was hospitalized in Japan due to his illness, and Major Tony Blake served as the acting commanding officer in his absence. The infantry battalion, led by Lieutenant Ashley Cooper belonged to the Hussar Battalion, was equipped with 14 Cromwell tanks, 8 Cromwell tanks from the Royal Artillery unit and 6 Cromwell tanks from the reconnaissance detachment.

Although the British army also had the newer Centurion Tanks equipped with 84mm (20-pound) guns, they judged the terrain's narrow rural roads as problematic for the mobility of heavier tanks. Therefore, they opted to send the smaller Cromwell Tanks, but the tragic outcome was the complete annihilation of the deployed tank unit, contrary to their expectations.

양식의 맨 위

 

Ulster 대대의 동쪽에는 3킬로 지역에는 앞서 말한 Fusilier대대가 배치되어 있었고 서쪽 1.5킬로 떨어져 지금의 고양쪽은 미군 25사가 배치되어 있었다. 두 대대는 긴급 전개했던 터라 이어진 긴 전선을 만든 것이 아니라 지역의 고지 등 중요한 곳만 점령하는 거점 방어의 형태를 취했다. Ulster 대대는 도로 양쪽의 여러 고지들을 점령해서 방어호를 구축했다.

To the east of the Ulster Battalion, the Fusilier Battalion was positioned in the 3-kilometer area, while approximately 1.5 kilometers to the west, towards the present-day Goyang area, the U.S. 25th Infantry Division was stationed. Since both battalions were rapidly deployed, they did not create a continuous front line but rather adopted a form of defense by occupying key points in the area.

The Ulster Battalion strategically occupied various high points on both sides of the road, establishing defensive positions and creating strongholds in the area.

천지가 얼어붙은 추운 신년 첫 날을 보내고 다음날인 1951년 1월 2일도 중공군이 나타나지 않았다. 단지 한국군 1 사단이 띄엄띄엄 철수해 갈 따름이었다. 영국군 장병들은 온 몸이 냉동될 만큼 추운 겨울 밤을 버티어 냈다.

After enduring the freezing New Year's Day on the frozen land, the next day, January 2, 1951, passed without the appearance of the Chinese Communist Forces. Only sporadic withdrawals of the South Korean 1st Division were observed. The British soldiers endured an incredibly cold winter night with their bodies almost frozen in the bitter cold.

다음날 3일 자정이 지난 새벽 B고지 서쪽 0.75 km에서 영국군 정찰대가 미군 25사단 정찰대를 만났고 근거리에서 총소리가 들렷기에 중공군들이 근처에 접근했다 판단하고 서둘러 귀환하여 보고했으며 고지 정상에 있던 Mole 소대장도 근처에 중공군이 국군 1사단을 격파한 후 매복하고 있어 고도의 경계태세를 취하고 있었다. 

다시 2개조의 정찰대가 B고지 서쪽 계곡으로 내려갔으며 중공군과 조우하여 총격전이 벌어졌다.  B고지 정상에 한무리의 병력이 하얀색 국기를 흔들며 "우리는 한국군이다. 항복하겠다" 영어로 외치며 접근해 왔다. Mole 소대장이 앞에 나서서 획인하려 했고 그 순간 총격전이 벌어졌다. 

The following day, after midnight, in the early hours west of Hill B, 0.75 km away, a British Reconnaissance Unit encountered a U.S. 25th Division Reconnaissance Unit. Hearing gunfire at close range, they quickly concluded that Chinese Communist Forces were approaching. They promptly returned and reported the situation. Major Mole, who was on the summit of the hill, also took a high alert posture, suspecting that the Chinese Communist Forces might be hiding nearby after defeating the South Korean 1st Division.

Subsequently, two reconnaissance units descended to the western valley of Hill B and encountered the Chinese Communist Forces, leading to a firefight. A group of soldiers on the summit of Hill B approached, waving a white flag and shouting in English, "We are South Korean Soldiers. We surrender." Major Mole stepped forward to verify their intentions, but at that moment, a firefight erupted.

새벽 5시 드디어 석현천 인접 도로 좌측 최전방 고지이며 근처를 감제하는 최고 높은 159 고지(달님봉)에 배치된 B중대 후방 고지의 D중대를 중공군이 대대적으로 공격해왔다. 

중공군은 선유동 골짜기인 서쪽으로 침투해서 배치된 D중대의 측면을 

공격했다. Mole 소위가 지휘하던 4소대는 이 기습에 별다른 저항을 못하고 

고지 아래로 밀려 내려왔다. 

사전에 수류탄을 확보하지 못한 상태로 착검하여 돌격도 시도했으나 무위에 그쳤다. 

At dawn, around 5 a.m., the Chinese Communist Forces launched a large-scale attack on the D Company, positioned on the forward hill. The attack targeted D Company, located on the highest hill (Hill 159 or Dalnim-bong). The Chinese forces infiltrated from the western side, the Seonyu-dong Valley and attacked the flank of D Company. The 4 platoons commanded by Lieutenant Mole couldn't offer much resistance to this surprise attack and were pushed down the hill. Without securing grenades beforehand, they attempted a charge, having fixed bayonets, but it was unsuccessful.

이어서 중공군의 공격은 확대되어 최고 고지인 B중대의 고지도 점령했다. 석현천과 공릉천 사이

 전방의 A중대 고지도 빼앗겼다. B고지 능선에 중공군 나팔수가 나타나 그들의 병력을 보강하는

신호를 하고 있었고 영국군의 사격을 받자 능선 넘어 사라졌다. 

이 중공군은 64군의 116사단 전위 부대였다. 지역을 공격할 때 지역 최고 고지부터 확보하는  

전술이 그대로 적용이 되었다.

Subsequently, the Chinese Communist Forces expanded their attack and successfully occupied the highest point of B Company's position. The forward hill, where A Company was located, between Seokhyeon Creek and Gongneung Creek, was also captured. On the ridgeline of Hill B, a Chinese bugler appeared, signaling reinforcements, and when faced with British gunfire, they disappeared beyond the ridge. These Chinese Communist Forces belonged to the 116th Division of the 64th Army. The tactical approach of securing the highest points in the area firstwas applied consistently when launching an attack.

대대장 Tony Blake는 적이 진지강화를 하기 전에 빼앗긴 고지를 탈환하기로 하였다. 먼저 대대 신속대응 Battle Patrol 부대의 장갑차를 동원하여 반격선을 확보하고자 공격하였다. 또한 대대가 가진 가용한 모든 화력이 고지의 중공군에게 퍼 부어졌다. 

박격포와 Cromwell 전차들이 한참을 두들긴 후 A중대가 가파른 고지를 기어 

올라가 반격을 했다. 적의 사격을 무릅쓰고 능선에 올라간 부대는 전방 고지의 중공군을 박살 낼 

항공공격을 요청했다. 미 공군의 F -80 Shooting Star 4기 편대가 내습해서 

Napalm탄을 투하했다.

고지를 점령했던 중공군은 백주에 숨을 곳이 없었다. 정확한 공격으로 중공군 전원 몰살이라는 위력을 발휘했다. 1200도 열풍과 검은 구름이 맞은편 중공군 진영의 정상에서 피어올랐다. 

A중대가 고지를 쉽게 탈환하자 영국군은 지역에서 제일 높은 B 중대의 전방 고지도 공격해서 재 점령했다.

The battalion commander, Tony Blake, decided to retake the lost position before the enemy could reinforce it. He initiated a counterattack by mobilizing the armored vehicles of the Rapid Reaction Battle Patrol to secure a defensive line. Additionally, all available firepower of the battalion was directed towards the Chinese Communist Forces on the hill. After a prolonged bombardment by howitzers and Cromwell Tanks, A Company crawled up the steep hill for a counterattack. Despite enemy fire, the unit reached the crest and requested air support to eliminate the Chinese Communist Forces on the forward hill. A squadron of U.S. Air Force F-80 Shooting Star aircraft conducted a low-level napalm strike, demonstrating the devastating power of precise attacks. The Chinese Communist Forces, who had occupied the hill, had nowhere to retreat, facing the lethal effectiveness of the airstrike. A blast of intense heat and black clouds rose from the top of the enemy position. With A Company easily retaking the hill, the British Forces proceeded to launch an attack on the forward hill of B Company, the highest point in the area, and successfully reclaimed it.양식의 맨 위

정오가 조금 지나 끝난 이 전투에서 적군은 약 30구의 시체와 2명의 포로를 남기고 도주했다. Ulster 대대에는 네 명의 전사자가 발생했다.  정찰을 통하여 2명의 중공군 부상병을 발견했는데 한 명은 등으로부터 기관총을 관통당해 가슴부위에 큰 구멍이 뚫어져 있었으나 그 순간 살아 있었다 한다. Ulster 대대가 그 작년 11월 초순 한국에 온 이래 최초의 전투를 승리로 장식했다. 대대원들의사기도높아졌다. B중대는 고지를 탈환한 후 전사자를 참호에 가매장하여 후에 찾고자 식별표식을 하였다 한다.

In the battle that concluded slightly past noon, the enemy left approximately 30 corpses and two prisoners before fleeing. The Ulster Battalion suffered four casualties. Through reconnaissance, two wounded Chinese Communist Soldiers were discovered, one of whom had a large hole in the chest from a machine gun shot that penetrated through the back. Despite the severe injury, he was still alive at the moment of discovery. Since arriving in Korea in early November of the previous year, the Ulster Battalion celebrated its first combat victory. The morale of the battalion members was notably boosted. After reclaiming the hill, B Company buried the fallen comrades in trench for later identification, adding identification markers for future retrieval양식의 맨 위

그러나 영국군이 선전하는 동안 후방 서울의 미 8군은 다음날 4일 완전히 서울에서 철수하는 것으로 결론을 냈고 전방부대들은 그날 중으로 중공군과의 접촉을 끊고 철수하라는 명령을 받았다. 철수 명령은 오후 3시에 Ulster 대대의 좌측 미 25사단에 제일 먼저 하달되었다. 철수 명령을 먼저 받은 미군의 25사단은 번개같이 움직여서 불과 한 시간 반만인 오후 네 시 반에 철수를 완료했다.

However, while the British forces were advancing, the U.S. 8th Army in rear Seoul concluded that they would completely withdraw from Seoul the next day on the 4th. The forward units received orders to cease contact with the Chinese Communist Forces and withdraw by the end of that day. The withdrawal order was first delivered to the left flank of the Ulster Battalion, the U.S. 25th Division, at 3:00 PM. The U.S. 25th Division, being the first to receive the withdrawal order, swiftly moved and completed the withdrawal in just one and a half hours, by 4:30 PM.

Ulster 대대의 우측 송추 쪽 Fusilier 대대도 Ulster 대대보다 한 시간 먼저 철수 통보를 

받고 철수를 완료했다.

 Fusilier 대대는 이날 하루 전방에 밀려온 중공군과 격전을 치러서 200여명을 사살하는 기염을토했

다. 이 대대의 철수 특징은 차량을 먼 후방에 대놓고 도보로 적전 이탈을 했다는 것이다. 그들이  

승차를 완료한 시각은 다음날 새벽 1시였다.

The Fusilier Battalion on the right flank of the Ulster Battalion towards Songchu also received notification of withdrawal one hour earlier than the Ulster Battalion and completed their withdrawal. The Fusilier Battalion engaged in fierce combat with the advancing Chinese Communist Forces on that day, killing over 200 of them. Notably, during the withdrawal, the Fusilier Battalion openly left their vehicles in the distant rear and proceeded on foot in face of the enemy. They completed their withdrawal by the following dawn at 1:00 AM.

Ulster 대대에게 철수 명령이 떨어진 것은 인접 Fusilier 부대가 철수명령을 받은 시각으로부터 한 시간이나 지난 18시 30분이었다. 이미 어둠의 그림자가 찾아올 시각이었다. Ulster대대에 전방에 중공군이 집중되어 있었던 상황에서 철수 명령도 제일 늦게 받았다. Fusilier 대대와 같이 한 시간 만 더 일찍 명령을 접수했다면 Ulster 대대의 운명은 달라졌을 것이다. 철수명령 지연은 그날 밤 큰 불행을 Ulster 대대에게 안겼다.

The Ulster Battalion received the withdrawal order one hour after the neighboring Fusilier Unit, at 18:30, a time when the shadows of darkness had already fallen. Given the concentrated presence of Chinese Communist Forces in the front of the Ulster Battalion, the delayed reception of the withdrawal order put them at a significant disadvantage. If they had received the order just one hour earlier, like the Fusilier Battalion, the fate of the Ulster Battalion might have been different. The delayed withdrawal order became a significant misfortune for the Ulster Battalion that night.양식의 맨 위

철수명령을 받은 대대는 유기 장비들이 없도록 모든 짐을 다 트럭에 적재하느라 시간을 잡아먹었다. 보병들은 언덕에서 내려와 도보로 이동하기 시작했다. 철수 행군순서는 최전방에 배치되었던 B중대가 앞장서고 그 뒤를 대대 본부가 뒤따랐다.그리고 전투식량과 탄약을 가득 실은 차량들이 다음, 그리고 C, D 및 A중대가 뒤를 따랐다. 

Receiving the withdrawal order, the battalion spent time loading all the equipment onto trucks to ensure nothing was left behind. The infantry descended from the hills and began moving on foot. The marching order for the withdrawal had the forward B Company leading the way, followed by the battalion headquarters. Vehicles loaded with combat rations and ammunition followed, with C, D, and A Companies bringing up the rear.

그리고 마지막을 Cromwell 전차와 배속된 지원중대의 파견대가 후위를 맡았다. 

기만과 정찰을 위해서 박격포와 장갑차로 무장한 기동타격대인 Battle Patrol 소대가 

쟁고개에 잔류하여 불규칙한 교란 사격으로 적을 견제하도록 하였다. 

이 부대의 장갑차들은 밤 1120에 철수하도록 명령을 받았다. 

Finally, the rear was covered by a detachment consisting of Cromwell Tanks and the supporting platoon. For deception and reconnaissance, the mechanized strike force, Battle Patrol, equipped with artillery and armored vehicles, remained at Chaenggogae Pass to deter the enemy with irregular harassing fire. The armored vehicles of this unit received orders to withdraw at 11:20 PM that night.

낮에 제일 높은 고지를 점령했다가 공습으로 공격대가 전멸당한 중공군은 고지에서 영국군이 모두 철수하자 틈을 주지 않고 다시 고지를 재 점령하고 그리고 연속된 능선으로 신속히 남쪽으로 침투하며 포위망을 구축하였다.

In the daytime, after capturing the highest hill and suffering a devastating air raid that annihilated their attacking force, the Chinese forces swiftly reoccupied the hill when the British Troops completely withdrew. They then proceeded to quickly infiltrate southward along ridge, establishing a encirclement by creating a continuous defensive line.

비극의 현장이 된 이 지역은 100 meter도 안 되는 낮은 산들이 도로를 따라 몇 백 meter 내려오다가 곡릉천을 만나면 오른쪽 즉 서쪽 고양방면으로 휘어져 하천을 따라 갔다.

지금은 쟁고개(작은 고개)를 통과한 도로가 남쪽을 향하여

직선으로 힘차게 뻗어 갔지만 영국군이 싸울 때는 도로가 바로 쟁고개를 넘어와 곡릉천을 만나면

하천을 건너 옆으로 휘어져 언덕옆 철길과 하천 사이를 따라 가다가 삼하리 

벌판을 가로 질러 메네미(큰 고개)로 향하는 구불구불한 작은 도로였다. 

새 도로가 뚫리고 이 도로는 없어졌다. 우마차나 겨우 다니는 소로였고 지역 물류나 교통은 이 

지역을 지나는 열차가 담당했다.

The area that became the tragic scene is characterized by low hills, not exceeding 100 meters, descending along the road for a few hundred meters until meeting the Gokreung-cheon (Gokreung Creek). Then, it turns to the right, westward towards Goyang, following the stream. The current road passing through Janggo-gae Pass extends straightly southward. However, during the time of the Happy Valley Battle, the road directly crossed Jang-gogae Pass, met Gokreung-cheon Creek, and then curved along the stream, passing through the fields of Samhali to reach Menaemi-gogae Pass. It was a winding and narrow dirt road. This road has disappeared since the new road was constructed. It used to be suitable only for carts and livestock, and local logistics and transportation were handled by trains passing through the hilly terrain between the railroad and the stream.

아래 사진은 위성사진 상 지형도에서 당시 영국군의 후퇴로를 표식한다(청색). 중공군의 공격은 적색을 표식한다.  산능선에 표식된 빨간 실선은 중공군이 채근현 Tunnel 쟁고개로부터 메네미고개까지 즉 북측으로부터 서쪽 그리고 공릉천을 넘어 남쪽 이수광 선생 묘소까지 형성한 포위망을 표식한다. 

The following photograph image represents the topographical map on a satellite photo indicating the retreat of the British Forces at that time (in blue). The Chinese Communist Army's attacks are marked in red. The red dashed line on the mountain ridge signifies the encirclement formed by the Chinese Communist Army from north, to west, crossing over Gongneung-cheon Creek and heading south from the Chaegeunhyeon Tunnel to Maenemi-gogae Pass. This encirclement extends to the area around the tomb of Scholar Lee SooKwang.

여기서 중요한 점은 대대를 수송할 차량부대가 곡릉천을 건너 삼하리로 들어가는 지점, 다시 말하면 교외선의 철교가 지나는 지역의 눈 덮인 논에서 정렬하여 대기하고 있었다는 점이다.

문제는 이 지점이 중공군이 은폐해서 접근할 수 있는 언덕에서 불과 200 meter밖에 떨어져 있지 않았다는 사실이다. 대대는 어둠 속에서 중공군의 움직임을 파악할 수는 없었지만 그들이 근처 언덕을 따라 빠르게 전개했다고 믿었다. 그래서 영국군은 어둠을 이용해서 이 소로를 타고 빨리 전선을 벗어 나기로 했다. 기도비닉이 중요하였다.

The crucial point here is that the convoy unit, responsible for transporting the battalion, was positioned in the snow-covered fields near the area where the suburban line's railway bridge crosses Gongneung-cheon.

The problem was that this location was only about 200 meters away from hills where the Chinese Communist Forces could approach while remaining concealed. In the darkness, the battalion couldn't observe the movements of the Chinese Forces, but they believed that the enemy rapidly advanced along the nearby hills. Therefore, the British Forces decided to exploit the darkness, swiftly move along this road, and evacuate from the frontline. Concealment and silence were of the essence.

전차부대 지휘관 Cooper 대위가 선두에 서겠다고 자원했지만 전차의 요란한 엔진 소리가 적에게 부대 철수를 알린다고 믿어서 이 요청은 거절당했다. 모든 차량과 보병이 떠난 후 전차 부대는 뒤에서 천천히 후위를 맡아 철수하라는 명령을 받았다. 철수는 계획대로 되어 가는 듯했다.

Tank unit commander Lieutenant Cooper volunteered to take the lead, but his offer was rejected because it was believed that the loud engine noise of the tanks would alert the enemy to the battalion's withdrawal. After all vehicles and infantry had departed, the tank unit received the order to slowly withdraw from the rear. The withdrawal seemed to be proceeding according to plan.

우측 언덕의 중공군은 영국군이 철수하는 줄은 알았지만 어둠 속에서 길 위의 이 부대를 무턱대고 공격할 수는 없었다. 병참이 빈약한 중공군은 실탄을 물처럼 쏴대는 미군들에 비하면 무척 사격군기가 강해서 실탄을 아껴 함부로 교란사격 같은 것을 하지 않았다.

The Chinese Forces on the right ridge knew that the British Forces were withdrawing, but in the darkness, they couldn't blindly attack this unit on the road. The logistics of the Chinese forces were poor and compared to the American troops who fired bullets like water, their shooting principles were considerably strict. Therefore, they conserved ammunition and refrained from making reckless shooting such as disruptive firing.양식의 맨 위

이 철수 부대에 갑자기 불행이 찾아온 것은 밤 9시 30분이었다. 선두 B중대와 본부 중대는 이미 매내미 고개를 넘어서 전투장을 빠져나가고 있었고 그 뒤를 일부 부대가 승차한 트럭 부대가 후속하는 철수 중이었다.

검은 하늘에 출동한 미 공군기가 낮에 항공공격을 했던 이 지역에 이르자 조명탄을 투하하기 시작했다. 비밀리에 움직이던 영국군의 모든 것이 언덕위의 중공군에게 백일하에 드러났다. 중공군은 즉시 자동화기 포문을 열고 공격을 개시하고 이어서 수 백발의 박격포탄을 날려 보냈다.

Tragically, disaster struck the secretly withdrawing battalion at 09:30 pm on a pitch-black night. The lead B Company and Headquarters Company had already crossed the Maenami Pass heading towards Seoul, and some units were following in trucks. As US Air Force planes, responding to the earlier bombings in the area, began dropping illumination bombs, the entire movement of the British Forces previously concealed in darkness was fully exposed to the Chinese forces on the hill. The Chinese immediately opened fire with their automatic weapons and unleashed a barrage of mortar shells toward the British.

이동하던 영국군과 차량들은 무지막지하게 두들겨 맞았다. 

일부 트럭들은 정지하기도 하고 불에 타기로 했고 많은 보병이 죽어 나갔다. 최대의 비극적인 전투가 곡릉천철교 근처 작은 마을 불미지리(Pulmiji-ri) 인근의 수송대 

집결지에서 발생했다. 영국군이 중공군에게 불의의 첫 일격을 맞은 곳은 곡릉천철교 오른쪽의 논에 대기하던 수송차량 들이었다.

The moving British Troops and Trucks were mercilessly pounded. Some trucks came to a halt or caught fire, and many infantrymen around the trucks got lost their lives. The most tragic battle was taken place at a small village of Pulmiji-ri near the Gokreung-cheon Railroad Bridge, which served as a collecting point for convoy trucks.

중공군의 지휘관은 매우 노련하였다. 기관총과 박격포 사격으로 영국군의 지휘체계를 충분히 흔들어 놨다고 판단하고 언덕으로부터 이 지점으로의 돌격을 명했다. 돌격나팔 소리와 함께 언덕으로부터 중공군 대 병력이 새까맣게 언덕 아래 영국군의 측면으로 산사태처럼 쏟아져 내려와 부대를 덮쳤다. 중공군이 항상 장기로 삼는 단병접전(短兵接戰)의 전술이 어둠 속에서 실행되는 순간이었다.

The Chinese Commander, recognizing the disarray caused by machine gun and artillery fires, ordered a storming charge from the hill to this location. With the sound of bugles, a large Chinese force descended like an avalanche from the hill onto the British forces.

적의 공격은 집요했다. 그들은 사격을 하며 몰려와 삽시간에 영국군과 뒤섞여 버렸다.

아무리 정예부대라도 이 상태로 기습을 당해 지휘체계가 붕괴되었다면 어쩔 수 없이 당할 수밖에없었다. 중공군은 근거리의 영국군을 닥치는 대로 쐈다. 영국군들도 Sten기관총과 소총, Bren기관총으로 용감하게 응전했으나 이미 지휘체계가 마비된  상황에서 그것은 각 병사가 살아남기 위한 몸부림에 지나지 않았다,

The enemy's attack was relentless. They advanced, firing, and quickly mingled with the British Forces. Even though they were elite units, when the command structure was collapsed under such a surprise attack, there was little they could do to avoid it. The Chinese Forces fired at the close-range British Soldiers, whenever they encountered them. The British Soldiers bravely fought back with Sten Submachine Guns, rifles, and Bren light machine guns, but in a situation where the command structure had already collapsed, it was more about individual struggles to survive.

여기서 전투는 탈출하기 위해서 몸부림치는 영국군과 이를 살육하려고 쫓는 중공군 때문에 전투장이 서쪽과 남쪽으로 직경 1km정도로 확대되었다. 앞에서 말한 대로 서쪽으로는 전진하는 영국군이 진입한 불미지 마을과 그 동쪽 Tunnel로 전투장이 확대되었다.

Here, the battle expanded to about a 1km diameter to the west and south due to the British Forces struggling to escape and the pursuing Chinese Forces intent on slaughtering them. As mentioned earlier, the battle extended to the west, where the advancing British Forces entered the unfortunate Pulmiji-ri Village and to the east towards the Tunnel.

조명탄이 투하될 때 어떤 병사는 사격을 받았고 후퇴하는 본대에서 낙오하게 되었다 한다. 그는 산으로부터 돌진해오는 중공군을 보고 납짝 엎드려 대응사격을 했는데 어느 돌진하던 중공군이 그의 등을 짓밟고 지나갔다 한다.  그 때 주변에서 신음소리가 나서 살펴보니 상사 한명이 머리에 부상을 입었고 총기도 없는 상태여서 부축하여 이동하다가 지나는 영국군 차량에 의해 구조되었다.

When the illumination flares were deployed, some soldiers came under fire, and a soldier retreating with the main unit ended up falling. He reportedly saw Chinese Soldiers charging down from the hill, panicked, and took cover to return fire. However, no matter which way the Chinese Soldiers charged, they trampled over his back as they passed. At that moment, groans were heard around him, and upon inspection, he found a sergeant with a head injury, unarmed and in need of assistance. They moved together, and eventually, they were rescued by a passing British Vehicle.

어떤 병사는 4 ton Truck을 운전하고 있었는데 사방에서 병사들이 저격되어 쓰러지고

일부는 대응 사격하였는데 그의 차량도 피탄되었지만 칠흙같이 어두운데도 전조등

키지도 못하고 미끄러운 길을 헤쳐 나갔다 한다. 

A soldier who was driving a 4-ton truck found himself under sniper fire from all directions. Some soldiers fell, and others engaged in return fire. His vehicle also took hits, but despite the pitch-dark surroundings, where he couldn't even turn on the headlights, he managed to navigate the slippery road and make his way through.

최 후방에 있던 Cooper Force 정찰대 차량을 지휘하던 Dowling은 적의 사격이 

좀 잠잠해지자 다시 그의 부하들에게 차량에 탑승하도록 하여 적의 박격포와 기관총사격을 뚫고

 후퇴하도록 하였으며 이동 중 피탄되어 움직이지 못하는 2대의 Bedford 차량에 대해 

작동이 불가능하도록 조치하고 후방에서 엄호하던 전차와 무전을 시도하여 교신하던 중 

Astley Cooper 전차지휘관으로부터 교전상황이 심각하다는 응답을 받은 후 머지않아 

중공군의 음성이 무전기를 타고 흘러나왔다 한다.

Dowling, who commanded the Cooper Force Reconnaissance Vehicle at the very rear, ordered his subordinates to board the vehicle again when the enemy's gunfire subsided a bit. He directed them to break through the enemy's mortar and machine gun fire and retreat. While on the move, he took measures to disable two immobilized Bedford Vehicles hit by gunfire and, in the rear, attempted communication through radio with the tanks that were providing cover. Soon after receiving a response from Tank Commander Astley Cooper, indicating that the combat situation was critical, the voice of the Chinese Soldiers flowed through the radio.

양식의 맨 위

한 전차승무원은 그의 장교가 호출하여 다시 전차 내부로 기어 들어갔는데 20 m 떨어진 적으로부터 사격을 받고 치명적으로 부상을 당하며 무릎을 꿀고 쓰러졌으며 그 역시도 적 탄에 의해 허벅지를 관통당했는데 권총을 뽑아 대응사격을 했고 실탄이 떨어지자 주변의 C-Ration 통조림을 쥐고 적에게 던졌다고 한다. 결국 적의 수류탄이 떨어져 주변 도랑에 피신하였는데 주변에서 2명의 영국군이 지나가는 중공군에 투항하였으나 잠시 후 총소리가 나면서 중공군의 웃음소리가 들렸다 한다. 도랑을 기어 나가서 버려진 영국군 차량을 확인했는데 죽은 병사들로 차 있었으며 그들의 기관총은 실탄이 없는 상태였기에 접근하는 중공군에게                                                    대응하지 못하고 죽은 척하였다 한다.     

One tank crew member was summoned by his officer, crawling back into the tank when he received gunfire from an enemy about 20 meters away. He suffered a critical injury, fell on his knees, and was shot in the thigh by an enemy round. Despite this, he pulled out a pistol and engaged in return fire. Running out of live ammunition, he grabbed a nearby C-Ration can and threw it at the enemy. Eventually, a Chinese Grenade landed nearby, prompting him to seek refuge in a nearby ditch. As two British Soldiers approached, intending to surrender to the passing Chinese Troops, he heard gunshots and laughter from the Chinese. Crawling out of the ditch, he checked the abandoned British Vehicle and found dead soldiers inside. The machine guns of the deceased soldiers were empty, so he pretended to be dead and did not respond to the approaching Chinese Forces, fearing he would be unable to counter them without live ammunition.

양식의 맨 위

James Majury 대위가 이끌던 최후방 Cooperforce 장갑차 대열은 불미지리마을 입구에서 불타고 있는 차량에 막혀버렸는데 전원이 하차하여 접근해오는 중공군과 교전을 하였고 실탄이 떨어지자 투항하였다 한다.

The rearmost column led by Captain James Majury, known as Cooperforce, was obstructed at the entrance of Pulmiji-ri Village by burning vehicles. All dismounted and engaged in a firefight with approaching Chinese Forces. When they ran out of live ammunition, they surrendered to the enemy.

이러한 교전상황이 사령부의 무선교신을 통해 암울하게 전달되었는데 1월 4일 새벽 1시 영국군 29여단장인 Brodie가 여단 후방에서 저지선을 치고 있던 미 25사단 27연대 Michaelis 대령 지휘본부로 들어오자 연대장이 자신의 2개 대대를 북으로 전진시켜 중공군을 역공하고 포위된 영국군을 구출하겠다 자원하였으나 Brodie 여단장은 이러한 역공을 펼치면 포위된 지역에서 오히려 혼선만 가중되고 중공군의 공격만 유리하게 된다며 영국군 스스로 탈출해야만 한다고 하며 거절하였다 한다. 

Such combat situations were grimly communicated through wireless communication to the headquarters. In the early morning hours of January 4th, Brigadier Brodie, the commander of the British 29th Brigade, entered the headquarters of the U.S. 27^th Regiment of 25th Division, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Michaelis, which was holding the blocking position in the rear. When Brodie arrived, the regimental commander volunteered to move his two battalions north to counterattack the Chinese and rescue the surrounded British Forces. However, Brodie, the brigade commander, refused, stating that engaging in such a counterattack would only add confusion in the surrounded area, and it would favor the Chinese in their attacks. He insisted that the British Forces needed to escape on their own.양식의 맨 위

미 25사단 27연대는 625전쟁 초기부터 한국에 파병되어 1950년 8-9월 횡간전투, 마산/진주 전투, 진동리 전투, 영산전투, 대구 북방 팔공산전투, 1951년 1월 Thundervolt 전투 등 미8군의 기동타격대 임무를 수행한 역전의 부대이다.  또 한편의 전사에서는 1월 3일 국군 1사단 한 대대가 Ulster대대 전방에서 후퇴하다가 메내미고개로 추정되는 남쪽에 배치되었는데 영국군 후퇴에 방해가 될 수 있다며 철수시켰다는 기록도 있다한다.   

The U.S. 25th Division's 27th Regiment had been deployed to Korea since the early stages of the Korean War, participating in various battles of the Pusan/Chinju Battle during August to September 1950 such as Jindong-ni Battle, Yeongsan Battle, Daegu Northern Palgong-san Mountain Battle, and the Thundervolt Battle in January 1951. This regiment played a crucial role in the mobile strike missions of the U.S. Eighth Army. On another note, there is a record indicating that on January 3rd, a battalion from the South Korean 1st Division, which was positioned to the south likely in the area of Menaemi-gogae Pass, after retreating from the front of the Ulster Battalion, was ordered to withdraw as their posture could interfere with the British Forces' Retreat.

양식의 맨 위

Cromwell 전차대의 소대장 Alexander는 사방에서 공격하는 중공군들을 피해서 곡릉천 제방 위를 달렸다. 기동하면서 그는 중공군의 박격포와 기관총 진지에 75mm 전차포를 발사했다. Cromwell 전차들과 보병들은 적이 점거한 불미지 마을로 진입했다. 그러나 Alexander의 전차는 불미지를 통과했지만 적의 방망이 수류탄 공격으로 궤도가 벗겨지며 정지해야 했다. Alexander는 고개를 내밀고 상황을 살피다가 피격당해 전사했다. 그의 전차 승무원들은 전차를 버리고 탈출했다.

Cromwell Tank Platoon Leader Alexander maneuvered through the attacks of the Chinese Forces on all sides, crossing the bank of the Gockneung-cheon Creek. While in motion, he fired the 75mm tank gun at the Chinese Mortar and Artillery Position. Cromwell Tanks and Infantry entered the village that the enemy had occupied. However, Alexander's tank, after passing through the village, was immobilized due to a mine explosion by the enemy, causing the track to come off. While Alexander was assessing the situation with his head exposed, he was shot and killed. His tank crew abandoned the tank and escaped.양식의 맨 위

뒤에서 후속하던 대장 Cooper 대위 역시 전차궤도가 끊어져 포수와 함께 곡릉천 쪽으로 피했지만

이들은 중공군 20여명에게 포위당하였고 전사한 것으로 보인다. 일부 전차들은 철수로가

막히자 철로를 따라 고양 쪽으로 탈출을 시도했다. 

그러나 중공군은 집요하였다.

철교에서 얼마 멀지 않은 용본 Tunnel(굴칸이라고 부름) 안에 진입한 Cromwell 전차를 공격해서 

기동불능으로 만들어 버렸다. 뒤에 따르는 두 서너대의 전차들도 정지하고 승무원들은 중공군의 

사격 속에서 피신할 곳을 찾을 수밖에 없었다.

Cooper, the commanding officer, following after behind also had his tank track severed. He and his gunner attempted to escape toward the Gockneung-cheon Creek, but they were surrounded by about 20 Chinese Soldiers and appeared to have been killed. Some tanks, finding their withdrawal route blocked, attempted to escape along the railway toward Goyang. However, the Chinese forces were relentless. They attacked the Cromwell Tank that had entered the Yongbon Tunnel(also known as a culvert), rendering it immobile. The following two or three tanks also came to a halt, and the crew members had no choice but to seek shelter amid the gunfire from the Chinese Forces.

양식의 맨 위

중공군은 영국군을 완전히 포위하고 섬멸작전을 계속하였다. 불길에 휩싸인 불미지리는 영국군의 묘지가 되었다. 부대의 맨 뒤에서 행군하던 대대장 대리 Blake 소령은 이 난전을 지휘하려 애쓰다가 이 동네 외곽에서 총탄에 쓰러지고 말았다.

The Chinese forces completely encircled the British Troops and continued their annihilation operation. The burning Pulmuji-ri Village turned into a graveyard for the British Forces. Acting Battalion Commander Major Blake, who was leading from the rear, struggled to command his force in the chaotic battle, but he was eventually shot and fell down by the gunfire on the outskirts of the village.양식의 맨 위

중공군의 공격은 곡릉천 남쪽 양주시 삼하리에서도 전투가 격심했지만 철교와 불미지 마을 일대가 최대의 격전장이었다고 한다. 아래 사진은 최초로 중공군의 공격이 개시된 공릉철교를 노고산측으로 부터 서쪽 고양쪽으로 바라본 것이다. 

The Chinese attack was intense in the area south of the Gockneung-cheon Creek, particularly in Samhari, Yangju City. However, the area around the railway bridge and Pulmuji-ri Village was identified as the main battleground. The photo below depicts the Gockneung-cheon Railroad Bridge where the initial Chinese Attack commenced, viewed from the east, looking towards Goyang.

전투 후에 곡릉천 북쪽 선유리에서만 파괴되고 유기된 전차만 6-7대나 되었다고들 

하였다. 남쪽으로는 얼어붙은 곡릉천을 도하하여 메내미 고개로 가는 길을 탔던 영국군들도 중공

군이 추격 포위하고 공격했다. 이 지역은 현재 양주시 장흥면 삼하리다.

이곳의 넒은 들에서도 영국군의 피해가 컸다. 이 글 작성자가 현지에 가서 

당시의 전황을 보면 중공군은 압도적인 병력으로 곡릉천변 야산과 매내미고개에 직경 1

km의 거대한 포위망을 형성해 놓은 것으로 보인다고 하였다.

After the battle, it was reported that 6 or 7 tanks were destroyed and abandoned on the north side of Gockneung-cheon Creek in Seonyu-ri. To the south, the British Forces, having traversed the frozen Gockneung-cheon Creek, were pursued and attacked by the Chinese Forces on their way to Menaemi-gogae Pass. This area is currently identified as Samha-ri in Jangheung-myun, Yangju City. Even in the vast fields of this area, the British Forces suffered significant losses. Upon visiting the site by the author of this story, it appears that the Chinese Forces established a massive encirclement with overwhelming manpower along the creekside and over the Maenemi-gogae Pass, forming a surrounding perimeter with a diameter of approximately 1 km.

영국군이 이 포위망을 벗어났어도 메네미고개를 넘을 수는 없었다.

이 고개로 올라가는 가파르고 좁은 곳에서 차량이 피격당해 불타오르며 

길을 막아 버렸다. 

이 길은 차 한 대가 겨우 통행할 만한 폭을 가지고 있다.

중공군의 박격포가 때렸는지 중공군이 달려와서 고개를 포위공격 했는지는 확인할 수는 없다. 

불탄 차량은 마지막으로 전차와 같이 행군했던 유조차량일 수도 있다.

Even though the British Forces managed to escape from this encirclement, they could not have been able to cross the Maenemi-gogae Pass. In this steep and narrow section leading up to the pass, a truck was hit, caught fire, and blocked the path. The road at this point is only wide enough for one vehicle to barely pass through. It is unclear whether the Chinese Forces shelled the area with artillery or if they advanced and launched a siege on the pass. The burning vehicle might have been the last oil supply truck that traveled alongside the tanks.

Cromwell 전차들은 곡릉천 북쪽 고양 선유리에서부터 진드기와 같이 달려드는 중공군의 공격 때

문에 Hatch를 닫고 잠망경으로 밀폐된 상태로 조종을 해야 했었다.

그래서 곡릉천으로 빠지는 전차들도 있었다.

The Cromwell tanks, facing the relentless assault of the Chinese forces charging like sticky bugs from the north of Goyang Sunyu-ri, had to close their hatches and drive in a closed condition using periscopes due to Chinese ongoing attack. As a result, some tanks ended up falling into the Gockneung-cheon Creek.

그리고 곡릉천을 넘어 삼하리로 이동한 전차들도 밀폐조종으로 좁은 길을 간신히 타고 가야 하는 지경에 처하게 되었다. 소달구지나 다닐 좁은 길을 암흑 속에서 밀폐 조종은 사실 무리였다. 여러 전차가 길옆 수로에 빠지며 길을 막아버려 전차병들도 전차를 떠나 살길을 찾아야 했다.

Furthermore, the tanks, that crossed the Gockneung-cheon Creek and moved to Samhari, faced the challenging situation of navigating the narrow roads with control of periscopes. Driving in closed condition along the narrow paths in the darkness proved to be quite unchallenging. Several tanks ended up in ditches along the road, blocking the way, and tank crews had to abandon their tanks to find a way to survive.

직접 목격자를 면담한 저자가 쓴 기록에 따르면, 삼하리 격전장의 유기된 전차를 전투며칠 뒤에 

보신 어르신네는 6-7대쯤 되어 보이는 전차들이 포신을 전부 서쪽으로 

돌리고 유기되어 있었다고 말씀하셨다 한다. 요약하자면 14대의 전차들은 그 절반인 6-

7대가 곡릉천 북쪽에 유기되었고 나머지 절반이 좀더 전진한 곡릉천 

남쪽 농로에서 유기된 것으로 발견되었다. 삼하리의 다른 어르신네는 영국군 전차 2대가 도로를 

벗어나 자기 집 논에 들어와서 유기되었다는 말씀을 해주었다 한다. 두 대의 전차는 논바닥에 

Engine Oil을 쏟아 놓아서 그 논의 농사가 삼 년 동안이나 

잘 되지를 않았었다 했다. 이 전차들은 곡릉천을 건너 메내미로 가던 전차였는데 논으로 들어간 

것은 막힌 농로를 우회하기 위함이었던 것으로 짐작된다.

According to the author of this story who directly interviewed eyewitnesses, an elderly person near the Samhari battlefield observed around 6 or 7 abandoned tanks a few days after the battle. They mentioned that half of the 14 tanks seemed to be abandoned north of the Gockneung-cheon Creek, with their gun barrels all pointing to west. The other half was found abandoned on the southern rural road near the village. Another local resident in Samhari mentioned that two British Tanks went off the road and ended up abandoned in his rice field. These tanks reportedly poured engine oil onto the field, causing poor crop growth for three years. The tanks were originally heading to Maenemi-gogae Pass, and entering the rice field was likely an attempt to bypass a blocked rural road.양식의 맨 위

결과적으로 작전에 투입된 Cromwell 전차 14대중 한량도 귀환하지 못했다. 지옥의 전황은 영국군이 대량으로 살상당하고 남은 병력을 수습한 부사관 Shaw가 이들을 인솔하고 전장을 탈출함으로 서 끝났다. 그는 중공군이 도로 구간마다 달라붙어 근접공격을 한다는 중요한 사실을 죽음의 현장에서 체득했다. 그래서 그는 부하들을 인솔하고 중공군이 매복했을 것으로 판단된 고개를 우회하여 서쪽 1 km 지점의 언덕을 넘어 미 27연대가 대기하던 지점으로 탈출했다.

그가 인솔하고 나온 부대 인원은 겨우 70명 내외였다. 상황이 종료된 이 때가 1월 4일 새벽 3시4분이었다. 이날 전투에서 영국군은 157명이 전사했다. 원래 208여명이 실종되거나 전사한 것으로 믿어졌지만 며칠이 지나면서 생존한 영국군이 귀환했고 나중에 포로가 되었던 장병도 귀환하였다.

As a result, none of the 14 Cromwell Tanks deployed in the operation returned. The hellish scenario concluded with a massive loss of British Force, and Sergeant Shaw, who managed to survive along with the remaining troops, led them to escape the battlefield. He learned the critical fact that the Chinese Forces were sticking close and launching close-quarter attacks at every road section. Consequently, he led his subordinates, avoiding the hill where Chinese Forces were likely ambushing, and escaped to a valley point 1 km west where the U.S. 27th Regiment was waiting. The total number of personnel he led out was only around 70. The situation was declared over at 3:04 AM on January 4th. In this battle, 157 British Soldiers lost their lives. Originally, it was believed that 208 were missing or killed, but as days passed, surviving British Soldiers returned, and those who had seem to be taken as prisoners of war were also returned.양식의 맨 위

영국군이 죽거나 탈출한 현장에서는 중공군들의 약탈이 극성을 부렸다.

중공군들은 전투 중간부터 틈만 나면 몇 차례나 사체를 뒤지고 중요 전리품을 챙겼다.

At the scene where British Soldiers either died or escaped, Chinese Forces engaged in fervent looting. From midway through the battle, whenever an opportunity arose, Chinese soldiers searched corpses multiple times, seizing important items as spoils of war.

저자에 따르면 그가 방문해서 만난 고양시의 격전지 현지 주민 한 분은 삼 년 전에도 영국인들 

세 명이 이 지역을 찾아와서 영국군 전몰추모비 위치와 격전지위치를 물어보았다 한다.                                                  그러나 자신은 전혀 아는 바가 없어 별 도움이 못되었다고 했다. 그 영국 분들은 주변 여기저기를

 반나절이나 헤매다가 낙심한체 돌아갔다.

이 사실은 아직도 영국인들이 쟁고개, 메네미고개로 연결된 Happy Valley를 완전히 잊고 있는 

것은 아니라는 것을 증명한다.

According to the author of this story, a local resident, he met during his exploration to the battleground in Goyang City, mentioned that three years ago, three British Individuals had come to the area inquiring about the location of the British Memorial and the battlefield. However, the resident had no knowledge of the locations and was unable to provide any assistance. The British Visitors had spent half a day wandering around the area before leaving, visibly got disheartened. This fact suggests that British have not completely forgotten about Happy Valley connected to Jang-gogae Pass and Maenemi-gogae Pass.

아래 사진은 현재 폐쇄된 채근현 Tunnel 정경이다. 이 시설은 당시 ULster 대대 본부로 쓰였으며 전투 후 2개월이 지난 1951년 3월 서울 수복을 하고 북진 시 미 전폭기가 굴속에 엄폐한 중공군에 대하여 Napalm탄을 투하하였다.  

The following photograph shows the current view of the closed Chaegunhyun Tunnel. This facility served as the headquarters for the Ulster Battalion at that time. After two months of combat, in March 1951, when Seoul was recaptured and the UN forces advanced again northward, U.S. air fighter dropped napalm bomb on the tunnel which was filled by the Chinese Soldiers. 

저자에 따르면 그는 이 Happy Valley 전투의 조사를 하면서 열 번 이상 이 지역을 

탐방했었고 많은 목격한 주민들을 만났다 한다.

그러나 현지 주민들을 만날 때마다 채근현에 대한 명칭을 물었으나 아는 분은 한 분도 없었다 

하며 Happy Valley의 전사를 제대로 기록하려면 적어도 

이 명칭에 대한 조사가 정확히 선행되어야 하기에 무척 고민을 했다 한다. 

그러다가 우연히 Ulster 대대 본부가 사용하던 쟁고개 입구 기차 Tunnel을 발견했고 

그 입구에 제궁현(濟宮峴)이라는 명칭이 써 있던 것을 발견하였다 한다. 

여기서 제궁현이비슷한 발음의 채근현으로 잘못 오역된 것을 추측할 수가 있었다고 

그는 추정하였다.

According to the author, during his investigation of the Happy Valley Battle, he explored this area more than ten times and met many local residents. However, every time he asked the locals about Chaegunhyun, not a single person knew about it. He struggled with the dilemma that to accurately record the events of Happy Valley thorough research on this name needed to be conducted. It was only by chance that he discovered the entrance to the train tunnel used by the Ulster Battalion Headquarters where the name Jaegung-hyun was written. From this, he speculated that the misinterpretation of the similar pronunciation led to the name Chaegun-hyun.

그는 나중에 마을 어른으로부터 북쪽에서 쟁고개로 들어오는 입구에 있는 양주시 장흥면 삼상리 마을의 옛 이름이 濟宮洞(Chaegung Village)이라는 사실을 알아냈다. 

마을은 Ulster 대대의 B 중대가 투입되었던 195 고지의 능선에서 100m 떨어진 산 아래에 있었다. 현지 주민들은 195고지를 달님봉이라는 이름으로 부르고 있었다 한다.

濟宮峴(Chaegung Pass)은 濟宮洞에서 그 이름이 유래했었고 채근현은 제궁현이 

誤記 된 것이었다. 洞은 마을을 뜻하며 峴은 고개를 뜻한다. 제궁동이란 궁궐에 濟를 올리는 동네라는 뜻이다. 그는 이 작은 시골 마을에 어울리지 않는 이름을 이상하게 생각했다고 한다.

He later discovered from the village elders that the old name of the village at the entrance from the north to the Chaegun Pass was Jaegung Village in Jangheung-myun, Yangju. The village was located below a hill 100m away from the 195 Meters Peak, where the Ulster Battalion's B Company was deployed. Local residents referred the 195 Meter Peak to Dalnim-bong(meaning Moon Peak). Chaegung Pass derived its name from Chaegung Village, and Chaegun-hyun was a misinterpretation of Jegung-hyun) Dong means village, and Hyun means pass or peak. Jegung-dong means a neighborhood that raises rituals to the palace, and he found the name very strange for this small rural village.

하지만 어느 주민이 이 일대가 유명한 일영의 내시촌에서 멀지 않은 곳이고 부근에도 궁궐에서 

은퇴한 내시들과 여자 상궁들이 살았었다고 말해주었다 한다. 

삼상리 즉 제궁동은 이곳은 내시들 거주지역에서 제일 남쪽이고 궁궐에 가장 가까운 곳이다. 

그가 마을 주변을 걸어 다니며 조사해보니 달님봉(195고지) 아래 계곡 속에 아름드리 

나무가 자라고 있고 축대도 잘 만들어진 터가 있었다 한다.

However, one resident informed him that this area was not far from the famous residence of the inner court village in Ilyoung, and nearby, retired court officials and female court attendants had also lived. Samsang-ri or Jegung-dong is the southernmost area of the residence of the court officials and the closest to the palace. As he walked around the village to investigate, he found beautiful azalea trees growing in the valley below Dalnim-bong (195 Peak), and there were well-constructed foundations for ritual platforms.

그는 지금은 아무 건물이 없고 터만 있지만 과거 작은 절이 있었지 않나 했는데 그가 만난 한 촌로는 이곳에 6.25 무렵까지 무당이 살았다고 한다. 그렇다면 이 곳은 절은 아닌 듯하고 퇴역 내시들이 궁궐의 여러 제사를 지낸 祭閣이 있어서 제궁동이라는 명칭이 되지 않았나 한다. 충성스러운 내시들이 다 세상을 떠나고 이씨 왕조도 망하자 제사도 흐지부지 되다가 무당이 세 들어와 살다가 제각도 없어졌으리라 추정한다고 하였다.

He found that now there are no buildings, only foundations, but in the past, there may have been a small temple. A village elder he met mentioned that until around the time of the Korean War, a shaman lived here. Therefore, it seems that this place may not have been a temple but a sacrificial shrine where retired court officials performed various rituals related to the palace. The name Jegung-dong might have originated from this connection. After the loyal court officials passed away and the Lee Dynasty fell, the rituals may have fallen into neglect, and eventually, a shaman came and lived there for a while before it became abandoned.양식의 맨 위

아래 사진은 전투 후 메내미고개를 재 탈환했을 때 전사한 영국군들의 집단 매장지에 추모비를 조성하고 추모예배를 들이는 모습이다. 가운데 추모비는 현재 영국 Belfast에 이전 설치되어 있다고 한다. 

The following photograph shows the scene of creating a memorial site for the fallen British Soldiers and conducting a memorial service when the miserable hill of Maenemi was recaptured after the battle. The central memorial, according to the information, has been relocated to Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

이 글을 마치면서 우리의 선조들이 1951년 1월 4일 꽁꽁 언 한강을 건너 남쪽으로 안전하게 피난할 수 있도록 한강 이북에서 돌파해오는 중공군을 맞아 용감하게 싸우다 희생되었던 푸른 눈의 젊은 영국군에 대하여 깊은 추모와 감사를 드린다. 또한 잊혀질 뻔했던 Happy Valley전투에 대한 비극적 사건을 깊이 있게 탐구하고 현지답사를 통하여 사실적이고 생생하게 전달하여 온 국민(특히 어린이와 청소년)이 기억할 수 있게 한 Wolf Dog 등 작가와 참전한 영국군의 이야기를 다룬 책 Lost Round 저자인 Andrew Salmon에게 감사를 드린다.

As I conclude this writing, I deeply commemorate and express gratitude to the brave young British Soldiers with blue eyes who valiantly fought and sacrificed themselves, allowing our ancestors to safely evacuate south of the frozen Han River by squarely fighting the advancing stream of Chinese Forces at the north of the Han River on January 4th, 1951. Furthermore, I extend my thanks to Wolf Dog for vividly conveying the reality through on-site exploration and deep investigations. I believe this story makes the entire nation, especially children and youth, remember this heroic story. Also, I extend my thanks to Andrew Salmon, the author of the book "Lost Round," for his in-depth stories of the British Forces engaging in the Korean War.

양식의 맨 위